Letter Request

Letter Request (including SSN)

This page describes the different types of letters you can request from ISSS.  

Social Security Status Letter

Students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 visa status who are legally employed are required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for payroll identification purposes. Students are only required to apply for a SSN once.  Students who are not employed are not permitted to obtain a Social Security Number.

A Social Security number does not give a student the legal authority to work. Work authorization is dependent upon a student’s visa status and a student should always consult with ISSS about obtaining work authorization prior to starting a position.  Working without appropriate authorization is a serious violation of your immigration status which can result in the following: loss of status; the need to depart the US; and/or the loss of eligibility for future benefits and statuses.

The earliest a student can request a SSN is 30 days before a position starts.  Students who have recently arrived to the U.S. must complete all DHS/SEVIS check-in requirements before applying.

Letters of Ineligibility: If you need proof that you are ineligible for a SSN because you do not have employment (such as for a NYS Driver's License), you should bring the following documentation to the Social Security Administration Office to request a letter of ineligibility: passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, most recent I-94, and an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar.

Step 1: Obtain an Employment Verification Letter from your supervisor

The student must have a paid position for which they have work authorization.  The student must obtain an employment verification letter from their supervisor containing the following:

• Name of the Student
• Description of Employment
• Anticipated or Actual Start Date (cannot apply for SSN more than 30 days before start date)
• Number of hours student is expected to work
• Employer identity number (EIN)
• Employer contact information, including telephone number and name of immediate supervisor
• Verification of employment status (i.e. student has been hired)
• Original signature (in ink) with signatory’s title and date- must be a wet signature with a pen.
• Must be on letterhead

If the student has already started a job, he or she must be prepared to show a recent pay stub which includes their name and identifies the employer.  Here is a sample employer letter you can use to draft a letter with your employer.

Step 2: Request a Status Letter from UAlbany ISSS

1. EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
2. Select the "Social Security Status Letter Request" from the EForm menu.
3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.
4. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Step 3: Apply for a SSN with the Social Security Administration

Once you have both letters please go to the SSA’s website to complete an online application.  Save your case number at the end.  After filling in the online form you must schedule an appointment to appear in person at the local SSA Office and present all of the following documents.  You must bring originals, not photocopies:

• A valid passport
• Printout of your most recent I-94 
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Employment Verification letter from Employer with original, wet signature (done with a pen)
• Status Letter from ISSS
• A pay stub if you have one
• Your case number from your online application
• EAD card if you have one

The Social Security Office is located in the O’Brien Federal Building. Their address is: 11 A Clinton Ave, Room 430, Albany NY 12207.  They are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Please call them to schedule an appointment: 1-800-772-1213 (national hotline).

Step 4: Provide your SSN to your Human Resources Office

You will receive your SSN card in the mail about 3-6 weeks after applying.  Once you receive it, bring the SSN card to Human Resources.  Do not share your SSN with others; it should only be shared with those who have a legitimate purpose to know it, such as your Human Resources Office.

Visa Status Letter

If you are renewing your F-1 or J-1 visa in your home country, please first review the page on travel information.  

Now that you have reviewed and understand all of the above information, you may submit a Visa Status Letter request form:

1. EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
2. Select the "Visa Status Letter" from the EForm menu.
3. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

General Status Letter

If you are requesting proof of enrollment at the University and are currently registered full-time (i.e. 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students), you can request an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar.  These types of letters are often requested if you are applying for a tourist visa to another country (for example, a Schengen visa).

If you need a general status letter and are on an authorized reduced course load, or if you need a specific type of letter from ISSS that does not meet the categories listed above, you may submit an E-Form request for a General Status Letter.  Please be detailed about the type of letter you are requesting while completing the form.

Now that you have reviewed and understand all of the above information, you may submit a General Status Letter request form:

1. EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
2. Select the "General Status Letter" from the EForm menu.
3. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Invitation Letters for Family 

ISSS does not write invitation letters for family visiting the U.S., however we have compiled instructions to assist family and friends with applying for a tourist visa (B visa).  It includes a template letter students may use to invite family and friends.  

• Inviting your relatives to the US for a Visit (Tourist visa: B-2) Information & Sample Letter
• Department of State Website on Visitor Visas

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.