Obtaining a Social Security Card

Although international students with F-1 nonimmigrant status are not required to have Social Security numbers in order to attend school,you will need one to obtain a driver's lcience,or if you work off campus in the future.(New F-1 students are not permitted to work off campus right away.Please consult a foreign student advisor in the Internatioanl Student Office for more information about eligibility to work off campus.)

If you would like a Social Security number,you will need to visit the nearest Social Security office that is below :

5220 Clark Ave., Suite #220, 2nd Floor , Lakewood, CA     Tel: (562) 867-0597

OR

Queen City Bank Building

120 W. Broadway (between Pacific and Pine)

Long Beach, CA   90802  Tel: (562) 495-2445 / SSA Central Contact: 1-800-772-1213

When you go to Social Security office you will need to fill out an application.You will also need to show your passport, I-94 and your current,valid I-20.

Note : After you receive your Social Security number,you may submit it to the International Student Office to replace the temporary one that probably you are now using.

What about Social Security and other taxes ?

All F-1 students mustfile tax forms, even students who do not work or earn income.Please see the advisor in the Internatioanl Student Office for more information.

F-1 students employed under practical training are subject to applicable federal,state and local income taxes.In some cases,tax relief may be available to individuals from countries that have signed tax treaties with the U.S. .Information on tax treaties may be found by consulting Internal Revenue Publication 519,"U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens", and Internal Revenue Publication 901,"U.S. Tax Treaties".

1:> Social Security Taxes : In general,you don't have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes if you have been in the U.S. less than five years.If this is not clear to your employer ,you may want to get a copy of the booklet 1Social Security Coverage for Foreign Students & Exchange Visitors",available from your Social Security Administration office.

 2:> Federal, State and Local Taxes : Your earnings are subject to federal,state and local taxes, and these amonuts should be withheld from your paychecks.All employed students must file an income tax return on or before April 15th of each year.Filling your tax return will determine whether you can reclaim any of the withheld taxes.Most students will be able to reclaim some taxes.

How Can I Obtain a California Driver’s License if I DON’T Have a Social Security Number?

If you are not yet eligible for a Social Security number, you can still apply for a California ID or a California Driver’s License.

Step 1:  Even though you will not get a Social Security Number, you still need to visit the local Social Security Office, located at 5220 Clark Ave., Lakewood.

Step 2: Tell the Social Security Officer that you want to apply for a California Driver’s License and that you need the “Denial Notice” because you are an F-1 student who is not eligible for a Social Security Card.

The Social Security Office will give you a “Social Security Denial Notice”.  This is Form SSA-L676.  (You can check the form number:  it is written in very small letters in the bottom right-hand corner of the paper.) 

Step 3: Present the Social Security Denial Notice at the DMV when you go to apply for your license.  Be sure to also take your I-20 and valid passport with the I-94 Arrival/Departure card inside.  The International Student Office can give you more detailed and complete written instructions about how to apply for a Driver’s License.  Just ask!