As is true for American students, nonresident alien students must have a social security number (SSN) in order to work on campus. The university may admit you without a social security number; but if you are planning to work on campus, you must apply for and receive a valid SSN from the Social Security Administration. The first step is for you to get a job on campus. You will complete a Student Help Authorization Form with your employer and take that to the Student Payroll Office. They will prepare a letter, confirming your employment, which you must take with you to the Social Security Office when you apply for a social security card.

Before issuing a SSN, the Social Security Administration will verify your F1 status with U.S. Immigration. In order to give Immigration time to process your records, you should wait at least 10 days after entering the U.S. before you apply for a social security number.

The local Social Security Office is located at 53 East Third Street (in downtown Winona). The Social Security Administration will NOT process a request for a social security card unless you bring a letter from the Student Payroll Office indicating you have secured employment on campus.

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