Social Security Number
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a U.S. government institution that maintains a benefits program for injured, disabled, or retired people. The money for this program is obtained through withholdings from employees' pay and from employers' contributions. The Social Security Administration issues a Social Security Number by which to mark people in the Social Security system. This number also serves as a major identification number for U.S. citizens, permanent residents ("green card" holders), and legal non-immigrants in the U.S.
As international students who will be pursuing your studies in the U.S. for a certain period of time, you are advised to obtain a Social Security Number (S.S.#) if you have found and received authorization for on-campus employment. When you come to FIU, you may have been given a 7-digit Panther ID number. This is not your S.S.# but just a university identification number that can only be used for university purposes such as registration. A social security number can be granted ONLY by the social security administration office of your residential area.
Once you have an on-campus job, get a detailed letter from employer
(See Sample department letter). Then, request a letter from ISSS stating that you are eligible to apply for a SS number by completing an ISSS Document Request Form. Once you have obtained this letter you will take it along with your employer’s letter, valid passport, FIU Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and I-94 (white card) and the completed SSN Application Form a SS office.
For additional information, please read the ISSS SSN Application Information sheet.
Due to changes in SSA and DHS policies and procedures, obtaining a S.S. number has become more restricted and highly regulated. ISSS cannot guarantee the issuance of a S.S. number or the exact processing time for your application. Please allow for 30 to 90 days processing time.
Income Tax Filing Requirement
January 1 through April 15 is "Tax Season" in the U.S. During this period, U.S. citizens, permanent residents and many non-immigrants must file income tax returns.
BY LAW, EVERYONE ON "F" AND "J" STATUS MUST FILE TAX FORMS, EVEN IF THEY DID NOT WORK IN THE U.S. DURING THE TAX YEAR.
Tax forms must be filed by APRIL 15th regardless of whether or not you worked and earned any income.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government institution that oversees the withholding and filing of taxes. International students are not always exempt from income taxes in the U.S. To determine your tax obligations, you should contact IRS and request some publications related to your status (i.e., Pub. 519 "U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens").
ISSS advisors are NOT experts in income taxes and thus, cannot advise or assist you in filing your returns. However, ISSS sponsors tax workshops at both campuses during the Spring semester. IRS representatives or Certified Public Accountants hold these workshops to inform students of the necessary forms and filing procedures. Forms are available through the IRS website.
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