ciee - council on international educational exchange

Hurricane Irene Approaches U.S. East Coast

As Hurricane Irene makes its way to the east coast, CIEE wants to provide some useful information on what to do if your community is affected. We will continue to post updates to the CIEE website and provide email updates and news that will be helpful to you. You can also call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 at any time if you have questions about the storm. Please see below for helpful safety tips in preparation for the storm’s arrival:

Stay informed. Watch local news for storm updates. If Hurricane Irene is a serious threat to your community, evacuation instructions will be provided on the local news networks. You may also view updates on Hurricane Irene on the National Weather Service website.
The American Red Cross may arrive in your community if the hurricane does happen. They are an excellent emergency response organization and we ask you to look at their website to learn their latest news on the storm: http://www.redcross.org/.
Local authorities or the Red Cross may organize storm shelters for your safety. These shelters are excellent places to go, even if you only have questions. If there is a shelter available and the hurricane will be in your area, CIEE strongly advises you to go there for your safety.
Please know the police and fire departments are friendly and they will help you in an emergency situation.
Prepare yourself. CIEE encourages you to read more about hurricanes on the National Weather Service and the Red Cross websites. They offer excellent ideas for how to safely prepare for a hurricane storm.

Ask your employer if Hurricane Irene will affect your town if you’re not sure. Your employer may have experienced these storms in the past and will be able to tell you what to expect and what to do.

In the event that you must move to a temporary shelter, and if you have access to email or a telephone, please let us know where you are and that you are safe. If necessary, we will notify your CIEE agent in your home country so that they can notify your parents. You can email us at contact@ciee.org or call us, toll-free, at 1-888-268-6245.

Social Security Number

Apply For A Social Security Number

All participants must apply for and receive a Social Security Number. You need a Social Security Number in order to be paid and file your tax return.

Unless you already have a Social Security Number, you must apply for one. You must wait at least 48 hours after registering for SEVIS and the Social Security Administration recommends waiting at least 10 days after your arrival in the United States before applying.

How To Apply

Visit the nearest Social Security office and apply in person for your Social Security Number. You will need to bring the following:

DS-2019
Passport & J-1 Visa
I-94 card
Dear Social Security Officer Letter

You can complete the application form in advance to save time. Visit www.ssa.gov and download form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card.

After You Apply

The Social Security Officer should give you a receipt. This is an important document, and you should make sure you get it before leaving their office. You may need to provide it to your host organization to show that you are eligible to begin your internship.

You can also download the CIEE Legal Opinion Letter and provide this to your host organization. This letter states that you are eligible to earn a paycheck even if you do not have your Social Security Number yet. If your employer has any questions about your work eligibility, ask them to contact CIEE for assistance.

You should check on the status of your application within a week to 10 days after applying. This simple step guarantees that your application is being processed and there are no delays. When you check on the status of your application, be sure to bring your critical documents along with your application receipt. Your number may already be available. Your card will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on your application. A successful application may take between four and six weeks.

When Will My Social Security Card Arrive In The Mail?

If you follow the steps above, you can expect to receive your Social Security Number in four to six weeks. It’s very important that the address you use on the application is accurate. If the address on your application changes before you receive your Social Security card, simply visit any Social Security Administration office and update your mailing address.

What If I Already Have A Social Security Number?

If you already have a Social Security Number, you do not need to apply for another one.

If you do not have your physical Social Security card and you do not remember your Social Security Number, you can visit any Social Security Administration office to replace your card for free. To find an office near you, please visit: www.ssa.gov/locator.