Before You Come to Caltech

Social Security Number

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number that identifies you. A SSN is important because you need it to get a job, it is used to keep track of your earnings, collect social security benefits, and receive some other government services. Other businesses and credit companies may also ask for your number.

It is imperative that you do not apply for a SSN before your check in at the Postdoctoral Scholar and Visitor Affairs office. Doing so will cause substantial delay in obtaining your SSN. The Postdoctoral Scholar Specialist will assist you in filling out the SSN application.
But you must not submit the SSN application until you receive an e-mail from your Postdoctoral Scholar Specialist to do so, usually within two weeks.

To submit the SSN application, you need to go to the Social Security Office in Pasadena which is within walking distance from Caltech. Please follow the map your Postdoctoral Scholar Specialist has provided to you earlier, and bring the following:

1. Your SSN application
2. Your passport
3. All immigration documents
4. Your appointment letter from Caltech

It normally takes three to six weeks to process a SSN application. Your SSN and card will be mailed to the Postdoctoral Scholar and Visitor Affairs office at Caltech and your Postdoctoral Scholar Specialist will call you for pick up. While you are waiting for your SSN application to be processed, you will receive pay from Caltech.

Since the SSN number and card is your identity, it is very important that you keep it safe to prevent identity theft. Landlords and other businesses may sometimes ask for your social security number. Be sure you verify why the number is needed and use discretion when giving it out.

For more information:  
How to obtain a Social Security Number
The How To

Spouses and dependants of postdoctoral scholars are only able to obtain a social security number if they are work-eligible in the US, for example, for J-2 spouses.

For questions about SSN, please contact Fran Manley or Renee Soriano.