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Social Security Card Instructions for On-Campus Employment

If you have been offered an on-campus job or a graduate assistantship at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), you must obtain a Social Security card before you can begin working.

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Step 1: Start with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)

 

Bring proof of your employment to OISS:

• On-campus job offer: Provide the official offer letter from your hiring supervisor.

• Graduate Assistantship: Provide a signed copy of your assistantship contract.

OISS will then provide you with:

• An official OISS letter on letterhead

• A Social Security application form

• This set of instructions

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Step 2: Prepare Your Social Security Application

• Complete the Social Security application form before visiting the Social Security office.

• You must schedule and appointment before visiting the Social Security office. 

• Students scheduling an appointment online should note the following:

  • If you use a Coles County ZIP code, the system will automatically assign your appointment to the Champaign office.

  • If you prefer an appointment at the Effingham office, you must enter a ZIP code from Effingham’s service area (for example, 62401) when booking.

• Do not change the address in Box 16.

• Note: Social Security offices close at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

If you need transportation:

• Call Dial-A-Ride at 217-639-5169.

• If more than two students are going, call ahead to schedule or you may be asked to return another day.

 

Nearby Social Security offices:

• Effingham: 1-855-213-5288 (zip 62401)

• Champaign: 1-877-819-2593

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Step 3: Visit the Social Security Office

Bring the following original documents with you:

• Passport and Visa

• I-94

• I-20

• OISS letter and completed Social Security application

The Social Security office will process your application and give you a receipt.

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Step 4: Submit Your Receipt to OISS

• Bring the receipt to OISS, where it will be date-stamped.

• OISS will then issue you a temporary Social Security number.

Next steps:

• On-campus employees: Give the stamped receipt to your hiring supervisor.

• Graduate Assistants: Submit the stamped receipt to the Graduate School.

⚠️ Important: You cannot begin working until OISS has your receipt.

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Step 5: Receive Your Social Security Card

• OISS will notify you by email when your card arrives.

• You must pick it up in person—no one else may collect it on your behalf.

Tax Document Appointment

When you receive your Social Security card—and before your first paycheck of each calendar year—you must meet with Karly Coffey to complete your W-4 and other required tax documents.

To schedule an appointment, contact Karly at kbcoffey@eiu.edu.

Business Office location:

• Old Main, 1st floor, Room 1137

Bring the following original documents with you:

• Passport and Visa (original)

• I-20 (original)

• Social Security card (original)

• Dates of arrival and departure from the U.S.

• Contact information

Direct Deposit forms should be submitted to the Payroll Office, Old Main, 2nd floor, Room 2011.

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F-1 Student Employment Reminders

• F-1 students may only work on-campus.

• You must receive employment authorization from a Designated School Official in OISS before beginning work.

• Working without authorization will result in termination of your SEVIS record and immediate loss of legal status. If an F-1 student does not follow the terms of their nonimmigrant status as stated in the regulations, OISS will report the violation by terminating the student in SEVIS. Once terminated, the student must depart the country immediately. 

• Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session.

• Graduate Assistants must follow the hours specified in their contracts.

 

For more information, visit our Employment Information Page.

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