Social Security Card

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A  Social Security Card  must be obtained to work in the United States. Social Security Numbers are used to report your wages to the government.

The  following documents are necessary to obtain a social security card:

  • a letter offering you employment on IWU letterhead, that includes your position and the day you are requested to begin working
  • a letter from the International Office that affirms you are a full-time student
  • a completed social security application 
  • a print copy of your I-94
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • passport and visa

Download a step-by-step social security card application process here

You are eligible to work immediately after you apply for your social security card.Most students receive their social security card in the mail 2 weeks after they apply.

PUT YOUR CAMPUS ADDRESS ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPLICATION SO THAT YOUR CARD IS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOU.

Social Security Office group visits 

At the beginning of each semester, several trips will be scheduled to take students to the Social Security Office to submit your application. You must apply in person. If you need to go to the Social Security Office later in the semester you will need to make independent arrangements.

 To receive a paycheck the U.S. requires every student to complete the I-9 and W-4 tax forms. You can complete these at the Financial Aid Office, which will require that you have your social security number. You must take your passport with you to complete these forms since you are required to establish your identity.  Once the I-9 and W-4 forms are completed the University can issue you a time card which is required to be completed and submitted to the Business Office in order to receive a paycheck.