This information applies to J-1 Exchange Visitors in the Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, and Student Intern categories only. If you are a J-1 Student, please see Social Security Numbers for J-1 Students.
International scholars who will receive a salary, stipend, or paycheck from the University of Florida must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) to receive payment for their work. The SSN number assigned to you will be yours forever. If you previously received an SSN number, you cannot reapply for a new SSN. If you need a replacement card, please see FAQs.
Requirements for Obtaining a Social Security Number
- You must be receiving a salary, stipend, or paycheck from the University of Florida
- You must have an Active SEVIS record
- Your SEVIS record will be Active once you have completed the full EVS check-in process, attended orientation, and provided your EVS advisor your US address and your US phone number.
- Do NOT attempt to apply for an SSN until you receive an email from SEVIS that your record is Active.
- You must have been inside the US for at least 10 calendar days
- If you have previously applied and have lost or misplaced your SSN card, please contact your local SSA office for instructions.
Social Security Number (SSN) Application Process
The applicant should assemble the following materials and take them to their scheduled appointment:
- Completed SS 5 Application form
- Completed SSA Questionnaire for Non-US Citizens:
- This document must be filled out according to the instructions on page 1.
- UF Employment Offer Letter
- Signed copy of DS-2019 form
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of J-1 visa.
- Canadian citizens do not need to have a J-1 visa.
- I-94 Record, printed, for most recent entry into the US (history screen not necessary)
A hard copy of all documents must be provided. The applicant should bring the original passport containing the J-1 visa to the appointment in addition to printed copies.
Schedule an Appointment: Instructions for Navigating SSA’s Phone Menu
After you have gathered all the necessary application documents, call your local SSA office to schedule an appointment to apply for the SSN.
For those living in Gainesville, FL:
- Call (877) 219-8323. You will need to choose the option to wait on the line to speak to the next available agent. Once you are connected with an agent, let them know that you are seeking an in-person appointment to apply for a new social security number.
- When you call this number, you will first be presented with the option of continuing in English or switching to Spanish. Select 1 to continue in English or 2 to switch to Spanish.
- You will then hear a lengthy recorded message that explains all of the information available to you on their website and provides a different phone number for services available by phone. This information does not apply to you, since you are seeking an in-person appointment to apply for your SSN.
- Next, they will provide you with options for service. You will need to select option 2 to continue with your call.
- After this, you will be given more service options. Please choose the option to wait on the line to speak to the next available agent by pressing 0.
- Once you are connected with an agent, let them know that you are seeking an in-person appointment to apply for a new social security number.
For those living elsewhere in Florida, find the phone number for your local SSA office here.
- You must call, speak to an agent, and schedule an in-person appointment.
Once the Application is Processed
Your SSN card will be mailed directly to the address you provide in the SSN application. It is a heavy paper card, NOT a plastic card, which can be easily overlooked or lost. When you receive your card, please ensure that all the information printed on it is correct. Please keep it in a safe place.
The card must be presented to the employing department for completion of the payroll process. You do not need to present your card to UFIC.
In the event the SSN card is lost, the applicant will need to apply for a replacement card. Please see the guidance provided on the SSA website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Contact your local SSA office directly.
The Social Security Administration’s locations and contact information are available on their website.
If you have lost your Social Security card, you will need to apply for a replacement card. The Social Security Administration requires that you have an in-person appointment in order to receive a replacement SSN card. You also must have current employment.
If you need a replacement SSN card, you should call your local SSA office directly to schedule an in-office appointment. When you speak to the representative, be sure to be clear that you are seeking a replacement card, not an original number.
The Social Security Administration’s locations and contact information are available on their website.
When you go to your appointment, you will need to bring the following items:
- Completed SS 5 Application form
- UF Employment Offer Letter
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of J-1 visa.
- Canadian citizens do not need to have a J-1 visa.
- I-94 Record, printed, for most recent entry into the US (history screen not necessary)
A hard copy of all documents must be provided. The applicant should bring the original passport containing the J-1 visa to the appointment in addition to printed copies.
If you receive your SSN card and your name is misspelled, you will need to get a replacement card. For a misspelled name, you will not need to make a new appointment at the Social Security Administration.
Please call your local SSA office. When you are connected to an agent, please inform them that you have received your SSN card with a misspelling on it and will need to be issued a new one.
Please have the following information ready to tell the agent:
- Your date of birth (Month/Day/Year)
- The incorrect spelling on your current card
- The correct spelling to be on your new card
The Social Security Administration’s locations and contact information are available on their website.