Social security numbers are primarily intended to identify participants in the federal government's social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. However, they are now widely used for administrative and identification purposes. ALL persons seeking employment of any kind must obtain a Social Security number before payment can be received.
The Social Security Administration holds the view that a Social Security Number should be issued only for employment reasons; however, having a social security number makes it easier for you to open a bank account, obtain a credit card or get insurance.
Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You must apply in person at one of two Social Security Offices in the Stanford area:
Phone number: (800) 772-1213
MOUNTAIN VIEW:
700 East El Camino, Suite 350. Mountain View, CA 94040.
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Phone: (650) 961-5324
Directions:
Car: Take El Camino Real and continue until HWY 85. The office is located right after, between HWY 85 and Sylvan Avenue, 4 blocks from the Sunnyvale/Mountain View border.
Public Transportation: Take Bus line 22 Southbound on El Camino Real until Sylvan Avenue Bus Stop. Walk half a block backward to the SSA office.
REDWOOD CITY:
601 Allerton Street, Second floor, Redwood City, CA 94063
Office hours: M-F. 9 am to 4:00 pm. Phone: (650) 363-0665
Directions:
Car:From 101 take Whipple exit, go south on Veterans to Brewster; turn right, go two blocks to Allerton and turn left.
For more information, visit http://www.ssa.gov.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
Stanford's Bechtel International Center serves as a focal point for interaction among foreign and U.S. students and visiting scholars at the University. It houses the International Student Advising Office, the Foreign Scholar Office, CCIS, the International Speakers Bureau, the Advisor to International Families, the Resource Center for International Families, the Overseas Resource Center, and the Office of International Visitors. The I-Center is a non-residential facility, which operates as an administrative, service, and program unit of the University. It provides opportunities for direct international experiences, which contribute to international understanding, an important component of education at Stanford.
How to stay in touch with the I-Center
- The I-Center's web site: Contains information from the Bechtel International Center, which is of use and interest to international visitors.
- Subscribe to "The Social" "The Social" is a Bechtel International Center e-mail publication announcing events at the I-center such as films, dances, arts, and social events. To subscribe, go to this web site.
Involvement at the International Center
During your stay here, you may wish to get involved in some of the many opportunities available through the I-Center. One way to do so is to volunteer at the Overseas Resource Center (ORC), the International Speakers Bureau (ISB), or the Office of International Visitors (OIV).
- The Overseas Resource Center (ORC) is a comprehensive information and advising center for U.S. students interested in studying and/or working abroad. A peer advising system exists for those students wishing first-hand information on specific countries from foreign nationals.
- The International Speakers Bureau offers a chance to share your culture or special interest at the I-Center or with local schools and community groups. Your perspectives on world affairs and your experiences growing up in your home country can provide a valuable learning experience for various audiences. Local groups requesting speakers include community organizations and university groups seeking first-hand knowledge about world events and issues; high school classes studying world history, civilization, politics, cooking, or foreign languages; and elementary school classes learning about a particular country or region. Participants in the program have enjoyed the opportunity to visit schools and meet with local residents and help others to learn about their country.
If you or your spouse/partner would like to consider possible speaking engagements in the community, please complete the "Resource Person Information" questionnaire available at the upstairs information desk at the I-Center. For more information, please contact the ISB coordinator, Gwyn Dukes, at (650) 723-1834.- The Office for International Visitors coordinates programs for short-term visits by international scholars, scientists, public officials, and other visitors coming to Stanford University.
Students and scholars come to Stanford from over 100 countries and many are involved in the numerous international clubs that can play an important role in social and cultural life on campus. Many of these organizations are active throughout the year hosting dinners, film series, seminars and dances.. An up to date list of international organizations and contact persons can be obtained from the I-Center and also from our web site.
Community Committee for International Students
CCIS is an organization of community volunteers whose members work closely with the I-Center in providing services for international students, visiting scholars, andtheir family members during their stay at Stanford. CCIS members welcome newly arrived international students and scholars and facilitate international friendship through the hospitality program.
CCIS also offers English classes, English-In-Action partnerships, American cooking classes, Home Hospitality (a chance to meet local families in their homes) and a Loan Closet where household items may be borrowed.
"Participation in CCIS programs is a mutually enriching experience, both for CCISmembers and for our international friends. The sharing of our lives and our cultures often leads not only to increased understanding but also to lifelong friendships. CCIS members look forward to welcoming you!"
For more information on programs, please visit the CCIS web site or call the CCIS office at (650) 326-5252 or ask for information at the I-Center.
Opportunities for Families of International Scholars
The I-Center extends a warm welcome to the spouses (wives or husbands) and partners of international students and visiting scholars at Stanford. It is our hope that your time at Stanford will be an enriching experience for every member of your family.
While the scholar will be facing academic and research challenges, each spouse or partner will be facing a somewhat different, but also important, challenge in building and adjusting to a new life here.
To assist individuals and families in creating a satisfying and successful experience, the I-Center has both a staff Advisor to International Families and a Resource Center for International Families. The advisor is in charge of planning programs of general interest and is available for consultation regarding a wide range of campus and community resources. More information is available on our web site.
To reach the Advisor, Gwyn Dukes, send an email to gdukes@stanford.edu, call her (650) 723-1834, or visit her office in Room 214 at the I-center (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2-4:30)
Resource Center for International Families
The Resource Center for International Families located in the west hallway of the main level of the International Center, is designed to be a one-stop information center for spouses and family members who accompany international scholars, students and visiting faculty to Stanford. The Center is staffed by volunteer spouses/partners from several countries, and it has an extensive collection of information relevant to settling in the Stanford area and establishing an interesting, satisfying and enjoyable life here.
Programs and classes for international spouses
Several general programs and classes of special interest to international spouses are offered through the I-center and its volunteer counterpart, The Community for International Students (CCIS). Spouses are encouraged to take an active role in planning and presenting programs for the international community.
The fall quarter Orientation Program for New International Students will include events for wives, husbands and partners of students, hosted by returning spouses from a wide variety of countries. You need not speak English to attend these programs; we hope to put you in touch with other couples or families who speak your language.
Spouses Program Mailing List
The spouse program mailing list is also a good way to get the latest information on activities for spouses, partners and families. To subscribe, go to this web site.