Temporary Pause on SSNs being issued with I-765 (OPT) Employment Applications
Published: 5/12/2025
As of March 2025, the US Social Security Administration has frozen the automatic mailing of Social Security cards for students who apply for OPT. Students now need to make an appointment at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and apply in-person for their Social Security Number (SSN) and card. If you already have a SSN, you may disregard this message.
How to obtain your SSN:
- You must first receive your OPT EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to be eligible to apply for a SSN.
- Once you receive your EAD card, you may make an appointment with the Social Security Administration (SSA) up to 30 days before the start date on your EAD card. If the start date has already passed, you can apply for the SSN immediately.
- If you have a job offer and an approved OPT EAD, you may begin working once you have applied for your Social Security Number (SSN). You do not need to wait until you receive the physical SSN card to start your job. To begin working, you must provide your employer’s HR department with your valid EAD, your updated I-20 with OPT employment information, and the receipt from the SSA confirming that you have applied for an SSN.
- After you apply, your SSN will usually arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days.
Preparing for your SSA Appointment:
- Read the document
- Click here to
- If eligible, after completing the application, you may be able to schedule an appointment online instead of calling to schedule an appointment.
- Before you visit the SSA, (choose Adult/Original Card/Non-Citizen)
After your SSA appointment:
- You may start working after the start date on the EAD and if you have a job offer. You should provide a receipt of your SSN application to your employer.
- Once you receive your SSN card in the mail, please take it to your employer’s HR department and inform ISGSS.
Contact ISGSS@lewisu.edu with any questions.
