Letter Request (including SSN)

Social Security Status Letter

F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) up to 30 days before they start employment. A SSN number is required for I-9 purposes. The employer hiring a student must write the student an official offer letter which the student should take to ISSS to obtain a secondary letter. A sample employer offer letter for SSN purposes is available here.

Students are only required to obtain one SSN during their lifetime. A Social Security number does not give a student the legal authority to work. Work authorization is dependent upon a student’s visa status and a student should always consult with ISSS regarding work authorization prior to beginning any employment. Working without appropriate authorization is a serious violation of a student's immigration status which can result in the following: loss of status; accrual of unlawful presence and a potential bar on reentering the US; the need to depart the US; and/or the loss of eligibility for future benefits and statuses.

Please note: For new students, there will be a waiting period of up to 15 days before the Social Security Administration will be able to verify the student's immigration and visa documentation.

"Letters of Ineligibility": if you are applying for a driver's license and need proof that you are ineligible for a SSN because you do not have employment, you should bring the following documentation to the Social Security Administration Office to request a letter of ineligibility: passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, most recent I-94, and an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar.

Now that you have reviewed and understand all of the above information, you may submit a Social Security Status Letter request form:

1. Click here to navigate to the AccessISSS online system. If you are logging in from off campus you must be logged in through the University's VPN.  Login with your UAlbany NetID (ex: AA123456) and password.
2. Watch this recording to help you navigate to the EForm menu.
3. Select the "Social Security Status Letter Request" from the EForm menu.
4. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions webpage.
5. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Once you receive your letter from ISSS, you can apply for a Social Security Number through the Social Security Administration.  Please review the instructions for what to bring with you to the Social Security Administration.

Visa Status Letter

If you are renewing your F-1 or J-1 visa in your home country, please first review the page on travel, here.  

General Status Letter

If you are requesting proof of enrollment at the University and are currently registered full-time (i.e. 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students), you can request an enrollment verification letter form the Registrar.  These types of letters are often requested if you are applying for a tourist visa to another country (for example, a Schengen visa).

If you need a general status letter and are on an authorized reduced course load, or if you need a specific type of letter from ISSS that does not meet the categories listed above, you may submit an E-Form request for a General Status Letter.  Please be detailed about the type of letter you are requesting while completing the form.

Now that you have reviewed and understand all of the above information, you may submit a General Status Letter request form:

1. Click here to navigate to the AccessISSS online system.  Login with your UAlbany NetID (ex: AA123456) and password.
2. Watch this recording to help you navigate to the EForm menu.
3. Select the "General Status Letter" from the EForm menu.
4. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

J-1 On Campus Employment Authorization Letter Request

This EForm is intended for J-1 students seeking on-campus employment authorization. This EForm is for J-1 students sponsored by UAlbany only.  If you are a J-1 student with a third party sponsor (e.g. Fulbright, LASPAU) please contact your J-1 sponsor to request the work authorization letter.

J-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester, with more hours possible over the annual breaks while classes aren't in session (with advanced permission from ISSS and the supervising department/supervising Human Resources).  Prior to starting work the J-1 student must obtain written authorization (a letter) from the program sponsor (ISSS).

To request a J-1 On Campus Employment Authorization letter, please:

1. Click here to navigate to the AccessISSS online system.  Login with your UAlbany NetID (ex: AA123456) and password.
2. Watch this recording to help you navigate to the EForm menu.
3. Select the "J-1 On Campus Employment Authorization Letter" from the EForm menu.
4. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions webpage.
5. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Invitation Letters for Family 

ISSS does not write invitation letters for family visiting the U.S., however we have compiled instructions to assist family and friends with applying for a tourist visa (B visa).  It includes a template letter students may use to invite family and friends.  

• Inviting your relatives to the US for a Visit (Tourist visa: B-2) Information & Sample Letter
• Department of State Website on Visitor Visas

Disclaimer:
The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form. Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.