Eligibility

In order for F-1 and J-1 students/scholars currently enrolled or working at Duke to be eligible to apply for a Social Security number (SSN):

  • You must register with the Duke Visa Services Office BEFORE submitting your SSN application. While you can apply 30 days before the start date of your I-20, if you have not registered with DVS before submitting your SSN application, the application will be rejected or delayed. You should wait at least 10 days after submitting your paperwork to our office to give us time to update your SEVIS file and for the information to appear in the Social Security Administration (SSA) database. If we have the information confirming that you have an assistantship at the time of registration, we will issue the required letters for the SSN.
  • You must receive a written offer from a Duke University or Duke Hospital department or office.
  • If you receive an assistantship or on-campus employment after registering with our office, follow the steps below.

Please note that F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S. and are not eligible for social security numbers.

If your I-2o (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students/scholars) was issued by another school or organization (IIE, LASPAU, Fulbright, etc), we cannot issue a Social Security number letter to you. Contact your school or organization for assistance.

Step 1: What documentation should I present to Duke Visa Services (DVS) in order to receive the information I need to request a Social Security number?

  • I-20
  • Passport identity page expiration date
  • I-94
  • Assistantship letter

Confirm that your hiring department sent you an email with instructions on how to complete section 1 of the Form I-9. Follow the instructions and complete section 1 of the I-9.

  • I-20
  • Passport identity page and expiration date
  • I-94
  • On campus employment letter

Confirm that your hiring department sent you an email with instructions on how to complete section 1 of the Form I-9. Follow the instructions and complete section 1 of the I-9.

  • DS-2019
  • Passport identity page expiration date
  • I-94
  • Assistantship letter or employment letter

Confirm that your hiring department sent you an email with instructions on how to complete section 1 of the Form I-9. Follow the instructions and complete section 1 of the I-9.

Step 2: After I have uploaded the information and completed Section 1 of the I-9, what will Duke Visa Services provide so I can request the Social Security Number?

DVS will electronically send to you:

A memo from the DSO confirming you are in F-1 status and a draft letter you should present to your hiring department’s payroll representative so s/he can issue a letter on department letterhead confirming your assistantship.

DVS will electronically send to you:

A memo from the DSO with 2 sections. The first section confirms you are in F-1 status and the second section must be completed by the hiring department.

DVS will electronically send to you:

A memo from the DSO confirming you are eligible to work on campus.

COVID-19 SSA procedures require that J-1 students and scholars show employment letters with the DVS memo.

Step 3: After I receive the letter(s) from Duke Visa Services and my employing department or office, what should I do?

Email Paige Vinson (paige.vinson@duke.edu) at International House.

She will request your telephone number, copy of the passport identity page, copy of the visa stamp in your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 and the information in Step 2. She will submit this information to a Social Security Administration agent at the SSA office. If the documentation she submits is sufficient, the SSA office will contact you by telephone and set up an appointment for you. It may be several weeks before you receive a response from the SSA office so please be patient.