Social Security Numbers
The application for a Social Security card (SS-5) can be used by anyone who has never been issued a card, needs a replacement card or has changed his or her name. This service is free. However, students will now have to have the assurance of a job in order to apply for a Social Security number. Incoming international students cannot make application unless they have secured on-campus employment.
Remember, the Social Security card is only necessary for getting a job; for other purposes, such as getting a cell phone, your passport, driver's license, or student ID are valid documents you can use.
Steps to get a Social Security number:
- You must get employment on campus
- Get a letter from your employer
- Get a letter from the student employment coordinator in the Office of Career Development, located in the Miley Hall garden level
- You will need to take all of the following items to the SSA office:
- Letter from on-campus employer
- Letter from student employment coordinator
- Application form from SSA
- I-94 card
- I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
- Valid passport
- Visa
- One photo ID that is at least one year old (could be passport)
- Do not forget to ask for a receipt from the Social Security Administration in order to prove to your employer that you have applied for a Social Security card.
All international students are eligible to participate in a student employment program on campus, so take advantage to gain some extra money, get an experience in an area of interest and meet more people on campus.
Social Security office
Location:
130 Bellevue Ave., room 210
Newport, RI 02840
(800) 772-1213
(401) 849-3487
TTY: (401) 849-0057
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Office hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Directions:
Large green sign in front yard across Memorial Boulevard - 130 Bellevue Ave. The Social Security office is located in the building in the back. Free parking. Enter through the double doors and proceed to the second floor.