Overview

  • If you are going to be paid for any type of work in the United States, you will be required to get a Social Security number.

  • You must request and be approved for your work-verify BEFORE requesting a SSN.

  • If you have a previous Social Security number, you do NOT have to request a new one.

  • For UNLV employment, nonimmigrant visa holders must have their SSN BEFORE starting any employment.

  • For off-campus employment, per Federal Regulations, F-1 and J-1 Students are allowed to work up-to 90 days while they wait for their SSN IF their employer allows them to do so. Earnings must still be reported to the IRS using SSN.

  • Employer questions? Download the or contact ISSS.

J-1 Status Holders and Social Security Numbers

  1. J-1 scholars (short-term scholar, research scholar, professor categories) are eligible to apply for U.S. Social Security Cards. However, if you are not being paid by UNLV as part of your J-1 program (or employed elsewhere as an authorized part of your J-1 program), you are NOT required to do so.

  2. J-1 students with qualifying employment - which must be approved by ISSS IN ADVANCE and in writing - may also apply for a Social Security Card.

  3. If you already have a U.S. Social Security Card, then you do not need a new one.

  4. You must complete J-1 orientation and program validation with ISSS first BEFORE applying for a social security number.

  5. Bring all of the following documents with you to the Social Security office:

    • Passport with J-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are visa-exempt)

    • Form DS-2019 (“Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor” (J-1) Status”)

    • Letter of Support from the ISSS (Social Security Letter)

H-1B Status Holders and Social Security Numbers

  1. H-1B visa holders will need a social security number in order to be employed and paid by UNLV.

  2. If you already have a U.S. Social Security Card, then you do not need a new one.

  3. Bring all of the following documents with you to the Social Security office:

  • Passport with H-1B visa stamp (Canadian citizens are visa-exempt)

  • I-797 Approval Notice of H-1B status

On-Campus F-1 Student Employees

  1. You must have a job on-campus.
  2. You must have a “Evidence of On-Campus Employment” letter completed by your department, then signed by an International Student Advisor at ISSS.
  3. You will need to bring the following documents to the Social Security office:

(Note: Photocopies will NOT be accepted)

  • Evidence of On-Campus Employment Letter (instructions on how to request this letter can be found on the “On-Campus Employment” page)
  • Social Security Number Application
  • Most recent passport
  • Most recent F-1 Visa (Canadians exempt from visa requirement)
  • Current continued attendance I-20 or validated DS-2019 issued by UNLV
  • Most recent

Important Information for Graduate Assistants: While the Social Security Administration is processing your application, you can progress through your on-boarding process by submitting your national ID. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Grad Financial Services.

Off-Campus Work Permits for F-1 Students (CPT)

  1. You must have a job relevant to your area of study.

  2. Apply for CPT by submitting the CPT recommendation to ISSS.

  3. Once you have employment authorization (CPT) on your continued attendance I-20, you will need to bring the following documents to the Social Security office:

  (Note: Photocopies will NOT be accepted)

  • Passport, Visa

  • Current I-20 reflecting CPT

Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students (OPT)

  1. You can apply for a Social Security number once you receive your EAD card.

  2. You will need to bring the following documents to the Social Security office:

  (Note: Photocopies will NOT be accepted)

  • Passport, Visa, and EAD card

  • Most current I-20 reflecting OPT issued by UNLV

Social Security Administration Office

US Social Security Administration Office
1250 S Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89117