Services for International Students and Scholars(T) 530-752-0864

University of California, Davis(F) 530-752-5822

Social Security Numbers and Employment Information for E-3, H-1B, TN and O-1 Visa Holders

Anyone who receives income from a US source must have a Social Security card with a Social Security number (SSN). All applicants must wait a minimum of 10 days after arrival in the US before applying for an SSN.

Applications must be filed in person at one of the offices listed below. Application forms are available on the internet: To obtain a Social Security card, complete the “Application to Obtain a Social Security Card” and present it at the social security office, along with the original documents listed below, and copies of those documents that the social security official can keep:

  • a valid passport
  • a print out of your online I-94 record or your I-94 card (white cardgiven on arrival prior to May 2013)
  • your I-797approval Notice (if applicable)
  • your appointment letter from UCD

Applications for Social Security cards may be made in person at the following Social Security Offices:

*825 Riverside Parkway, Suite 1000 8351 Folsom Boulevard

West Sacramento, CA 95691Sacramento, CA 95826

Phone: (916) 373-3850 Phone: (916) 381-9410

Contact Information for Payroll-related Questions

If you are paid by UC Davis and you have questions regarding your paycheck, you can visit the website for Payroll Services or call (530) 757-8550. If you have questions regarding Social Security, you may visit the Social Security website or contact the Social Security helpline: 1-800-772-1213. If you have questions regarding taxes, you may visit the IRS website or contact the taxpayer IRS helpline at: 1-800-829-1040

Dependents

H-4, O-3, and TD visa holders are not allowed to work in the US and therefore, not eligible for a social security number. E-3 dependents are not eligible for an SSN unless they have applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and received the work permit card. The EAD is a work permit that can be granted by the USCIS. E-3 dependents who are interested in applying for work authorization will find instructions on how to do so at: (click on Form I-765). They may also make an appointment with an international scholar advisor for more information. It takes 2-3 months to get a work permit.

For H-4, O-3, TD,and E-3 dependents who do not have work authorization, it is possible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN). For more information, please visit the website for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and type “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” in the search bar.

Directions to the Social Security Office

You can get hours of operation and driving directions to the nearest Social Security office at on “Find a Social Security Office”). You can find a bus that will get you to the Social Security office by visiting and using the “Yolobus Trip Planner.”

SISS, UC Davis, University House, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 ● 530-752-0864 ●

Rev. September 18