Once you have been approved for employment in the United States and start working, you need a Social Security number (SSN). No matter if you work on-campus or off, start your own business, or participate in optional practical training, you need an SSN if you receive any type of income when you study in the United States. You will use your SSN to report your income and, if necessary, pay income taxes every April. Only F and M students that have received employment authorization, either from their designated school official (DSO) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (depending on the type of employment), can apply.

If you need to obtain one, follow these steps to apply for an SSN:

• Talk to your DSO about working in the United States.
• Make sure your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record is Active (your status must be active for at least two days before you apply).
• Wait until you have been in the United States for 10 days.
• Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply, and remember to bring all required documents with you before your appointment.

Read SSA's "International Students and Social Security Numbers" to learn more about how SSNs apply to you. You can use SSA's website to learn more about requirements.

If you need information on paying taxes, read our blog post, "Tips for Tax Season." Talk to your DSO if you have any questions.