What is a Social Security Number?

In the U.S. a Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track pay over a worker’s lifetime. The Social Security Number (SSN) is a tax identification number that tracks employee salary in a payroll system.  An SSN allows students to legally work and be paid in the USA. Beyond tracking payroll, the SSN has become somewhat of a universal identification number used for many purposes around the country, including signing up for utilities, phone service, credit reporting, and banking.

How to apply for a Social Security Number as an International Student?

To be eligible for Social Security Number(SSN) you must have an on-campus job offer or an assistantship with NMSU. As soon as you are hired you are required to apply for an SSN which is issued by the Social Security Administration, a department in the U.S Federal Government. A full-time student who has an F-1 Visa or J-1 Visa is eligible to work on campus 20 hours per week while classes are in session. For example: Spring and Fall semesters students can work on campus a maximum of  20 hours per week. During summer, and winter breaks students can work more than 20 hours per week on campus, if the employer allows.