4/22/22 update: The Social Security Administration has announced that Social Security offices will reinstate in-person services, including for walk-ins, on April 7 of 2022. masks are required. You can still, if you want, email the Ann Arbor Social Security Administration office at [email protected] or call them at 1-877-402-0825 to make an appointment, but You can also visit the office without an appointment. We do not recommend applying for your SSN by mail, as your original passport and other documents may be lost. If you plan to request a letter of ineligibility, please review the information below under letter of ineligibility.
f-1 students: if you work on campus and are applying for a social security card, be sure to follow the instructions at the top of the u-m f-1 student social security letter. the social security office will only accept original letters (no scans) and all signatures must be in ink.
If you are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number, you will need to do so through the Social Security Administration Office located at 3971 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Enter an Ann Arbor Zip Code (such as 48109) on the social security website for office hours, directions, and a map to the office. To get to the social security office by public bus (aata), take bus #6 (free with m-card) to stop 513. (w ellsworth road at s research park drive). the aata website describes the stop.
You will need to bring the following documents:
- completed and printed application for a social security card form (ss-5).
- original passport
- form i-94 printed from https:// i94. cbp.dhs.gov/i94/#/home
- original form i-20 (for f-1 visa holders only)
- original form ds-2019 (for j-visa 1 for visa holders only)
- original notice of approval of h-1b petition (for h-1b visa holders only)
- for f-1 or j visa holders -1: proof of employment or employment eligibility (see below for details)
curricular practical training (c.p.t.): i-20 with c.p.t. endorsement on page two. you cannot apply earlier than 30 days before your c.p.t. start date.
Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.): U.S.C.I.S. employment authorization document (e.a.d.) card. you must apply on or after the start date listed on your ead card.
If you have attended the mandatory check-in: Please check your records to make sure you don’t already have this letter. the letter was given to you at the end of the registration session with your insurance documents. If you lost the letter, complete and print the Social Security Letter for U-M J-1 Scholars online form. then take it to the international center for clearance.
You will receive a social security card in the mail about a week or two after you apply. If you have questions while waiting to receive your Social Security Number, please contact the Social Security Administration directly at 800.772.1213.
f-1 and j-1 visa holder: once you receive your social security number, you must notify your employer and the registrar’s office that you received this number. your employer and the registrar’s office will need to see your current social security card. the registrar’s office is located at 2200 sat, 515 e. jefferson street (central campus) or 2202 ll north pierpont commons, 2101 bonisteel boulevard (north campus).
letter of ineligibility
if you are not eligible for a social security number, you can request a “letter of ineligibility” from the ann arbor social security office. You can visit the Ann Arbor Social Security office in person any time after April 7, 2022, or you can fill out Form SS-5 and write “Letter of Ineligibility” at the top of the form. Mail the form to: Social Security Administration, 3971 Research Park Drive Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. No additional documents are required; just the shape. The Ann Arbor Social Security Office will mail your letter of ineligibility to you in about three weeks. You are required to have the letter of ineligibility to take the driver’s license written test. the ineligibility letter is valid for 60 days.
If you’re not in Ann Arbor, you can ask your local Social Security Administration office how to request a letter of ineligibility.
if you have questions about whether or not you are eligible for a social security number, read how to determine eligibility for a social security number and card.