Applying for SSN or ITIN

Social Security Number (SSN): If you are authorized to engage in employment, you will need to apply for a social security number. It will be used for tax purposes and can be used to open a bank account. Keep in mind that obtaining an SSN is not the same as obtaining work authorization. While your work authorization will eventually expire, your SSN is permanent and the number will never change.

Note: If you are applying for a driver's license, but do not have an SSN, you will have to apply for a letter of denial/indecision from the Social Security Office. If you get a job on campus at a later time, you will have to re-apply for a social security number.

  • Apply for an SSN (or for a Letter of Denial / Indecision)

    Eligibility Requirements:

    Students should be present in the U.S. for at least 10 days and have been registered in SEVIS for the current semester by the International Office. Typically this is completed after the course add/drop date.  

    Follow these instructions to apply for a Social Security Number (or denial letter for a driver's license).

    Step 1: Gather all required documents

    • Internship/Job Offer Letter from Employer - Not required if requesting an SSN denial letter
    • Enrollment Verification Form - Request the form by emailing . 
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Form I-94 - Can request an electronic form here: cbp.gov/i94
    • Form I-20 or Form DS-2019


    Step 2: Complete the online Social Security Application

    • Curricular Practical Training: Apply for SSN at most 30 days prior to the start date of CPT.
    • Academic Training: Apply for SSN 30 days or less prior to the start date of Academic Training.
    • Optional Practical Training: Apply for SSN at most 30 days prior to the start date on EAD card.


    Step 3: Go to the Social Security Office. You may be eligible to schedule an appointment before visiting your local Social Security office or card center.

    Note: You will receive your card in the mail up to 14 days after your appointment, so be sure to provide a mailing address that won't change. You will know at your appointment if you've been approved, or if they need additional documentation. 

    Allentown Location: 41 N. 4th Street Allentown, PA 18102
    Reading Location: 201 Penn Street, Suite 200 Reading, PA 19601

  • SAMPLE: Employment Offer Letter or Employment Verification Letter

    SAMPLE: Employment Offer Letter or Employment Verification Letter (The sample template is prepared for a Kutztown University on-campus job)

    Letter should be completed with all the following information:

    • Name of the student employee
    • Job description
    • Anticipated or actual employment start date (no more than 30 days in the future at the time of application for an SSN)
    • Number of hours the student is expected to work (20 hours or less is part time, and more than 20 hours is full-time)
    • Employer identity number (EIN) (The KU EIN number is provided on the template letter. If you are hired by a an on-campus commercial business, the EIN number of the business must be provided).
    • Employer contact information, including the telephone number and name of the immediate supervisor;
    • Verification of the employment status (i.e. student has been hired);
    • Original signature with signatory’s title and date.
    • Provided on business letterhead 

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): It is for individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number for tax purposes but who do not have and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. Can be used to open a bank account. 

Open a U.S. Bank Account

To open an account most banks may require your passport, I-20, university acceptance/offer letter, a local U.S. address, and/or your university ID. Some banks require you to have an SSN or ITIN. Avoid those banks unless you plan to immediately get an on campus job. 

​Note: Be sure to notify the bank officer that you are not a resident of the U.S. You will need to complete a form (called W8-BEN) so your savings and checking account interest will not be taxed.

  • Bank of America has options for international students. This bank is widely used across the U.S.
  • Adro is one of many options for banking services built specifically for international students and scholars. 
  • PSECU is a bank that is located on campus and requires you to have a Social Security Number to open an account. 
  • PNC is a bank widely used in the Pennsylvania/Eastern part of the U.S. and requires you to have a Social Security Number to open an account.