Social Security

All non-immigrants (F-1 and J-1) who are authorized to work in the U.S. & have a job or job offer for paid employment must have a social security number.

FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
Prepare and present the following to the Social Security office:

  1. Letter of Employment Verification (Must be from the hiring department and the letter must be typed on their letterhead)
    • Social Security Application form
    • Letter from the International Student & Scholar Services office. Login to your Terra Dotta portal and under Student Requests, click on ISSS Letter Request. For instructions on how to access your Terra Dotta Portal, click here.
    • Immigration Documents (I-20/DS-2019, visa, passport, I-94)

    Normal processing of a Social Security card usually takes about 14 days (2 weeks), from the time that you submit your application at the Social Security office. The Social Security Administration will not accept your application unless you are presenting them with ALL of the above-mentioned documentation. In addition, please note the following conditions depending on your category:

    Current Students (F-1 & J-1) applying for a Social Security card:
    F-1 and J-1 students must be registered full-time at UofL and must have an on-campus job offer before applying for a Social Security card. Students who pursue CPT or OPT are eligible to apply for a social security number for an off-campus position.

    GRA, GTA or Fellowship recipients:
    Upon applying for the social security card you will be given a receipt from the office that you have applied and are being processed for your card. Give this receipt letter to your sponsoring department and to the payroll office at UofL. This will temporarily permit the payroll office to pay you while you wait for your social security card to arrive in the mail.

    Hours and Directions to Social Security

    Social Security Office is on the first floor in the Gene Snyder Building at 600 West Broadway located at the intersection of 6th Street and Broadway.

    Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Wednesday from 9 am - 12:00pm (noon).

    Telephone:  1-800-716-9671

    Website: www.socialsecurity.gov