SSN for students enrolled in Day-1 CPT program

General
1

Hi Everyone,
I am planning to get into Humphreys for Day-1 CPT program. Eventually employers would ask me for SSN, Please help me understand on how do i get or apply for SSN? Thank you for response.

2

Hey @user394 — happy to help!

As an F-1 student, you’re only eligible for an SSN if you have a job offer — either through on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT. You can’t get an SSN just for being enrolled in school.

Here’s how the process usually works:

  1. Secure a job offer — it must be authorized under your F-1 status.
  2. Get a job offer letter that includes your name, job title, start date, employer contact info, and is signed.
  3. Request a support letter from your DSO confirming your eligibility to work.
  4. Take your passport, I-20, job offer letter, DSO letter, and I-94 to the Social Security office and apply in person.

:hourglass_not_done: It can take 1–2 weeks to receive your SSN card by mail.

No job = no SSN, unfortunately. But once you’re employed under F-1 rules, the process is pretty straightforward!

– Jill

3

Thank you Jill for the response. I Appreciate.

4

Getting ssn has nothing to do with your cpt, as long as you want to receive money in the states, you need an ssn. To apply for an SSN, complete Form SS-5 and submit it with required identification documents in person at your local Social Security office.