I applied for SSN last Thursday and this week HR asked me for that. (I am a F1 student from China)

According to Social Security Center that I will usually receive the social security card within 2 weeks.

I am kind of hurried to know that asap and wondering if I could go to the center and ask them for the number before the card's arrival ?

Any idea is well appreciated!

Certainly doesn't hurt to ask, but generally they will not expedite the issuance of the SSN. Its just one more week.