³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ

Skip to Main Content
Skidmore College
International Students and Scholars

Visa Information

Social Security Number (SSN) Information

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a card issued by the Social Security Administration (an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The card bears a unique nine-digit identification number and is issued to qualified individuals. Students who work on campus are required to obtain a Social Security card. The Student Academic Services Office will aid students in obtaining their Social Security card, which is ā€œvalid for work only with DHS authorizationā€.

Criteria and How to Apply

5 Easy Steps to Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

  1. Find a Campus Job (or, with proper authorization only, an off-campus job).  For current on-campus openings .
  2. Your supervisor can email the following details to your DSO:
    • Student's legal name
    • Student's Skidmore ID#
    • Position offered and department
    • Start date
    • Hours/week
    • Supervisor's complete name
    • Supervisor's title
    • Supervisor's department
    • Supervisor's work number
    • Supervisor's official email address
  3. Your DSO will produce a letter with the above information and verifying your status.
  4. Complete for a new SSN.
  5. Take the following items to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office:
    • Original Passport (+1 photocopy of ID page)
    • I-20 (+ 1 photocopy)
    • I-94    (+1 photocopy)
    • Letter of employment authorization OR letter of ineligibility (from DSO and your work supervisor)
    • Pre-completed "Application for a Social Security Card" (not necessary with letter of ineligibilty)  

Where to Apply

(this office is accessible by CDTA/public transportation, free using your Skidmore ID):
SOCIAL SECURITY
8TH FLOOR
ONE BROADWAY CENTER
SCHENECTADY, NY 12305
Hours: 9:00 AM ā€“ 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday

Click here for directions on how to get to the Schenectady SSA office using CDTA.

Click here for a map of the neighborhood around the Schenectady SSA office.

Social Security Number Ineligibility Letter

There are times when an international student will need a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) citing they are ineligible for a SSN (e.g. when applying for a New York State learnerā€™s permit, driverā€™s license, or non-driverā€™s license ID).  To receive this letter you must visit any SSA office with the following documents:

  • I-20
  • I-94
  • passport with visa stamp
  • letter from your DSO verifying your status at Skidmore College (please email or visit your DSO requesting this letter)