Social Security Employment Eligibility For International Students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must first prove their eligibility. Students with F-1 or J-1 visa status are advised to apply for an SSN as soon as possible, and they must have evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment to do so. J-1 students must also be registered for a full course of study and have a letter of permission to work from their sponsor. F-1 students must have valid employment authorization, which can be based on on-campus employment, off-campus employment, or Optional Practical Training (OPT). International students with F-1 status who have found a job are eligible to apply for an SSN, but they must apply in person. While aliens working in the US are generally liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes, there are some exceptions for students and certain classes of foreign employees.

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

To be eligible for an SSN, international students must first secure a job or internship in the U.S. and obtain an employment verification letter from their institution. This includes on-campus employment, CPT (curricular practical training), or OPT (optional practical training). Students must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters from the DSO and employer, to their local SSA office within 45 days of their online application.

It is important to note that simply possessing an SSN does not confer work authorization in the U.S. However, if an international student has been granted legal authorization to work, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN. The SSN is essential for reporting income and paying taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. It is also often used for other purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank accounts.

The application process for an SSN typically takes two to four weeks, so international students should initiate the process well before their intended job start date to ensure timely receipt. Students can begin the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card, and can use the online platform to schedule an appointment with their local SSA office.

Certain classes of foreign employees, including students, are exempt from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes. For example, students employed by a school, college, or university where they are enrolled at least half-time are generally exempt from these taxes.

On-campus employment: submit a Social Security Letter Request

International students with F-1 and J-1 visas who are legally employed are required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for payroll identification purposes. Students who are not employed are not permitted to obtain an SSN. A Social Security number does not give a student the legal authority to work. Work authorization is dependent upon a student’s visa status, and a student should always consult with their ISSS about obtaining work authorization before starting a position.

If you are an international student and are seeking on-campus employment, you must submit a Social Security Letter Request. Here is a step-by-step guide to submitting a Social Security Letter Request for on-campus employment:

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer Letter

Before applying for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. You will need to provide evidence of your job offer by submitting a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The employment letter must be printed on department letterhead and include your job title (e.g. research assistant, librarian). It should be signed in the original by your hiring department.

Step 2: Submit the Social Security Letter Request

Once you have your job offer letter, you can submit a Social Security Letter Request via TC-Compass. If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program, you must submit your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will then issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

After receiving your confirmation letter from the OISS, you will need to gather the following documents to apply for your SSN:

• Unexpired passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
• Your original OGS on-campus employment verification letter
• Two most recent paycheck stubs (if you have started working)

Step 4: Complete and Submit Form SS-5

With your documents ready, you can now complete and submit Form SS-5 online. Go to the Social Security Administration card center closest to where you live to submit your application.

Step 5: Receive Your SSN

After submitting your application, you can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. You will receive your SSN card in the mail. Once you receive it, bring the card to your Human Resources department. Remember, do not share your SSN with others; it should only be shared with those who have a legitimate purpose, such as your HR department.

Please note that the above steps may vary slightly depending on your specific university and visa status. Always refer to your university's website and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Off-campus employment: obtain a valid Employment Authorisation (EAD) card

International students in the United States who are seeking off-campus employment must obtain a valid Employment Authorisation (EAD) card. The EAD card, also known as Form I-765 or a work permit, serves as proof of an individual's eligibility to work in the US for a specified period. It is essential for nonimmigrant visa holders to possess this authorisation before being hired by an employer.

To obtain an EAD card, individuals typically need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation. This form can be submitted online or by mail, along with the required filing fee. The processing time for an EAD card is approximately 1.9 months or 30 days from the date it is received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It is important to note that certain categories of nonimmigrant visa holders, such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P nonimmigrants, may not need to apply for an EAD if their visa status already authorises them to work for a specific employer. Additionally, lawful permanent residents do not need to apply for an EAD, as their Green Card serves as evidence of employment authorisation.

For international students, the process of obtaining an EAD card may vary slightly depending on their visa status and the nature of their employment. For instance, F-1 students seeking off-campus employment due to financial difficulties must provide specific documentation, including proof of their F-1 status for a full academic year and evidence that their job will not interfere with their studies.

Furthermore, international students should be aware of their tax liabilities when working in the United States. While certain classes of foreign employees are exempt, most aliens performing services in the US as employees are generally liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, students employed on-campus by the school, college, or university they attend may be exempt from these taxes if they meet specific criteria.

Foreign students are liable for US Social Security and Medicare taxes

In general, aliens working in the United States are liable for US Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, certain classes of alien employees are exempt from these taxes.

Nonresident aliens are, in general, liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes on wages paid to them for services performed within the United States, with certain exceptions based on their nonimmigrant status. Foreign students temporarily present in the United States in F-1, J-1, or M-1 status for less than five calendar years are generally nonresident aliens and are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes on their wages.

However, once a nonimmigrant student becomes a resident alien, they become liable for self-employment taxes under the same conditions as a US citizen. Additionally, if a nonimmigrant student violates their nonimmigrant status and earns self-employment income in the United States, their income will be subject to US income tax and, if they become a resident alien, self-employment tax as well.

The United States has entered into agreements with several nations called Totalization Agreements to avoid double taxation of income with respect to Social Security taxes. These agreements must be considered when determining whether any alien is subject to US Social Security and Medicare taxes.

International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status should apply for SSN

International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the United States. A Social Security Number is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

To apply for an SSN, students must first obtain valid employment authorization. F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, as well as be registered for a full course of study. J-1 students sponsored by an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

Students must submit a job offer letter when applying for an SSN. The job offer letter must include the student's name, as listed on their passport, and the Employment Identification Number (EIN), if possible. Students must also submit valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with their visa status.

It is important to note that F-1 students without lawful employment are ineligible to apply for an SSN. Additionally, international students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas are generally considered nonresident aliens and are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes on wages earned within the United States.

Frequently asked questions