Social Security, ITIN, and Taxes

Social Security

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA), an agency of the United States government. Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Simply having a Social Security Number does not grant you legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not assign you a number just to enroll in a college or school, get a credit card, or cell phone, etc. If you do not have a job, then you cannot apply for a Social Security number. Please refer to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website for more details. For more information about obtaining a SSN as an international student, visit the Study in the States website.

Social Security Number Eligibility and Application Process

If you have obtained a paid on-campus job and need an SSN, see the "SSN Instructions" located in the ISSS Student Portal for guidance. Please also email your job offer letter that includes your name, the name and contact information of your employer, job position, number of hours you will work per week, and employment start date to isss@drexel.edu to request an SSN support letter as part of your application.

If you have a paid co-op job and need an SSN, see the "SSN Instructions" located in the ISSS Student Portal for guidance. You do not need a SSN support letter as part of your application.

Important to note:

• New international students and scholars must wait a recommended 8–10 business days from the point of completing the F-1 ISSS Mandatory Immigration Modules & I-20 Registration or J-1 DS-2019 Registration before applying for an SSN.
• The SSA office allows and recommends that F-1/J-1 students complete the Form SS-5 online on the Social Security website for a smoother SSN application experience. However, students are still required to either schedule or walk in to an SSA office location to show their application materials and complete the SSN application process.

Find a Social Security Administration Office close to campus for your SSN application.

International Taxpayer Identification Number

The International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is for international students and scholars who are otherwise ineligible for an SSN but receive non-wage income while in the United States (e.g. scholarships, grants).

If you need to apply for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), please access the ISSS Student Portal to submit the "ITIN Letter Request" e-form.

Federal, State, and Local Taxes

For information about filing taxes and other tax-related inquiries, please refer to Drexel's Office of Tax Compliance website as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.