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Home / Come to MU / Students / Social security card

Social security card

Calligraphy.An employed international student may apply for a Social Security card. If you do not have a job or job offer, you cannot apply for a Social Security number.

International students must wait two full weeks from their date of entry into the U.S. before applying for a card at the Social Security office in Columbia. Applications that are submitted earlier than two weeks after the arrival date will be subject to additional delays of six weeks to three months. Applying early will significantly increase the time it will take to receive a Social Security number (SSN).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires international students requesting a Social Security number to verify their identity, visa status and employment.

Required documents

  1. Your passport.
  2. I-94 card.
  3. I-20 or DS-2019.
  4. Completed Social Security application form.
  5. Proof of employment (choose one):
    • A letter from the International Center and assistantship award letter or pay stub.
      1. Submit an online request for a social security letter.
      2. Bring your assistantship award letter (sample) or pay stub to the International Center.
      3. The International Center will return a letter to you.
      4. Take the letter and other required documents to the Social Security office.
    • A form completed by both the employer and the International Center.
      1. Submit an online request for a social security letter.
      2. Download and complete the form (for Campus Dining Services, for the Division of Technology, for all other employers)
      3. Submit the form to the International Center.
      4. The International Center will return the fully signed form to you.
      5. Take the form, along with the other materials mentioned above, to the Social Security Office.

The Columbia Social Security office is located at:

803 Gray Oak Drive
Columbia, MO
866-739-4773

The Social Security Administration provides more information about Social Security numbers for international students.