Important update: Effective August 15, 2011, anyone using a Philadelphia zip code (19101-19160) for their address MUST visit the card center to conduct their Social Security card business for initial or replacements cards. The nine Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in Philadelphia will no longer conduct Social Security Card business but will refer clientele to the Card Center. SSA offices outside of Philadelphia will also refer visitors needing these services and under the Card Center’s jurisdiction to the Card Center.
Introduction
Wait 10-15 business days from the date you entered the United States before applying for your SSN. You should attend orientation at OIP-ISSS before applying for your SSN.
To apply for a US Social Security Number (SSN), you must:
- Prepare the required documents, as described below
- Take the documents to the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
- Submit your application (ask for a receipt that will verify your submission)
- Update University records (i.e. the registrar and tax office) and personal records (banks, employer, etc) as soon as you receive your Social Security Card in the mail (approximately 2-6 weeks)
* Philadelphia Social Security Card Center - 2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm
On-Campus Employment
F-1 and J-1 students seeking a Social Security Number for on-campus employment are required to complete the Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students.
- Complete Parts A, B and C.
- Bring the form to ISSS and request Part D to be completed.
When you go to the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center, you must present the following documents: (Note: they will not process your application more than 30 days in advance of the scheduled employment start date.)
Off-Campus Employment
F-1 or J-1 students seeking a Social Security Number for off-campus employment are not required to complete the attached form, Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students.
When you go to the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center, you must present the following documents:
- For F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Note: The Philadelphia Social Security Card Center will not process your application more than 30 days in advance of the CPT employment start date.
- For F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
Note: The Philadelphia Social Security Card Center will not process your application until the employment start date on the OPT EAD card has been reached
- For J-1 Student Academic Training (AT):
Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students
What to Do Without a Social Security Number
This section has been prepared for informational purposes only and requirements are subject to change without notice.
The information below will assist in obtaining a variety of services as you settle into the US.
Off-Campus Housing
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
- A valid passport
- A letter of acceptance from your school
- A copy of your I-20/DS-2019 to prove financial resources
Office of Off-Campus Living: http://www.upenn.edu/offcampusservices
Opening a Bank Account
This is not an exclusive list of banking options.
Commerce Bank, Citizens Bank, PNC Bank, Student Federal Credit Union:
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
- A valid passport
- A valid Penn ID
Be sure to contact a representative of the bank for the most up to date information on opening an account.
Cell Phone
This is not an exclusive list of cell phone options.
Provide the following in place of a SSN:
- Verizon Wireless: $400.00 security deposit (will be returned after one year)
- Cingular Wireless:
- Monthly plan: $500.00 security deposit (will be returned after one year); passport, birth certificate, proof of address
- Prepaid plan: US bank account
Be sure to contact a representative of the cell phone company for the most up to date information on obtaining a cell phone.
PECO Energy Company
Present the following documents in place of a SSN at 23rd and Market St.:
- A valid passport
- A valid Penn ID
PA Driver’s License/State ID
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
- A valid passport
- I-94 card
- Visa
- A letter of denial/indecision from the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
- An I-20/DS-2019 with a program end date that is at least one year away
- A letter from OIP verifying attendance at the school listed on your I-20/DS-2019
- Two proofs of residency (see OIP’s Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card handout)
PennDOT Fact Sheet: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/pub195nc.pdf
OIP’s handout: http://www.upenn.edu/oip/isss/forms/drivingpa.pdf
