Social Security is a tax (F.I.C.A.) paid by employees in the United States. Social security is a benefit that persons receive when one retires or becomes disabled. It is intended to supplement one's income during retirement or if you become disabled. Most foreign students on F-1, J-1, or A-1 visas will not receive these benefits since they are exempt from this tax for the first five years. Contact the International Student Advisor (ISA) or the Payroll Office for more information. Regardless of whether you will have to pay social security taxes or not, everyone has to have or apply for a social security card in order to work in the United States.

For more information on this tax, please refer to the following website www.thetaxguy.com.

Original Documents Needed for the Immigration I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) requirement

Every new employee in the United States is required to present original documentation to meet the Immigration I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) requirement when starting a new job. Federal regulation also requires that your name be entered into our database exactly as it appears on your social security card. An original Social Security card can be used to verify both requirements, and is recommended although not required for international students working on-campus. You can use other original documents, such as a passport and the I-94 card to meet the I-9 requirements, but if you don't choose the social security card, we still need to verify how your name appears on your social security card to set up your employment record. Note: To meet the I-9 requirements, you may use a receipt that you have applied for a social security card, in place of the actual card, to work while you wait to receive your card (for a maximum period of 90 days). Before the 90 days has expired, you must present the original social security card.

• How do I qualify for a social security card?

Social Security cards will only be issued for nonimmigrants who have employment authorization. F-1 and J-1 students need proper authorization from the International Student Advisor. To obtain employment authorization, contact the International Student Advisor. Faculty and staff, including teaching assistants, on J-1 and H1-B visas can use their contract letter from their sponsoring agency or employer as employment authorization.

A social security application can only be made after you have been in the U.S. for at least 10 days and have reported to the International Student & Scholar Advisor. You cannot apply for the card until after your official start date.

• How long does it take to receive a Social Security card?

It takes an average of 2-3 weeks to receive the Social Security Card after application.

• How do I apply for a Social Security card?

You must apply in person for the card at a Social Security Administration office. Applications are made on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not possible to make an appointment ahead of time.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting October 13, 2004, F-1 students who apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for on-campus employment will have to present to the interviewer at the Social Security Administration office a letter from the Office of International Taxation proving that the student is engaging in, or has secured, employment, confirming their on-campus employer and the nature of the employment, and identifying the employer for whom the student will be working, in addition to a letter from the International Student Advisor stating that the student is authorized to engage in on-campus employment. This new rule does not apply to F-1 students who have an Employment Authorization Document or Curricular Practical Training.

Steps for On-Campus Employment:

--Obtain an employment authorization letter from the International Student Advisor (ISA).

--Obtain an on-campus job and a copy of the Job Approval Form (JAF) stating the details of your employment from your on-campus job supervisor.

--Make an appointment with Nancy Colon in the Office of International Taxation (x6007 or ncolon@richmond.edu). Bring the ISA letter, copy of the JAF, and your immigration documents (passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019). If you already have a social security card, identify which document you will use to meet the I-9. Once the Office of International Taxation verifies your employment eligibility, they will generate a letter confirming your on-campus employment which is part of the packet of information that needs to be taken to the Social Security Administration to apply for the social security card. The other form that will be generated is the social security card application. If the I-9 paperwork has been completed satisfactorily, the Office of International Taxation will also issue a release to work form that needs to be given to your supervisor. The release to work form lets the supervisor know that you may begin working right away.

--Take the ISA letter, Office of International Taxation job confirmation letter with original signatures from Nancy Colon and your supervisor, social security card application, and your immigration documents to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

--Present the immigration documents to the clerk.

The SSA office will give you a receipt stating that you have applied for a Social Security card. Bring this receipt to the Office of International Taxation. Once you receive your Social Security card (in about two weeks), you must bring it to the Office of International Taxation to complete your employment requirements.

• Do I have to wait to begin working until I have my Social Security card?

No. In order to work on campus, you must present your original I-9 document/s and fill out your I-9 and tax paperwork in the Office of International Taxation. The Office of International Taxation will then give you a Release to Work form to give to your supervisor identifying that you are approved for work on campus.

• How do I get to the office?

The office closest to campus is only 10 minutes away and located at 1834 W. Cary Street in Carytown. Click here for directions.

• What if I lost my Social Security card?
 

You may apply for a free replacement Social Security card at any Social Security Administration office.

• Do I Pay Social Security Taxes?

Most foreign students on F-1; J-1 or A-1 visas will not receive these benefits since they are exempt from this tax for the first five years. Therefore, contributions for social security tax should not be withheld from wages unless the individual meets the 5-year presence test. Income taxes are generally withheld from earnings unless a tax treaty is in effect (see ISA for this information). Before engaging in any employment, students and teaching assistants must consult the ISA for current immigration regulations regarding employment.

The social security card and number has become the most widely recognized identification number and the most frequently used record keeping number in the United States. It is also used by many businesses such as banks and insurance companies. Memorize this number and keep the card in a safe place. Do not disclose your social security card to anyone else unless it is an official financial institution. It is recommended that you not use your social security number for your driver's license number. The Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a random ID number in lieu of your social security number.

For current social security regulations pertaining to nonimmigrant students and scholars, please see the Social Security website.

Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904