Follow the steps below to avoid problems that may delay your application and new hire onboarding this includes obtaining the correct documents, application, and setting up an appointment with the Social Security Administration office in Salt Lake City, UT. The information below is only for students with an On-Campus job for the first time and who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN).

  1. International Student Orientation is held in-person each semester, and you must register in advance. Completion of this orientation is Other campus or departmental orientations do not fulfill this requirement.
  2. Make an in-person appointment to complete electronic I-9 or receive an On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application.
  3. Check in at ME Department Office (MAP) and bring the following documents to complete I-9:
    1. Offer letter from your advisor (if applicable)
    2. Passport with visa (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
    3. Original I-20
    4. Current I-94 (available online through DHS).
  4. If you have previously been issued a Social Security Number in the U.S., do not need apply for a new one. Students who currently hold a Social Security Number for Work Only may skip to Step 9.
  5. Students who have never had a Social Security Number (SSN), will be provided with an On-Campus Employment Offer Letter from employer which contains all the necessary information to apply for a social security number.
    1. Department will complete the top portion of On-Campus Employment Offer Letter Form. Refrain from filling out the ISSS section, this will be filled out by the a Designated School Office (DSO) from International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). We will provide an electronic copy and physical copy.
    2. Log in to UAtlas and navigate to F-1 Practical
    3. Upload the On-Campus Employment Offer Letter Do not upload your advisor’s offer letter.
    4. Ensure full-time enrollment (12 credit hours for Undergraduate or 9 credit hours for Graduate students).
    5. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will review the request within 10 business days.
    6. A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the Once approved, you will be notified through University of Utah email (UMail) to bring the original form to ISSS during Walk-In Advising for original wet signature from ISSS DSO advisor.
  6. Complete Social Security Application Steps. You may only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) after you have been activated in the SEVIS system through International Student and Scholar Services.
    1. Complete Form SS-5 Application online after receiving your signed form from
    2. You will need to Schedule an Appointment with the Social Security Administration
      1. From the online application, provide a screen shot or reference number from your online application when appearing in person.
    3. Collect and present all Required Documents to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
      1. Passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
      2. Current I-94
      3. Original I-20
      4. Original signed “On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application Form.”
      5. SS-5 Confirmation Page – from your online application, a screen shot or the reference number for your application.
  7. Social Security Administration Office Information

Address: 2511 South West Temple Street, Suite 100 South Salt Lake, UT 84115
Phone: 801-524-4115 or 1-800-772-1213/1-866-851-5275 (toll free)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

  1. You will receive a SSA Receipt after your in-person Email this receipt along with your signed On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application. Once we receive the temporary social security number (usually 1 business day), you will receive an email to schedule another appointment to complete the I-9.
  2. Permanent Social Security Number card will be mailed to your home Bring the original card to the ME office once you have received this so your employee record can be updated.
  3. Foreign nationals are classified as either resident alien or nonresident alien in terms of U.S. tax residency status. Non-resident alien students and scholars that receive income from the University of Utah will receive an email from the University Tax Services, providing instructions to complete required forms using online software GLACIER.
  4. Graduate students who are non-native North American English speakers must complete International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) if serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA). This include responsibilities such as grading, holding office hours, leading labs or discussions, or teaching classes.
  5. Email ME Graduate Advisor at least one week before the semester begins to register for a training session.