Important Announcement for F-1 Visa Students: Social Security Number (SSN) Application – Document Signature Requirements

We would like to bring to your attention an important update regarding recent experiences at

local Social Security Administration (SSA) offices.

Several students have reported that SSA officials are requiring original hard copies of

supporting documents—including the Form I-20 with a wet (ink) signature—when applying

for a Social Security Number (SSN). These offices have advised that SSNs cannot be issued if

the I-20 contains an electronic signature, even though SEVP guidance since March 2020

permits the use of digitally signed I-20s for most official purposes.

Please request a new I-20 with a wet signature from your Designated School Official (DSO) to

avoid delays in processing.