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  • A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit personal identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration that is used in applying for employment and filing taxes. SSNs are assigned to individuals for life. Always keep your SSN card in a safe place. You do not have to carry it on you at all times.

    An SSN is not equivalent to employment authorization. International students should always consult with ISSS about types of authorized employment before engaging in any work (paid or unpaid).

    Who Can Apply

    International students and scholars must have current work authorization in order to apply for an SSN.

    • F-1 students may apply if they have on-campus employment, have been approved for curricular practical training (CPT), or have received their EAD Card after applying for optional practical training (OPT).
    • J-1 students may apply if they have on-campus employment or have been approved for academic training.
    • J-1 scholars may apply ten days after they have arrived in the United States and their J-1 immigration record is validated and active.

    If You Are Ineligible

    If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can request a Social Security letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. The official letter from the Social Security office serves as evidence of SSN ineligibility, enabling you to obtain a driver's license, a state ID, or a lease for an apartment and to open a bank account.

    If you need to file taxes and are not eligible for an SSN, please contact ISSS.

  • Applying for a Social Security Number

    International students and scholars must apply for an SSN in person with Social Security after preparing specific documentation corresponding to the type of employment authorization sought, as detailed below. According to the Social Security Administration, you will be mailed your Social Security card approximately two weeks after applying. When you apply, you may ask for a receipt for your submitted SSN application.

  • Scheduling a Social Security Number Appointment

    To apply for a Social Security number (SSN), you must attend an SSN application appointment in person at the Social Security Card Center in the NYC borough or other town or city where you live. You can apply in person at the card center during its walk-in service hours or call the center in advance to ask to schedule an appointment. If calling to schedule an appointment, please be advised this may take multiple tries and you may be on hold for an extended time.  

    Replacing a Lost or Stolen Social Security Card

    If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you should file a police report.

    To apply for a replacement card from the Social Security Administration, you must have current employment authorization and follow the steps described above. This means that if you do not have current employment authorization, you are not eligible to apply for a replacement card.

    When you apply for a replacement card, your Social Security number will remain the same. You may continue to use the number if you know it, even if your card has been lost or stolen. Your number will not change when your card is replaced.

  • Contact Us and Office Hours

    International Student and Scholar Services
    72 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor
    New York, NY 10011
    [email protected]
    212.229.5592

    Front Desk and Phone Hours
    Mondays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
    Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 
    Wednesdays: Closed for processing
    Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
    Fridays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    ISSS One-on-One Virtual and In-Person Advising
    Enrolled students: Sign up through Starfish.
    Non-enrolled students: Call the office to schedule.

    Virtual Drop-In Advising
    Tuesdays 2:00–4:00 p.m. Enter meeting here.

    In-Person Drop-In Advising 
    Thursdays 2:00–4:00 p.m.

    Emergency Phone (After Hours Only)
    212.229.7001 

    Closed
    Monday, September 5

  • Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.