Social Security Information
Requirements
To apply for a Social Security Number, international students:
- must be in the United States 10 working days before applying for a Social Security number and
- must have completed their Immigration Check-in with the ISS Team during their first weeks on-campus. Immigration Check-in includes submitting all required Forms and attending Orientation.
When to Apply
F-1 and J-1 students can submit their applications in-person on GVSU's campus if they meet all requirements. If meeting all requirements, students will recieve an invitation to the SSN Processing event by email. First semester students will fill out the online application (Step 1) prior to the event, skip Step 2, and complete Step 3 in-person. If applying anytime after your first semester, follow steps 1-3 below.
Starting Work
International students who are beginning work at GVSU are permitted to work on-campus for a limited period of time while they are waiting for their SSN to be processed. As soon as students have their SSN, they must bring their SSN card to the Student Employment office to update their record. If students do not apply for an SSN and continue to work on-campus, they will lose the ability to work and will have to wait until they get an SSN to resume working, if their position is still available.
3 Steps to Obtaining Your SSN
STEP 1: Fill out Social Security Online Application
- Fill out the online SSN application using the link above
- We recommend using our office's mailing address: 1 Campus Drive, 130 LOH, Allendale, MI, 49401
- Citizenship Question: check Legal Citizen Allowed to Work
STEP 2: Schedule an appointment
- Schedule through the SSA Website
STEP 3: Go to Social Security Office & Bring Required Documents
- Bring the following to the Social Security office within 45 days of filling out the online application:
- I-94 (printed copy from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- Original Passport with Visa
- I-20 (printed)
- Letter of Employment
- Confirmation of online application (Online Control Number)
SSN cards take about 2-3 weeks to process. If you used our office’s mailing address, we will email you once we receive your card.
Social Security Administration Information
Address: 3045 KNAPP ST NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525
Phone: 1-877-319-5710
Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Saturday & Sunday