Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

Social Security Number

The Social Security number is a U.S. taxpayer identification number intended only for use related to employment in the U.S. The SSN does not represent permission to work, nor is it proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. Once you obtain the SSN, it is your number forever and may be used on future visits to the U.S. You should not have more than one SSN.

How to Apply for the SSN

1. Once you are offered an on-campus job, you will either receive a New Hire EPAF (Electronic Personnel Action Form) via email or work with your employer to fill out a hiring document to confirm your hiring. Employers can download blank hiring documents on the Hofstra portal. 2. Request a Social Security letter from International Student Affairs. To obtain this letter, please fill in the SSN Letter Request e-form and submit with your signed Hofstra hiring document or a copy of your New Hire EPAF email (whichever one your employer provides). ISA e-forms are available at https://internationalforms.hofstra.edu. 3. International Student Affairs will notify you when the letter is ready to be picked up. Then, email the letter from International Student Affairs to the Student Employment office at student-employment@hofstra.edu with the subject line ”International Student New Hire” to request an additional letter verifying your employment. 4. Complete the application for the SSN. Information on how to apply for the SSN, including what documents to bring, is posted on the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov. Be sure to bring the physical, hand-signed I-20 ISA provides with your SSN letter to the SSA. 5. Apply for the SSN at a Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. If you live on campus, make an appointment at the Freeport SSA office located at 84 N. Main St., Freeport, NY 11520. If you live off campus, the SSA location is determined by your residence’s ZIP code. Check where you should go here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. At the SSA office, be sure to ask for a receipt or a letter of verification indicating that you have applied for the SSN. 6. Email the SSA receipt letter to Student Employment for review of your eligibility to begin work and for further instructions. 7. The SSA will mail your Social Security card to the address indicated on your application. Once you receive your card, contact Student Employment via email for further instructions. Please do not email your Social Security number or images of your Social Security card!

If you need an immigration lawyer, it is recommended to hire a licensed lawyer who specializes only in immigration law. Make sure the lawyer is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). You can find a lawyer through AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search at www.ailalawyer.com. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing a lawyer:

• Cost is important, but make sure you hire a reputable lawyer who can dedicate sufficient time to your case. If the price seems too good to be true, that lawyer may lack experience or take on too many clients. • Get a referral from a reliable source, such as a trusted friend or acquaintance who has worked with the lawyer before and can recommend their services. If you do not know anyone who has worked with an immigration lawyer before, ask the lawyer for references from previous clients. • Generally, most lawyers will charge a fixed legal fee, which is preferable to hourly rates. If there is no fixed fee, be sure to ask for an estimate of the cost based on how long it will take to file your case. Insist on a written contract that details all fees and expenses, and make sure you receive a receipt, especially if you pay cash. If terms change, get a written explanation. • Do not believe anyone who claims to know about secret laws or regulations, or says they have connections or special influence with any agency. An ethical lawyer would never make illegal or suspicious suggestions such as lying on an application or taking money to bribe a USCIS officer. • Talk to several lawyers so that you can compare them to get a sense of their knowledge, honesty, and work ethic.

This will help you determine if they will be a good fit for you. • Be aware of confidentiality issues when filing petitions such as H-1B, where there may be dual representation (for example, where the same lawyer is representing both the employer and you, the employee). In such cases, the lawyer may not be able to keep the information you provide confidential from your employer without prior consent from both sides.