Social Security Number - SSN

• When you obtain employment, you must apply for a Social Security Number, if you do not already have one.
  
  
• In order to apply for a Social Security Number, students and scholars need to the following:
  
  
  1. Obtain a letter from your hiring supervisor as evidence that you have secured employment or have been promised employment. Use the sample letter located on the ISSO website.
  2. Take your supervisor’s letter to the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) for signature certifying your immigration status and employment eligibility.
  3. Complete Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card.
  4. Apply in person at a local Social Security Office. You must present your application, immigration documents and letter mentioned above.
  5. Request a receipt confirming your application and the date you applied for a SSN.
     
     
• You should apply for a SSN before you begin to work. Call two to three weeks after applying to find out your number. Your SSN card will be mailed.
  
  
• You may complete I-9 processing and then start your job before you receive your SSN.
  
  
• For more information on how to obtain a Social Security Number, see the Social Security Administration website at: http://www.ssa.gov or ISSO handout.
  
  
• Click here for the Student Employee Orientation checklist.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number - ITIN

• If a foreign national needs a taxpayer identification number and is not eligible for a social security number, then he/she should apply for an ITIN. (e.g., a F-2 visa holder who is not authorized to work, but may be claimed on a tax return).

• Dependents of foreign nationals who are eligible to be claimed on a tax return must have an ITIN.

• The NRA Tax Office at Towson University is a certifying acceptance agent for ITIN applications, and can facilitate your application. To apply for an ITIN, please contact the NRA Tax Office.

• To apply for an ITIN on your own, follow the instructions on IRS Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

• For more information regarding the ITIN, please see the IRS website at: www.irs.gov.