The Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) can be used by anyone who has never been issued a card, needs a replacement card or has changed his or her name. THIS SERVICE IS FREE. However, Students will now have to have the assurance of a job in order to apply for an SS number. So all incoming international students can not make application unless they have secured on-campus employment.
REMEMBER, the Social Security Card is only necessary for getting a job; for other purposes such as getting a cell phone your passport, driver license, or student id are valid documents you can use.
Steps to get a Social Security Number:
- You MUST GET EMPLOYMENT ON-CAMPUS
- Get a letter from your employer (Employer's letter must be supplied on company letter-head stationery and with an original signature and include the Employer Identification Number)
- Get a letter from your International Student Advisor in Welch Hall #114
- You will need to take ALL of the following items to the SSA office:
- Letter from on-campus employer (Steps 1 and 2)
- Letter from ISS Advisor (Step 3)
- Application form from SSA (Click here to read the instructions to download the application)
- I-94 card
- I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
- Valid Passport
- Visa
- One photo ID that is at least one year old (could be passport)
- DO NOT FORGET TO ASK FOR A RECEIPT from the Social Security Administration in order to prove to your employer that you have applied for a social security card.
Employers are encourage to read the information sheet "Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers," (Click Here)
Social Security Office
115 N. Webb Rd. Ste. 1
Grand Island, NE 68802-9978
phone 308.385.6440
NAFSA Practice Advisory for New SSA Rule for F-1 On-Campus Work
"New SSA rule requiring on-campus work documentation for F-1 students discusses the Social Security Administration (SSA) rule that requires F-1 students who apply for a social security number on the basis of on-campus employment to prove that they have been offered an on-campus job. The advisory also reproduces SSA model statements that DSOs and on-campus employers can use to meet the requirement to prove that on-campus employment has been offered. The rule became effective on October 13. "
Grand Island is about 40 miles east of Kearney on Highway 30. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday mornings. It is a good idea to call ahead, just to make sure someone will be in the office to help you.
Fill out the SS application form in advance, it will save you time and stress when you visit with the SSA representative. And remember, if you do not have your immigration documents, the application, the employer's letter AND the ISS form letter, SSA will not process your application.
Location and Office Hours
Welch Hall
2504 19th Avenue
Kearney, NE 68849-5221
Monday - Friday
Office open: 8 am - 5 pm
Phone Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Walk-in Advising hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Telephone: (308) 865-8953
Fax: (308) 865-8947