Immigration regulations restrict employment for F-1 or J-1 students, as their primary purpose is to study. You should contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services to obtain the appropriate work authorization before engaging in any form of employment. For immigration purposes, employment is defined as the exchange of services for any form of compensation, monetary or otherwise. Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your immigration status and may result in the termination of your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 record.
These are some of the employment options available to F-1 and J-1 students:
On-Campus Employment
Your F-1 and J-1 status permits you to work on EKU campus if your I-20 or DS-2019 was issued by EKU. To be eligible to work on-campus you must meet the following criteria:
You are enrolled full-time (except if you are approved for a reduced course load exceptions)
You are in good academic standing
You have a valid I-20 or DS-2019
You have a valid passport
Your employment is performed on EKU school premises or the employment is performed at a commercial firm which provide services to EKU students on campus, such as the school’s bookstore or Food Service
Your employment is only limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time, (21-40 hours) per week during school breaks and during summer if the department has the budget to pay for it
However, a student who is “out of status” is not eligible to work on campus.
On-campus Employment Authorization
For F-1 Students: F-1 students do not need permission from an EKU DSO/PDSO to work on campus.
For J-1 Exchange Students: J-1 exchange students need permission from an EKU DSO/PDSO before they can begin on-campus employment.
F-1 and J-1 students who are maintaining status are eligible to work on-campus. A student who is “out of status” is not eligible to work on campus.
On-campus employment must be performed on the school’s premises, at commercial firms which provide services for students on campus, such as the school’s bookstore or cafeteria or at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with Eastern Kentucky University.
On-campus employment is only limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time, (21-40 hours) per week during school breaks and during summer if your department has the budget to pay you full-time.
Curricular Practical Training
What Is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 student temporary work experience that is a required part of an established curriculum, this includes; alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).
CPT must be authorized by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services in accordance with the F-1 regulations.
Don’t begin employment without authorization!!!
Eligibility for CPT
To be eligible for CPT, you must meet the following criteria:
You are currently in valid F-1 status at Eastern Kentucky University.
You have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at EKU or at an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-approved college or university in the U.S. An exception to the one full academic year requirement may be granted to graduate students whose programs require immediate participation in CPT.
You must have offered employment that is directly related your major field of study.
You will continue to be enrolled full-time during the CPT.
You are in good academic standing. Minimum grade for undergraduates is 2.0 GPA; for Graduates is 3.0 GPA.
General Guidelines
Authorization
CPT can only be authorized by an international student advisor from an EKU DSO/PDSO if you meet all the CPT eligibility requirements.
You cannot start employment before obtaining CPT authorization.
CPT authorization must be obtained for every co-op, internship, practicum, student teaching etc.
CPT can be either paid or unpaid, but must be authorized regardless of payment.
CPT is authorized one semester at a time (Fall, Spring or Summer).
A student must submit a new CPT request (including all required documents), for each semester of CPT.
Duration
CPT can be either full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (less than 20 hours per week) as determined by the academic department.
Participation in 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Participation in CPT may begin on or after the first day of the semester, but must end by the last day of the semester.
Employer and Employment Information
CPT is authorized for a specific employer, location, number of hours and period of time. The employer’s name and address; and the exact start and end dates will be printed on page 2 of the Form I-20.
You are not allowed to work for an employer that is not listed on the I-20.
To work for two employers, you must obtain a separate authorization for each CPT employer. The new employer’s name, address and employment dates must be printed on page 2 of the Form I-20.
Class Registration Requirement
You must register for appropriate CPT class during the same semester that you are doing your practical training.
Students approved to CPT in the Fall or Spring semester, must be enrolled full-time during that period.
Students pursuing CPT in the summer are only required to enroll in the internship course, but may choose to take additional classes if they wish.
Types of CPT at EKU
Degree Requirement: An internship is a graduation requirement for all students in the degree program. This means that everyone in the program must do an internship or they will not be able to graduate.
Dissertation Research: A graduate student is required to engage in off-campus work experience to complete research necessary for his or her dissertation.
CPT Application Procedure
Students applying for F-1 Curricular Practical training (CPT) are encouraged to follow these steps when preparing their applications:
Determine your Eligibility for CPT. To determine your eligibility, you must do the following:
Read all the information about CPT regulation and application procedure from this website and;
Schedule an appointment with an international student advisor to discuss your eligibility, go over CPT regulation and application procedure.
Meet your Academic Advisor or Co-op Coordinator Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor and/or co-op/internship coordinator from the Center for Career and Co-op to discuss about your academic eligibility and interest in off-campus job opportunities. Afterwards, have your academic advisor fill out the Academic Adviser’s CPT Recommendation Form.
Get a Job Related to Your Major Field of Study Find a job and obtain Employment Offer Letter for the CPT from the company. If you need assistance in finding a job, contact the Center for Career and Co-op to set up an appointment with one of the Co-op/Intern Career Counselors. The Employment Offer Letter must be printed on the company’s letterhead and include the following information:
The start date and end date of employment
The number of hours per week you will be working
The physical location (street address, city, state, and zip code, not P.O. Box) where the job will be conducted
The name and contact of your supervisor
Job title and description of job duties
Complete Required Forms Please complete the following relevant documents for the CPT:
Ask your academic advisor to complete page 2 of the CPT Request Form
Complete the Co-op/Internship Application (if internship is done through the Center for Career and Co-op)
Register for the appropriate course for the CPT/internship experience
Turn in the Following Documents to an EKU DSO/PDSO
CPT Request Form (page 1 and page 2)
Employment Offer Letter
Copies of I-20, passport, visa and I-94
Copy of Co-op Job Application Form (if internship is done through the Center for Career and Co-op)
Class Schedule as proof of enrollment
The international advisor will review your documents, verify your F-1 status and confirm whether or not you are eligible to participate in CPT. If the advisor determines that you are eligible, they will issue you a new I-20 with the CPT authorization which includes the employer’s name, address and the specific dates of employment printed on page 2. You will be notified by email to pick up your I-20.
Please Note: The I-20 is the official document authorizing the CPT. Therefore, you must have the CPT authorization I-20 prior to work experience.
Submit New I-20 to your Employer and Begin Employment Please pick up your new I-20 and show it your employer. Your employer will make a copy of the I-20 and thereafter you can begin your employment. Remember, you can only work during the dates of employment authorized on the I-20.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 students directly related to their major fields of study. Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per degree level. Students holding certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT. OPT is authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but recommended by an EKU PDSO/DSO. The following are OPT types:
This is the OPT performed by an F-1 student before completion of their course of study.
Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time, 20 hours a week while school is in session. They can engage in full-time employment during their annual vacation and when school is not in session.
Eligibility You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet the following criteria:
You are currently in valid F-1 status
You have been enrolled full-time in F-1 status for at least one academic year (i.e. fall and spring semesters)
You have not previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the same degree level
You have not used 12 months or more of Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Guidelines
Students on pre-completion OPT are still required to meet the full-time enrollment requirement each semester except when school is not in session.
Pre-completion OPT must end by the students’ graduation date. If they still have additional OPT time left they must file for Post-completion OPT.
Time for pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12-months standard OPT eligibility at half (½) the full-time rate. That means a student who completed 6 months of Pre-completion OPT it is equivalent to 3 months of standard OPT.
Application Procedure Students are strongly encouraged to apply for OPT as soon as possible. You may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you will complete one academic year. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. It may take up to three months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your application.
Checklist
Submit the items listed below to an EKU PDSO/DSO to apply for OPT:
During the application process student’s will be required to upload the following.
A passport style picture, 2×2 on a white background from shoulders to a few inches above their head.
The I-20 they received from the PDSO/DSO with the OPT requested dates
Any previous I-20’s issued that have CPT Authorization
Any previously issued EAD cards from USCIS
Photo of your Passport or a PDF copy of your I-94
Before submitting the I-765 the student will have to pay the forms fee of $410
Only once the fee has been paid and the student has received a receipt number will the application be complete.
Processing time for any OPT application can take 4-16 weeks (about 3 and a half months).
Overview Post-Completion OPT is authorization that is granted to F-1 students after completion of their degree programs. Students authorized to participate in post-completion OPT must work full-time, more than 20 hours a week.
OPT is authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Processing could take up to 3 months after USCIS receives the application. However, we strongly recommend applying for OPT 90 days prior to your degree completion.
Eligibility You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet the following criteria:
You are currently in valid F-1 status
You have been enrolled full-time in F-1 status for at least one academic year ( i.e. fall and spring semesters)
You have not previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the same degree level
You have not used 12 months or more of Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Application Timeline To avoid delay or denial of your Post-completion OPT, please submit your application in timely manner and understand the following:
You may submit your Post-completion OPT application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no earlier than 90 days before the semester’s last day of class.
Your complete application and required documents must be received by USCIS within 30 days from the date your I-20 was issued by OISSS with the Post-completion OPT recommendation.
Your application will be DENIED if USCIS receives it after 30 days when the Post-completion OPT I-20 was issued.
How to Apply for Post-completion OPT Students are strongly encouraged to apply for OPT as soon as possible. You may apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before you complete your program of studies. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. It may take up to three months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your application.
Checklist Submit the items listed below to an EKU PDSO/DSO to apply for OPT:
During the application process student’s will be required to upload the following:
A passport style picture, 2×2 on a white background from shoulders to a few inches above their head.
The I-20 they received from the PDSO/DSO with the OPT requested dates
Any previous I-20’s issued that have CPT Authorization
Any previously issued EAD cards from USCIS
Photo of your Passport or a PDF copy of your I-94
Before submitting the I-765 the student will have to pay the forms fee of $410 Only once the fee has been paid and the student has received a receipt number will the application be complete.
Processing time for any OPT application can take 4-16 weeks (about 3 and a half months).
Mailing Your Complete Application to USCIS Please mail your application packet to the USCIS Lockbox mailing address below serving the state you listed on Form I-765 as place of residence. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date printed on the new OPT I-20. We strongly encourage you to send your application to USCIS by express mail.
Types of Acceptable Employment Students may accept any of these employment types, as long as it is related to the student’s field of study and the student works for at least 20 hours or more per week:
Multiple Employers: Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student’s degree program.
Short-Term Multiple Employers (performing artists): Students such as musicians and other type of performing artists may work for multiple short term employers (gigs). Students are asked to keep a list of all employer’s name, address, dates of employment, and the duration.
Self-employed Business Owners: Students can start their own businesses and be self-employed. They must be able to prove that they have the proper business licenses and that they are actively engaged in a business related to their degree programs.
Contract Employment (Work for hire): Students can work as independent contractors. Students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract period and the name and address of the contracting company if requested by DHS.
Employment through Agencies or Consulting Firms: Students can be employed through employment agencies or consulting firms, but must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agencies or the firms.
Paid Employment: Students may work at 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT or full time.
Unpaid Employment/ Volunteer Work: Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns in their fields of study, so long as it the practice does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for a student on post-completion OPT. They must be prepared to provide evidence from the employer to verify that they worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.
OPT Reporting Requirements All F-1 students on OPT are required to report within 10 days to an EKU PDSO/DSO the following information:
Warning! If you DO NOT report your OPT employment information to EKU or are UNEMPLOYED for more than 90 days after the OPT start date printed on your EAD card, the U.S. government will automatically terminate your F-1 SEVIS record. A terminated SEVIS record cancels your OPT authorization, F-1 status and requires you to leave the U.S.
Change of residential address, email address and phone number Report any change in your U.S. residential address, email address, and phone number directly to your SEVIS record using the SEVP Portal. Be sure that the local address you report reflects where you are currently living.
Employment information to report Any time you start, stop or change employment, you must report the information directly to your SEVIS record using the SEVP Portal. You will receive an email with instructions on creating an SEVP Portal account once your OPT is approved. This email will come from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk mail folder, otherwise email us at international@eku.edu. If you cannot report the information in SEVIS, please report it to our online form.
Leave the U.S. and end your OPT early If you have decided to return to your home country and not use your OPT authorization, please complete the OPT Withdrawal Form to inform us about your plan. We will complete your SEVIS record and report your departure from the United States.
Change in immigration status while in the U.S. If you have changed your immigration status, please complete the Change of Status Reporting Form to inform us about your change of status approval notice. We will work with USCIS to appropriately complete your SEVIS record.
Overview The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary employment or practical training that is directly related to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. (8 CFR 214, 8CFR 274). Additional information can be found on the Study in the States website, STEM OPT HUB.
Students with STEM degrees who are currently in their 12-month Post-completion OPT period may be eligible for an extension of their Post-Completion OPT work permission.
This rule provides the following to F-1 students:
It allows two STEM OPT Extensions per lifetime. However, the second STEM OPT extension must be based upon a degree completed at a higher educational level than the first one.
It requires students to complete a training plan (Form I-983) and annual self-evaluations and obtain employer’s signature.
It allows unemployment period of 150 days (90 days during the initial OPT authorization and an additional 60 days during the 24 month STEM extension.
Eligibility To qualify for the 24-Month OPT Extension:
You must currently be participating in a post-completion OPT based on the most recent degree (which can be or not be STEM-related).
You must hold a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM degree that is either a current or past degree earned at a U.S. school within the past 10 years of the date the designated school official (DSO) from EKU recommends the STEM OPT extension.
The school where you earned your STEM degree must be Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified and accredited.
Your employer must agree to complete and certify your Form I-983, formal training and learning objectives; to review your annual self-evaluation and sign it to confirm its accuracy and to report any material changes to existing Form I-983 to EKU.
Your employment must be a paid position; volunteering is unacceptable for STEM extension.
Your employment must be 20 hours or more per week
You have been unemployed less than 90 days during current post-completion OPT authorization.
You have not previously received the 24-month STEM OPT extension
You must be bona fide (genuine) employee of the employer signing the Form I-983. Therefore, self-employment is not acceptable.
Application Timeline To avoid delay or denial of your STEM OPT Extension application, please submit your application in timely manner and understand the following:
You may submit your STEM OPT Extension application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no earlier than 90 days before the expiration date of your current, 12-month post-completion OPT. However, we recommend that you submit your application to OISSS at least 110 days before the current OPT expires to allow ample time for processing.
The start date will be the day after the end date of the initial 12 month OPT authorization.
Your complete application and required documents must be received by USCIS within 60 days from the date your I-20 was issued by OISSS with the STEM OPT Extension recommendation.
Your application will be denied if USCIS receives it after the expiration date on your current EAD card or after 60 days when the STEM OPT Extension was issued.
You may continue employment up to 180 days while your application is still pending. Your post-completion OPT employer does not need to be the same as your STEM OPT Extension employer.
How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension Gather and Complete Required Forms
During the application process student’s will be required to upload the following.
A passport style picture, 2×2 on a white background from shoulders to a few inches above their head.
The I-20 they received from the PDSO/DSO with the OPT requested dates
Any previous I-20’s issued that have CPT Authorization
Any previously issued EAD cards from USCIS including the one you received for the original 12-month OPT
Photo of your Passport or a PDF copy of your I-94
Before submitting the I-765 the student will have to pay the forms fee of $410 Only once the fee has been paid and the student has received a receipt number will the application be complete.
Processing time for any OPT application can take 4-16 weeks (about 3 and a half months).
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements While you are on the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you are still in F-1 student status and considered an EKU student and so you must continue reporting to an EKU PDSO/DSO the following information:
Student Reporting Requirements There are several reporting requirements for students while on the STEM OPT extension. All reporting must be submitted to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) using the appropriate OPT Reporting Form or SEVP Portal.
Please note, any changes you report to us will be entered in your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record.
1. General Reporting During the STEM OPT extension period, the student must report to OISSS the following changes within 10 days of change:
Change of legal name
Change of residential or mailing address
Change of employer name, employer address and/or loss of employment
Change in employers (this requires a new completed and signed I-983 Training Plan)
Change of status (e.g. change from F-1 to H-1B etc.)
Departing U.S. before OPT end date
2. Six Months Validation Reports Students must submit validation reports every 6 months (6th, 12th, and 18th month) from the start of STEM OPT extension to confirm that student’s name, U.S. residential address, employer name and address, and employment status are correct. OISSS must then submit a validation report in your SEVIS record. The validation report should be submitted to OISSS at least 10 days before due dates. OISSS will give you estimated validation date at the time you apply for OPT STEM Extension and an email reminder before due date.
3. Student Self-Evaluations Students must submit a self-evaluation at the end of any employment and at the 12th and 24th month marks from the start date of the STEM extension. Students must complete and sign a self-evaluation on Form I-983 and obtain employer’s signature verifying accuracy of self-evaluation.
You must submit a final self-evaluation with the old employer if you change a job.
4. Material Changes to the Existing Training Plan Form I-983 If there are material changes to or deviations from the Form I-983 the student and employer must sign a modified training plan reflecting the material changes. The student must then submit the Form to OISSS within 10 days.
Material changes include, but are not limited to:
Change in employer’s EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Reduction in your compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked
A significant decrease in hours worked per week
Changes to the employer’s commitments or your learning objectives
Employer Reporting Requirements
The employer MUST complete and sign the Training Plan on Form I-983 along with the student.
The employer is required to report to EKU any job termination or early departure of an OPT student within five business days.
The employer must consider a student to have departed when the employer knows the student has left the practical training opportunity or if the student has not reported for work for a period of five consecutive business days without the employer’s consent.
Employers should report the termination or departure of an EKU student who is on the STEM OPT Extension by emailing us at international@eku.edu
Overview Cap-gap extension automatically extends the duration of F-1 students status, and sometimes their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization to September 30, if they are the beneficiaries of H-1B petitions subject to the cap accepted each year by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Eligibility To qualify for the extension, the student must be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that meets the following conditions:
Your employment is subject to the H-1B cap
Application has been timely filed (within the acceptance period)
Requested employment start date is October 1
You have maintained your F-1 immigration status
Your employer requested a change of status (rather than consular processing) on or after April 1
Cap-gap Extension I-20 Request To request a Cap-gap I-20, please submit the following via email to international@eku.edu:
Copy of your H-1B Receipt Notice or Approval Notice from USCIS
Copy of the front and back of your EAD Card
Severe Economic Hardship
Economic hardship employment is off-campus employment authorization that is for economic need, and is not required to be related to the student’s academic program of study. Off-campus employment may be authorized in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student’s enrollment in an academic program. This is a case-by-case exception made for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic hardship.
Eligibility for F-1 and J-1 Students
Degree Requirement: An internship is a graduation requirement for all students in the degree program. This means that everyone in the program must do an internship or they will not be able to graduate.
Dissertation Research: A graduate student is required to engage in off-campus work experience to complete research necessary for his or her dissertation.
How to apply for Severe Economic Hardship
You must file a Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization along with all the supporting documents specified in the Severe Economic Hardship Employment checklist.
Before you can submit your application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), please complete the Severe Economic Hardship Form and submit relevant documents to OISSS.
If the application is approved by USCIS, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (also known as Form I-766); and you can then begin working off-campus. Employment authorization is granted in increment of one year at a time.
Academic Training
Definition Academic training (AT) is a type of study-related employment for J-1 exchange students who want to participate in temporary employment related to their field of studies. The employment can be done while the student is pursuing studies or within 30 days following completion of studies. It allows a J-1 student to work part-time while classes are in session and full-time during vacation periods and full-time after completion of studies.
Academic training may be: (1) Paid or unpaid (2) Full-time or part-time (3) Done during your studies or; after the completion of studies (beginning no later than 30 days after the completion of studies).
Eligibility
You are primarily in the United States to study rather than to engage in academic training.
You are in good academic standing at the time of participation.
You are participating in academic training that is directly related to your major field of study listed on your Form DS-2019.
You have received a written approval in advance from both your academic advisor and the responsible officer in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
Time Limitations
Undergraduate and graduate students can do academic training for a maximum of 18 months.
Doctoral students can do academic training initially for 18 months and may be granted an extension of additional 18 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Non-degree students can do it for a maximum of 12 months.
Application Procedure
STEP 1: Obtain a job offer letter from your employer on the company’s letterhead that includes the following information:
Name of company
Location of academic training
Number of work hours per week
Beginning and ending dates of the training
STEP 2: Complete Part I of the Academic Training Recommendation Form and request your academic advisor or co-op representative to complete Part II of the form.
STEP 3: Submit all of the above documents for approval to OISSS.
STEP 4: Obtain approval from OISSS in the form of a new DS-2019. Your employer will need these documents.
Social Security Number
What is a Social Security Number? A Social Security Number is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-immigrants approved to work in the United States to determine their eligibility for Social Security benefits and to report their wages to the federal and state governments for taxation purposes. Therefore, every individual employed in the United States is required to have a Social Security Number. Current Social Security regulations require that an F-1 or J-1 student must have a job, before they are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Eligibility for an SSN Only students offered employment on campus or off campus are eligible to apply for Social Security Numbers. Please visit our Employment page to learn more about employment options available to F-1 and J-1 students. Students offered employment on campus or off campus must submit proof of employment to Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) to get a letter for the Social Security Number.
If you are a new student coming to the U.S. from abroad for the first time as an F-1 or J-1 student, please wait for at least 10 days from your date of entry into the United States to apply for an SSN. It takes this amount of time for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to transmit your arrival information and immigration status to the Social Security Administration.
Applying for a Social Security Number You must appear in person at the Social Security Administration Office with required documents below.
Required Documents Take the following original documents with you to the Social Security Administration Office:
Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card.
On Question #5, check “Legal Alien Allowed to Work”
Use an address that will be good for at least a month. Your card will be sent to this address.
Letter from the Office of International Student and Scholars Services certifying that you are an EKU student allowed to work. You can request the letter in person from our office or via our online form.
The Social Security Administration will send you a receipt showing that your application is in process. After 2-3 weeks you should receive your Social Security Card in the mail at the address you entered on your application. If you do not receive your card in that amount of time, call the social security office and inquire about your application.
If you need to know your social security number before you receive your card in the mail, take your receipt and immigration documents to the social security office. They will tell you what your number is.
