Weird question about SSNs

I am Canadian but when I was a student 18 years ago in the US, I was given a US SSN so that I could work "on campus only". I was under the impression it was a "temporary" number. I no longer can find the card but I have the number. When I start working in the US in a few weeks, do you think I'll have to apply for another number or just use this one? Has anyone heard of a "temporary" number?? - it was so long ago and i was so young and clueless I may have misunderstood the temporary thing. I have tried calling Social security but can't get through. I'm asking because I'll need a bank account for my first paycheck at the end of January and am worried I won't get a new SSN in time.

There has never been temporary SSNs. You had temporary work status, but your SSN is valid (and yours) forever.

You might want to go to a local SSA office when you are in the US to get a new card -- or do a mail-in -- as employers are a bit leery to take a foreigner's word on SSN these days.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

One point though is that, because you are not a citizen and because there is so much fraud in this regard, they will not replace your card until you actually have your work status, so its a good thing you still remember the number; that will get you through the first while.

Once again, I thank you, oh knowledgeable Agnelson...