*Please Note: F-1 students can only apply for an SSN if they have been offered an on-campus job or have been authorized for CPT or OPT.
- STEP 1: Ask your future supervisor to complete Section A only of the F-1 Certification of On-Campus Employment for SSN:
- Ensure your name is spelled and formatted exactly as on your passport
- Supervisor may sign Section A electroncally or in ink
If signed in ink, the form should be scanned clearly; no photos will be accepted.
Start date for employment cannot be more than 30 days in the future
- STEP 2: Your supervisor emails a PDF of the Section A completed F-1 Certification of On-Campus Employment for SSN to:
- International Student Advisor (ISA) Maggie Shirland, Designated School Official: mshirland@massart.edu (or an alternative campus DSO if the ISA is out)
- copies the student
- STEP 4: International Student Advisor or another campus Designated School Official completes Section B of the F-1 Certification of On-Campus Employment for SSN:
- Please note, a MassArt Designated School Official (DSO) must sign the letter
- Please note, a MassArt Designated School Official (DSO) must sign the letter
- STEP 5: International Student Advisor (or another campus Designated School Official) emails F-1 student when the form is signed and ready
- this normally happens within 1 week of DSO's receipt of the form.
- this normally happens within 1 week of DSO's receipt of the form.
- enter your home address zip code into the Social Security Office Locator
- note their address, hours of operation and how to get there
- Note regarding COVID pandemic closures: As of April 7, 2022 Boston announced that all SSN offices are open for walk-ins.
- Appointments are no longer needed.
- No documents should be faxed or mailed to any office. STEP 6: Find your local Social Security Office
- STEP 7: Apply for your SSN in person within 2 weeks of the date on the letter and bring:
- a hard copy of the fully completed F-1 Certification of On-Campus Employment for SSN
- all of your I-20s (including any previously issued to you by other institutions or by MassArt)
- your passport (including current visa stamp)
- printed copy of your current electronic I-94: click link, and then click box that says "Get Most Recent I-94"
- the social security number application form (can also be obtained and completed at the SSN office where you apply or online at SSN website
- proof of your current address (for ex. a bank statement, utility bill or other showing your current address)
- if you do not have proof of address, please request an Enrollment Verification from the Registrar's Office; make sure you ask them to include your local address on it.
- STEP 8: Present your number to MassArt Human Resources
- It is your responsibility to give the number to your employer as soon as you receive it in order to avoid any delays