Savanna Hoffman
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, which is a nine-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). While it is possible for international students to get an SSN, there are several eligibility requirements and criteria that must be met. These include having a valid passport, obtaining valid employment authorization, and providing proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. The SSN is typically used for tax and employment reporting purposes, such as tracking earnings and benefits, and can also simplify other aspects of life in the US, such as opening bank accounts or building a credit history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | International students with eligible work authorization, such as F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa students. |
| Requirements | Employment authorization to work in the US, proof of a job offer/employment eligibility, valid passport, and other relevant documentation. |
| Application Process | Gather required documentation, complete the application for a Social Security Card, and visit the local Social Security office. |
| Processing Time | Typically 3-6 weeks, but may vary. |
| Temporary SSN | Not explicitly mentioned; SSN is valid for life. Yale assigns a temporary number to new international students, but it is not an official SSN. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job lined up, even if it is part-time, on-campus work. However, eligibility requirements for an SSN vary depending on the student's immigration status.
- Employment requirements: F-1 students must have evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.
- Valid immigration documents: This includes a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."
- Identity documents: A valid passport is required, along with other identity documents, such as the I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) and the I-94 Form (showing arrival and departure information).
- Employment offer letter: The offer letter must include the job description, employment start date, number of hours, supervisor's name and number, and their signature with the date.
- On-campus employment letter: A letter from the hiring department confirming that the student has been offered an on-campus job.
- Social Security Letter: J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- Work authorization: F-1 students must have F-1 employment authorization, while J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor authorizing their employment.
- Full-time student status: J-1 students must provide evidence of being a full-time student in good standing.
- Apply in person: Students must visit their local Social Security Administration office in person to show their documents and apply for an SSN.
It is important to note that dependents in F-1 status are not eligible for an SSN, and students cannot apply for an SSN online. Additionally, while some banks allow international students to open an account with just a passport and visa, others may require an SSN.
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Necessary documents
International students on F1 and J1 visas can only obtain a social security number if they have employment. This could be Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is work related to your field of study, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their degree, or an additional 24 months if they have a STEM degree.
The documents required to apply for an SSN include:
- Passport: This serves as your primary identification document.
- I-20 Form: This is your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by your university. If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on it.
- DS-2019: This is another Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which may have an electronic DSO/ARO signature. The student must print out the form and sign it in ink.
- I-94 Form: This form shows your arrival and departure information. You can retrieve it from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
- Offer Letter: Your offer letter must include your job description, your employment start date, the number of hours you will be working, your supervisor's name and number, and their signature with the date.
- Employment Authorization (EAD) Card: If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired EAD card.
It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The SSN office does not accept copies.
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Application process
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. An SSN is a nine-digit identification number issued by the US government to track earnings over a worker's lifetime for tax purposes.
- Wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. It is recommended to wait at least ten days to make it easier for your Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents to be verified online.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request. If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program, you must submit a letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm your employment and student status.
- Obtain a job. You must have a job lined up, even part-time, on-campus work to be eligible for an SSN.
- Complete Form SS-5, the official application form for an SSN. You can fill out the form online, but you must print it and mail it or bring it in person to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
- Gather the required documents. These may include a valid passport, visa, and proof of identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status.
- Visit your local SSA office to submit your application and show your documents in person. You must do this within 45 calendar days of completing your online application.
- Receive your SSN card in the mail. The processing time may vary, but you can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks.
It is important to note that an SSN is not required for all purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, or admission to an academic institution. Additionally, having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you are employed or have tax reporting requirements, you are required to obtain an SSN.
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Processing time
The processing time for an international graduate student to get a temporary Social Security Number (SSN) can vary, but it typically takes around 2 to 6 weeks. However, it is important to note that the processing time can be longer in some cases, ranging from 4 to 8 weeks if additional security procedures are necessary.
To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must first wait at least 10 days to 3 weeks after arriving in the US. This allows time for your DHS documents to be verified online and helps speed up the application process. Once you have submitted your application, your documents will be reviewed by a Social Security Administration (SSA) examiner. After your application is accepted, you can expect to receive your SSN within the aforementioned timeframe.
It is important to note that eligibility for an SSN is based on an individual's eligibility to work in the United States. While having an SSN is convenient for opening bank accounts and other purposes, SSNs are typically issued to those who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. Additionally, simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.
If an international student is not eligible for an SSN, they may need to obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax filing purposes. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-residents who are not eligible for an SSN. It is necessary to apply for an ITIN if you have US tax filing or reporting requirements.
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Uses of an SSN
International students with eligible work authorization, such as those on an H-1B visa, J-1 visa, or F-1 students with lawful F-1 employment, can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
The primary purpose of an SSN is to track an individual's yearly earnings and the number of years they have worked. These figures are used to compute potential financial benefits, such as retirement income, disability income, or health insurance. When individuals start working, employers request their SSN as part of the application process. The SSN enables employers to submit accurate reports of covered earnings for use in administering benefits under the Social Security program.
Over time, the use of the SSN has expanded significantly, and it has become a de facto national identification number. It is used by government agencies to identify individuals in their records and by businesses to track an individual's financial information. Financial institutions often require an SSN to set up bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. It is also used for tax reporting purposes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
While not its primary purpose, an SSN is often used as a matter of convenience for other purposes, such as opening telephone or utility accounts.
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Frequently asked questions
International graduate students can get an SSN, but it is not temporary and is valid for life.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
- Form I-94 (Arrival and departure information)
- Offer letter from your employer
- Social Security Letter from your DSO (if employed on-campus)
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. Once you have a job offer, you will need to gather the relevant documentation and complete the application for a Social Security card. Then, visit your local Social Security office to submit your application. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks.
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