Rules for Social Security Benefits for Students with F-1 Visas
As an international F-1 student at Oberlin College with on-campus or off-campus CPT employment, the process of obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) can seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, it's a straightforward process.
Your first point of contact should be the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office at Oberlin. They will guide you through the SSN application process, which is essential for payroll and tax purposes.
The general application process and required documents typically include:
- A job offer letter or employment verification from Oberlin College for your CPT employment.
- An I-20 Form endorsed for CPT by the Designated School Official (DSO).
- A valid passport and F-1 visa.
- The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (printable online).
- Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
Initially, you should submit completed new hire paperwork, leaving the SSN field blank. You can start working before receiving your SSN, provided all other employment documents are submitted.
To get the SSN card, you usually go to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office with these documents and a letter from Oberlin’s ISSS office confirming your employment and CPT authorization. After you receive the SSN card, submit a copy to the Student Employment Office (SEO) either in person or via their new hire paperwork portal.
Oberlin requires direct deposit for wages, so you will also need to provide U.S. bank account details. The college’s partner, Huntington Bank, is available nearby to open an account if you don’t already have one.
For CPT employment, your I-20 must be properly authorized for the dates of employment. Some banks may open accounts without an SSN, but having the SSN facilitates many financial transactions.
It's important to note that Social Security will not assign a number solely based on enrollment in a U.S. college or school. The Social Security office does not have weekend or evening hours; call to confirm before visiting.
The International Student Resource Center provides round-trip transportation to the Social Security office in Lorain, Ohio. The address for the Social Security office is Lorain Social Security Administration, 221 W. 5th St. Lorain, OH 44052. The office can be contacted at 866-415-0172.
Remember, the SS-5 Form, Employment Verification Form, and International Students and Social Security Numbers are related documents. For on-campus employment, the Employment Verification Form completed by your supervisor and signed by the ISRC is the proof of employment.
In summary, contact Oberlin’s International Student and Scholar Services first; they will provide the correct documentation templates and instructions specific to Oberlin, assist you with the SSA application, and support your payroll setup.
