Anyone earning money in the United States is required to have a Social Security number. Banks usually require that you obtain a Social Security number if you have opened an interest-bearing account.

To get your Social Security number you must apply in person to the Social Security Administration Office nearest you. You should take: – Your passport – Visa document – I-94 form

In addition to these documents, J-1 students require written authorization from their Exchange Visitor program sponsor. For those students under Harvard’s J-1 program sponsorship, the HIO will provide you with this authorization.

J-2 Visa holders need to bring their Employment Authorization Document issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

F-1 students who need a Social Security number for on-campus employment do not need any additional documents.

At the Social Security Administration Office you must complete your application form. You will receive notification of your Social Security number in the mail.

The nearest Social Security office is located at:
240 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144
Telephone: 1-800-772-1213

How to get there:
Take the MBTA Red Line Outbound to Davis Square. At Davis Square take the Holland Street exit and turn right when you reach the street. The Social Security Administration Office is approximately four blocks down the street to the right.