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Applying for a Social Security Number and Card

If you are eligible to apply for a Social Security number, you will need to apply through the Social Security Administration office located at 3971 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To find a map to the office on the SSA.gov web site, enter an Ann Arbor zip code (such as 48109). To get to the new Social Security office by public bus (AATA), take Bus #6 (free with M-Card) to the Stop 513. (W Ellsworth Road at S Research Park Drive). The AATA web site describes the stop.

You will need to bring the following documents:

A completed Application for a Social Security Card form (SS-5). You can also ask the Social Security Office for an application if you have not prepared one in advance.
Passport
I-94 card (and two copies with legible entry stamps)
I-20 form (and two copies with legible entry stamps) (for F-1 visa holders only)
DS-2019 form (and two copies with legible entry stamps) (for J-1 visa holders only)
H-1B petition approval notice (and two copies) (for H-1B visa holders only)
Proof of employment eligibility (for F-1 and J-1 visa holders only)

F-1 students	With on-campus employment: Social Security Letter for U-M F-1 Students [PDF] Curricular Practical Training (C.P.T.): I-20 with C.P.T. endorsement on the third page Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.): U.S.C.I.S. Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.) card
J-1 scholar	If you have not attended Mandatory Check-in: Please wait until your scheduled check-in session and do not submit the letter now. The International Center cannot issue a Social Security letter until you have checked in. If you have attended Mandatory Check-in: Please check your records to make sure you do not have this letter already. The letter was given to you at the end of the check-in session with your insurance documents. If you lost the letter, fill-in and print the online form Social Security Letter for U-M J-1 Scholars [PDF]. Then bring it to the International Center for authorization.
J-1 students	Social Security Letter for U-M J-1 Students [PDF] authorized by the U-M International Center.
J-2 dependents with employment authorization	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.) card

You will receive a Social Security card in the mail approximately one to two weeks after applying for it. If you have questions while waiting to receive your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 800.772.1213.

F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders: Once you receive your Social Security number, you must notify your employer and the Office of the Registrar that you received this number. Your employer and the Office of the Registrar will need to see the actual Social Security card. The Office of the Registrar is located at 1210 LSA Building, 500 State St. (Central Campus) or 1212 Pierpont Commons (North Campus).

Last reviewed: 7/08

The information contained in this web site is not a substitute for advice obtained from the Internal Revenue Service or a qualified tax professional.