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.

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 receive 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.

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.

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

SSN International Student Eligibility