Social Security Information
Information for H-1B Employees
A Social Security Number is required in order to be employed at Portland State. To obtain a Social Security Number:
- Wait to apply at least 10 days after your arrival in the U.S. If you do not wait, you may experience lengthy delays in getting your Social Security Number.
- Take the following items to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office:
- Completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Employment Offer Letter from PSU
- Employment Authorization Letter from the International Faculty Advisor (obtained after I review your immigration documents)
- Original I-797 Approval Notice (approval of your H-1B petition)
- Passport with visa stamp and I-94 Departure Card (small white paper stapled in your passport)
The Social Security office nearest to PSU is located at:
1538 SW Yamhill
Portland, OR 97205
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This office is accessible via the Portland streetcar line, which also runs through PSU’s campus.
Other Social Security Office Locations
- 211 NE Schuyler Street, Portland, OR 97212
- 17421 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97267
- 11950 SW 2nd Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
- 16145 East Burnside, Portland, OR 97233
Application and Next Steps
- Be sure to provide a valid local mailing address in your application, as Social Security will mail your Social Security Card with the Social Security Number to the address you provide.
- Make sure you request a receipt from Social Security. Your receipt is the only proof of employability you have until you receive your card in the mail. The receipt is valid for 90 days.
- After applying for a card and getting a receipt, take the following documents to the Human Resources (HR) office:
- Copy of letter of offer
- Receipt for your application for a Social Security Number
- Employment Authorization letter from the International Faculty Advisor
- Passport with visa stamp and I-94 Departure Card
- When you receive your Social Security card, you are REQUIRED to take it to HR so it can be copied for your file.
- Memorize your Social Security number, and keep your card in a safe place; do not routinely carry it with you. Be careful about sharing your Social Security number, even when you are asked for it. For more on protecting your personal information, see Your Social Security Number And Card and Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. See “When am I legally required to provide my Social Security number?” on the Social Security website’s “Questions” as well.