If you lose important documents or certificates while studying in the United States, it will be very troublesome to replace them, and it may also cause security risks. Let’s learn with me what to do if you lose your SSN while studying in the United States.
SSN is the abbreviation of Social Security Number, which refers to the U.S. Social Security Number, which is the 9-digit number on the U.S. Social Security Card. International students who want to study in the United States need to apply for an SSN.
The original purpose of SSN was to track personal tax status, but now its use has been expanded to include distinguishing personal identities, similar to China's "Resident Identity Card Number".
● Apply for a Social Security Card
If your SSN is lost, you should go to the Social Security Bureau in time to apply for a Social Security Card. The application procedure is the same as that for applying for a Social Security Card. Fill out the same application form. You must bring original copies of all documents and identification when you apply, as the Social Security Administration does not accept any copies.
Applicants are free to choose to apply by mail or in person, but it is still recommended to apply in person. Regarding the application form for Social Security Card and the address of the Social Security Bureau office, you can check it on the website of the Social Security Administration, Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm.
If you are an F-1 student and are allowed to work on campus, you must provide an official certification letter from the school, proving that you are yourself, have student status, and show your employer and job type.
If you are a student during CPT, please bring your I-20 with a work page and school signature. F-1 students who have an I-766, please bring the I-766. J-1 students, student interns, or international visitors are required to provide a letter of introduction from their sponsor. The letter should be on the sponsor's (e.g., foreign school) letterhead and contain a personal signature.
● Issuance of SSN
After filling out and printing the SSN card application form, mail or bring the application form and related materials to the local social security department. If you lose your SSN, you can ask for a replacement and get the original number; if your SSN is stolen, you can ask for a new SSN to be issued.
Remember, except under special circumstances, never carry your Social Security card with you. If you lose your Social Security card and ID at the same time, you will be in big trouble. It is recommended that you memorize your Social Security number and keep your Social Security card in a safe.
The U.S. Social Security Administration recently issued regulations that stipulate that a person can only renew his or her Social Security card three times in a year, and can only apply to renew his or her Social Security card ten times in a lifetime. If you frequently apply to change your Social Security card, it may cause unnecessary trouble.