Information for Departments

 

In general, all nonimmigrants must have permission to work in the U.S. in order to apply for a Social Security number.

Only those eligible to work may apply for a Social Security number. This will include F-1's; J-1's, with permission from the sponsor; and J-2's with authorization from USCIS. F-2's cannot apply for a Social Security number because they are not eligible to work.

Details for the SSN application process can be found here -https://www.k-state.edu/isss/resources/socialsecurity.html.

To assist in efficient processing times for the issuance of the SSN and hiring process for enrolled students, please verify with the student the following:

a) they have submitted the ISSS check-in and uploaded their immigration documents- https://www.k-state.edu/isss/students/orientation/,
b) they are enrolled full-time , AND
c) they have been in the U.S. for at least 10 calendar days.

Once the above is confirmed, the hiring department MUST print the Verifciation of Employment letter out on departmental letterhead and complete it with ALL appropriate information. Name entered on the letter should match the passport and I-20/DS-2019. Student will need the original letter for the appointment with SSA.

Next, the student must submit the department letter to isss@ksu.edu. ISSS will verify the above information and then issue the necessary letter verifying full-time enrollment.

The student is not elgible to apply for the SSN until all the previous steps have been completed.

*USCIS allows F-1 and J-1 students to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session. There is no immigration restriction on the number of hours a student is allowed to work during the summer and other breaks, such as spring break and winter break; however, there may be K-State limitations.

Please note that J-1 students will also need a letter from their Program Sponsor giving permission to work on campus, if the sponsor is not Kansas State University (noted on the form DS-2019). There is no immigration restriction on the number of hours a student is allowed to work during the summer and other breaks, such as spring break and winter break; however,there may be K-State limitations.