Office of International Affairs

Important Update: Court Action on Duration of Status (D/S) Rule:
On Monday, September 14, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Presidents' Alliance et al. v. DHS) has issued an injunction, temporarily blocking DHS from implementing this rule for F and J visa holders. As a result, the rule ending D/S will NOT take effect on September 15th as originally scheduled, and the current D/S framework remains in place for now.

What this means is that:

  • You and your dependents may continue to be admitted and to remain in the U.S. for Duration of Status, as long as you continue to comply with the terms of your program.
  • You do not currently need to apply for an Extension of Stay under the fixed-admission-period system the new rule would have created
  • If you are an F-1 student, you are not subject to the rule's new limits on changing your educational objective, transferring institutions, or pursuing additional programs of study – these restrictions also do not go into effect while the preliminary injunction is in place.
  • No action is required on your part at this time.
Please note that this is a preliminary court order, not a final resolution. The administration may appeal, and the underlying litigation is ongoing. The rule may still take effect later, depending on how the case proceeds. We will continue to monitor developments closely and update you as soon as anything changes.

 


On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule establishing a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for F nonimmigrant academic students and J exchange visitors. This rule is effective on September 15, 2026, and will impact several aspects of the F-visa and J-visa program regulations. For detailed information regarding the DHS Final Rule, we encourage you to visit Study in the States, the official online resource managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) by clicking HERE. Accordingly, updates to our website content are in progress.

 

Having a Social Security Number (SSN) is necessary when you're employed in the United States. It's used to track your earnings and future Social Security benefits. This guide will outline the requirements for obtaining an SSN based on different employment options. Review the details below to understand what documents you'll need to provide. 

On-Campus Positions Through JobX

Before you can request an SSN application, you must first apply through JobX (located in the SharkLink portal). Once your supervisor hires you, they'll electronically confirm your I-9 with Human Resources. Student Employment will then contact you to submit the following documents in person to NSU's One-Stop Shop:

  • Unexpired Passport
  • Printed and Signed I-20 Form
  • Printed I-9 Form

After submitting your documents to the One-Stop Shop, Student Employment will process them and send you an email for pickup. This email includes a letter for the Social Security Office. You will need to have this letter signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Affairs before making an appointment with the Social Security Office. 

You will need to bring the following documents to your Social Security Office appointment:

If you do not receive your SSN Request Letter, email studentemployment@nova.edu. 

On-Campus Positions Not Through JobX

For on-campus positions outside JobX (research assistants, Chartwells, bookstore, etc.), you will need to provide the Office of International Affairs with evidence of employment (a job offer on NSU letterhead from your employer). Please ensure your employer includes:

  • Your Full Name and Student ID
  • Job Title
  • Number of Weekly Hours
  • Employer's Name and Contact Information
  • Employer's Signature

The Office of International Affairs will email you when your SSN Request Letter is ready for pickup. Ensure your letter has been signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Affairs before making an appointment with the Social Security Office. 

You will need to bring the following documents to your Social Security Office appointment:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Positions

Once you have been approved for a CPT position, you will need to provide the Office of International Affairs with the approved CPT application packet and evidence of employment (a job offer on NSU letterhead from your employer). Please ensure your employer includes:

  • Your Full Name and Student ID
  • Job Title
  • Number of Weekly Hours
  • Employer's Name and Contact Information
  • Employer's Signature

The Office of International Affairs will email you when your CPT Authorized I-20 is ready for pickup. You will need to bring the following documents to your Social Security Office appointment:

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Positions

When you are applying for OPT on the I-765, there will be a place to indicate that you are requesting an SSN. 

Learn More About the OPT Process

Locate a Social Security Office

You can locate your nearest Social Security Office, check the status on your application, and find answers to many of your questions online. 

Social Security Office Locator

Contact Us

Phone:
(954) 262-7240 or
800-541-6682, ext. 27240

Email:
intl@nova.edu

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and major holidays

Address:

Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive
Horvitz Admin. Bldg, 2nd Floor 
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004