Graduate Studies

Applying for a Social Security Number

All employed international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).  Western Illinois University, as the employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate.  For this reason, every employee must have a valid SSN registered with the University at the time of employment or as soon after as possible. 

You must present your SSN to the Office of Human Resources within 30 days of your start date, or you will no longer be eligible to work until it is received. 

Step 1. Once you have begun working, complete the Request for Employment Verification Google Form .  

Step 2: Collect your Employment Verification Form.   

  • You will receive an email once the form is ready to be collected. 

Step 3: Complete the Social Security Trip Request Form:

  • Several trips to Quincy will be scheduled and information will be sent out to the international student listserv.
  • If you will travel to Quincy on your own, you will need to request an appointment after completing the online application. 

Step 4: Complete the online application and screenshot/ print the reference number at the end. https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time

  • Important: List Human Resources Office, Sherman Hall 105 for the mailing address and make sure to complete the question about your birth mother's name.

Step 5: Take the following documents to your appointment at the Social Security Office within 30 of your employment start date: 

The original AND a copy of: 

Students who have been hired by Sodexo will also need to take their Sodexo paperwork to the appointment.

Local Social Security Administration offices include:

  • 2401 Lind Street, Quincy, IL 62301, Phone 888-279-5999 (Requires an appointment)
  • 2060 Windish Drive, Galesburg, IL 61401, Phone 877-405-7659 (Requires an appointment)