Designated school officials (DSO) are school employees dedicated to helping F and M students at their school maintain their nonimmigrant status for the duration of their program. Ask a DSO is a new series with advice to help prepare F and M students for different situations they may encounter.

Many students think that they need to have a Social Security number (SSN) to open a bank account, or rent an apartment. This is not true. You do not need an SSN to do these things. The Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency that issues SSNs, will not issue an SSN for any of these purposes. Your DSO can explain the rules and regulations for obtaining an SSN, as well as provide you with important tips for obtaining an SSN.

An SSN is a nine-digit number assigned by the SSA to track workers’ earnings and eligibility for participation in certain government programs and for tax purposes. The SSA generally only assigns SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and individuals legally authorized to work in the United States.

As an F-1 or M-1 student, you may be eligible for an SSN in certain circumstances:

• You have authorization for curricular practical training
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has approved your application for employment authorization (optional practical training, economic hardship or work for an international organization)
• You have authorization for and either are currently working at an on-campus job or have secured on-campus employment. If you have on-campus work authorization, it is especially important to talk to your DSO about requirements because the SSA will need specific information from the on-campus employer and from the DSO about the on-campus job.

To apply for an SSN, you must file a Form SS-5, “Application for a Social Security Card,” at your local Social Security Administration office and show evidence of your work authorization, your age and your identity.

Once assigned, your SSN becomes a unique identifying number that belongs to you for the rest of your life. You should take steps to protect it and guard against identity theft.

Remember that DSOs are a resource for F and M students. Talk to your DSO if you have any SSN questions.