Social Security Number

All Exchange Visitors in the professor, research scholar and short-term scholar categories are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).   

• Invitation letter from TIBI  
• Passport with J-1 visa  
• TIBI DS-2019  
• Most Recent I-94 Admissions Record
• SSN Application Form SS-5 
  On item #5, select “legal alien allowed to work.”  
  On items #9b/10b, leave blank if not applicable. 

The nearest SS office is at:  11500 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90064.  Direct number: (866) 964-4779. For other locations, National Center: 1-800-772-1213. 

• All original documents/application are submitted in person.  During the COVID pandemic, an in-person appointment should be scheduled in advance by phone.   
• The appointment date should be at least 10 days after your U.S. entry and AFTER your status is validated on SEVIS. 
• The SS Office will check your visa status on SAVE program.   
• Please ask for a receipt of your SSN application, and submit it to TIBI HR. 
• The SS Office will mail you your SS card usually within 14 days. Please contact TIBI HR when you receive it. 
   

Other Visa Statuses  

*SSN application is included in the EAD Card application (I-765). Ask the RO if you have questions.