Determining Eligibility for a Social Security Number and Card

Eligibility for a Social Security number and card varies, depending on your situation. If you need a Social Security number but are not eligible for one (based on the eligibility requirements listed below), you may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the U-M Payroll Office. The U-M Payroll Office is located in the Wolverine Tower building (S. State and Eisenhower Streets). The ITIN is issued officially by the U.S. government (not the U-M Payroll Office) and may take several months to receive.

Visa Type Eligibility Requirements
F-1 students Eligible only if you have evidence of authorization for the following situations:
  • On-campus employment
  • Curricular Practical Training (C.P.T.) with C.P.T. endorsement on page 2 of your I-20 form
  • Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.) with an Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.) card.
  • NOTE: F-1 students who were issued E.A.D. cards for other reasons (employment authorization due to severe economic hardship, for example) are also eligible to apply for a Social Security number.
F-2 dependents Not eligible to receive a Social Security number.
J-1 students and scholars Automatically eligible to apply for a Social Security number.
J-2 dependents Eligible to apply for a Social Security number only if you are a J-2 dependent who has applied for work authorization and received your Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.).
H-1B employees Automatically eligible to apply for a Social Security number.
H-4 dependents Not eligible to receive a Social Security number.

 

Reviewed and updated May, 2023

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