In order to have a job on campus at Hope International University, you will need to apply for a Social Security number. These are the steps to obtain a Social Security number:

1. Find an employer on campus who will agree to hire you to work.
2. Obtain a letter from your employer and from the ISP office that shows evidence of your status and eligibility to work on campus.
3. Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
4. Take the two letters and the following documents to the Social Security Office:
   • Passport
   • I-20
   • I-94
5. You should receive your Social Security number on a card within 2-3 weeks in the mail.

For more information, please visit the Social Security website. Publications in different lagnuages for international students can be found on the publications page. The Study in the States blog also has information on obtaining a social security number.

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Social Security Common Questions

How much does it cost?

"There is no charge for a Social Security number and card. If someone contacts you and wants to charge you for getting a number or card, or for any Social Security service, please remember that Social Security services are free. You can report anyone attempting to charge you by calling our Office of the Inspector General hotline at 1-800-269-0271." For more information, visit Social Security Online.

Should I protect my Social Security Number?

Yes. According to the Social Security Administration website, “You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.”

"We (SS Dept.) do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless:

• The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or
• Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business."

"You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

• Why your number is needed;
• How your number will be used;
• What happens if you refuse; and
• What law requires you to give your number. "