Social Security Number (SSN) and International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes. The SSN is valid for life, so you only need to apply once. The ID number assigned by NDNU to new international students (e.g., Student ID# 659000) is NOT an SSN. An SSN is also often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts, however you can do all those transactions without an SSN.
Who is Eligible for a SSN?
F-1 students who secured on campus employment or are working off-campus with OPT or CPT.
Applying for a SSN
If you are eligible for a SSN, and here are instructions how to apply in-person at a nearby office.
Please note that the application of the SSN is a personal application made to the U.S. Social Security Administration directly by the applicant. While they encourage online applications, you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, or contacting your .
Once you’ve received a SSN, do not send your SSN number or a copy of the card via
text or via email to avoid .
International Taxpayer Identification Number
The International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for international students and scholars not eligible for an SSN.
Applying for an ITIN
If you are not eligible for SSN (see criteria in previous section) but need to file a 1040NR tax return (you do not need an SSN or ITIN if you will only file Form 8843) then you need to obtain an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number). provides information about applying for an ITIN.