Social Security Number

Only students with employment are eligible for a Social Security Number.

J-1 Students should first follow the procedure for On-Campus Employment authorization before returning to this page to complete the SSN application steps.

Please Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, government offices such as the Department of Motor Vehicals (DMV) and Social Security Administration (SSA) continue to have adapted processes. The most up-to-date instructions will be provided to you in the approval email you receive once the Letter Request eform has been processed in iCAT. Be sure to double check those instructions before continuing with any requests.

SSN Application Process

Step 1

F-1 Students: Select the "Letter Request" e-form in iCAT and choose the "SSN Request (For F-1 Students Only)" option.

J-1 Students: Submit an On-Campus Employment authorization request

Step 2

When your letter is ready, you will receive an approval email with instructions.

Step 3

Collect either:

A recent UK Payroll Earning/Deduction OR
An employment letter from your supervisor which includes:
- Name of student employee
- Description of the employment
- Anticipated or actual employment start date no more than 30 days in the future at the time of application for an SSN
- Number of hours the student is expected to work
- Employer identity number (EIN)
- Employer contact information, including the telephone number and the name of the F1 student’s immediate supervisor
- Verification of the employment status (i.e. student has been hired)
- Original signature with signatory’s title and date

Step 4

To apply for the SSN, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Social Security Administration and take the following documents with you to your appointment:

Letter from ISSS
A recent UK payroll earning/deduction or employment letter from your supervisor
Passport
Original I-20
Copy of I-94 or print out from
Copy of I-20
Copy of Passport photo/bio page
Copy of Passport visa page
Completed “Application for Social Security Card” (Form SS-5), which can be obtained from www.ssa.gov. If you do not have one completed beforehand, you can also get a blank form at the SSA office and fill it out there.

Phone: 1-866-530-7754 or 1-800-772-1213

Address: Suite 110, 2241 Buena Vista Rd., Lexington, Kentucky 40505

Hours (closed on federal holidays):

Monday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday	9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thursday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CITY BUS: Go to the LEXTRAN Transit Center on 220 Vine Street in downtown Lexington. Take Bus Route #10.

**Be sure that your mailbox is labeled with your name. The mail service cannot deliver your social security card unless your mailbox is labeled.**

Step 5

Once you receive the SSN, contact Payroll to have your employee record updated.

Tips for Completing the "Application for a Social Security Card"

(Form SS-5)

Citizenship – check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work”

Mailing Address = Your Residence in Lexington

The U.S. Post Office will not forward Social Security Cards or deliver them to you at another person's address. Do not use c/o addresses!
If you do not have residence in Lexington yet, it is best to wait to apply for a card when you have one.

What to do once you have your SSN card?
After receiving the SSN, you must take your SSN card to Human Resources located in Scovell Hall.

Identity Theft
Once you have your social security number, please keep it in a safe place. Identity theft is a severe problem. Do not share your SSN over the phone with individuals you do not know or through e-mail. To learn more about identity theft please visit the Federal Trade Commission website.