Government Resources
Social Security Number Application
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:
On-campus employment students (assistantships/hourly jobs)
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.
Curricular Practical Training or Academic Training (CPT/AT)
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.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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.
Social Security Administration Local Office
The Social Security Administration (SSA) office requires appointments for Social Security Number (SSN) applicants. Before visiting the SSA office, call for an appointment.
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
At the appointment, have the following:
- Proof completed an Online Social Security Number Application (ssa.gov)
- Purdue University F-1/J-1 Social Security Number Request form signed by ISS
- I-20/DS-2019 certificate of eligibility document
- Valid passport document
Social Security Number Waiver Letter
Students ineligible for a Social Security Number can obtain a denial due to ineligibility letter – commonly referred to as a “waiver letter.”
Lafayette Office
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.
Purdue University Indianapolis Location
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.
Indiana Driver's License
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)
Overseas License Translation
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
Lafayette BMV Office
Purdue University Indianapolis Location
International Tax Preparation
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 TaxesAvoiding Identity Theft
Link to Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft site
Avoiding Money Wiring Scams
Link to Federal Trade Commission on Wiring Money
Canadian Visa Information
Instructions on how to apply for a Canadian visitor’s visa: Info Sheet on obtaining a Canadian visa
USCIS Indianapolis Field Office
Link to Find a USCIS Field Office