Social Security Number

F-1 students may work on campus. Employment must take place at TAMIU and may be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. Such work is limited to 19 hours per week during the fall and spring semester. Full time (anything more than 19 hours per week) is permitted during vacation periods. No special work permission is needed to begin working. However, to receive a Social Security Number (SSN), students must follow the steps below.

*Once a student graduates, s/he is no longer authorized for on-campus employment. If a student is offered a job on campus after graduation, he or she can only work based on practical training work authorization.

Social Security Letter

F-1 students working on campus:

• The employer will send International Engagement a letter of employment.
• International Engagement will then issue you a social security letter.
• You will take the letter to the Social Security Administration Office along with the documents listed below:
  • I-20
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94 (electronic I-94)

F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) / Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

• Obtain a letter from your CPT/OPT employer. The letter must be on company letter head and it must contain the following information:
  
  • Nature of job the student is, or will be, engaged in
  • Anticipated or actual employments start date
  • Number of hours expected to work
  • Employer contact information, including the telephone number and name of the immediate supervisor
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Original signature and signatory’s title
  • Date

Please note: All documents must be originals. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents will not be accepted.