Social Security Numbers (SSN) are generally assigned to people authorized to work in the US. International students in valid F-1 and J-1 status may apply for a SSN for on-campus employment or authorized CPT/OPT/AT employment. International students, F-1 or J-1, must obtain a signature from our office as part of the social security number application process. To obtain a signature from our office for your SSN application, please see instructions below:
If you are employed by Purdue University, please contact your employing department business office or payroll center to request a Social Security Request DocuSign form for F-1/J-1 Students. Their office will complete the form which is routed directly to our office for our signature. ISS will receive the DocuSign form, review student’s record for F-1/J-1 compliance, print and sign document. ISS will email student when the signed document is ready for pick-up. SSA office requires the original document with wet signature from ISS for SSN application.
If you are employed by an on-campus contractor to provide student services (such as ARAMARK), please submit MyISS>General Services>Ask Student Counselor. State the location on-campus where you will work and ask for access to the Social Security Number Request eform.
Your employment authorization shows on your I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility document; therefore, there is no need for additional signature from our office. You can apply for an SSN up to 30 days before the start date of CPT, OPT or AT.
There is no need for additional signature from our office when your OPT is approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services and you receive your employment authorization document (EAD). Your EAD and your valid I-20 show your employment eligibility.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Lafayette accepts only walk-ins for Social Security Number (SSN) applicants. Before visiting the SSA office, students must have the following:
Lafayette OfficeAddress: 10 South 2nd Street Lafayette, IN 47901-1216Phone Number: 888-884-0522
Office closest to Purdue University Indianapolis LocationAddress: 575 N. Pennsylvania Street, Room 685, Indianapolis, IN 46202Phone Number: 866-592-2812
Students ineligible for a Social Security Number can obtain a denial due to ineligibility letter – commonly referred to as a “waiver letter.”
The Lafayette SSA office is not providing in-person services for waiver letters. Instead, students should submit the paper application for SSN (SS-5 (ssa.gov)) marked "WAIVER" on the top along with a photocopy of your I-20/2019 and a photocopy of your main passport page. This can be done either via US Mail or via their drop box located at their local office during normal business hours.
For those at the Purdue University Indianapolis location, please contact a local SSA office to request the procedure for an SSA letter stating ineligibility for an SSN. Contact info can be found using the information listed above.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the state government agency responsible for regulating vehicles and licensing drivers. This is the bureau where you can apply for a driver’s license, driver’s permit, or Indiana state ID card.
For more information about obtaining a license, please visit Driver's License | BMV (in.gov)
When applying for Indiana driver's license, showing proof of an overseas valid driver's license allows applicants to avoid the learner's permit waiting period. But one complication is when the license is not written in English. In such cases, the Indiana BMV will accept a translation when accompanied by a signed statement on Purdue letterhead confirming the accuracy of the translation.
If you would like more information, please ask for access to the Driver License Translation Request eform by submitting MyISS>General Services>Ask Student Counselor
ISS is pleased to announce that Purdue's international students, faculty and staff at the West Lafayette campus will have access to tax resources including the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Glacier Tax Prep (GTP).
More Info on US Govt TaxesLink to Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft site
Link to Federal Trade Commission on Wiring Money
Instructions on how to apply for a Canadian visitor’s visa: Info Sheet on obtaining a Canadian visa
Link to Find a USCIS Field Office