A Social Security Card/Number (SSN) will be issued to you only if you have employment with compensation, for example, a teaching assistantship or a graduate student research appointment.  If you have a fellowship, you will not get a SSN.  There is no application fee to get the SSN, but you must apply in person with your passport and the following documentation: 

F-1 visa: I-20 ID, I-94, and a letter certifying your employment and F-1 status.  Both your on-campus employer and the International Student Advisor must sign this letter.  The format for the letter is established and available from your on-campus employer or the International Education Center.   Please see our Social Security Sample Letter under the Forms tab on this website.

J-1 visa: I-20 ID, I-94, and a letter certifying your employment and J-1 status.  Both your on-campus employer and the International Student Advisor must sign this letter.  The format for the letter is established and available from your on-campus employer or the International Education Center. Please see our Social Security Sample Letter under the Forms tab on this website

The closest SSA office is located at:
7880 Mission Grove Parkway South
Riverside, CA 92508
(800) 772-1213 or (951) 276-6145
Office Hours: M-F 9am-4:30pm

    SSN Letter