What is SSN ( Social Security Number )
In US each person working legally is issued a nine digit number which is called social security number.SSN is very important and should be kept confidential unless requried.There is good chance of identity theft if your SSN falls in "wrong intelligient hands"International students who are on F-1 visa are allowed to work on the university campus or as interns in firms only.Off-campus jobs are illegal and the student is subject to deportation if caught.
As as international student you need to have a SSN which you can get only after you are hired in any of the departments in SFSU.

Following is the procedure to apply for SSN at SFSU after you get an appointment letter
a) Go to Financial Aid counter in Student Service Building and ask for OIP referral form.The student advisor will issue you a white colour OIP referral form.
b) Take the appointment letter with a photocopy of your passport and I-20 and tell the international student advisor that you have an appointment letter from so and so department and needs OIP letter to apply for SSN
c) The international student advisor will verify your records internally and will issue you a letter from OIP.OIP takes around 7 days to process the letter
d) Once you get the letter from OIP you have to wait for few days.Go to the SSN office after around 12-15 days you have arrived. This is important because US authorities take around 10 days to refresh your entry into US.Take the appointment letter,OIP letter,orignal passport and I-20 to Social Security office.

e) US authorities at Social Security office provide assistance in applying for SSN.Please ask the SS officer whether your records have been updated or not as you might have trouble in getting your SSN if your records are not updated and you apply for SSN.The officers at Social Security are used to this query and are more than happy to check your records as it is less trouble for them too.
f) Once you apply fro SSN you will get a Social Security Card at the address mentioned in SSN application.Memorize the number and do not disclose it with anyone.