International Students: Applying For Social Security Numbers

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. To apply for an SSN, international students must have a job offer and employment authorization. They must also complete the social security application online and visit a local Social Security Administration office to show their documents in person.

Eligibility requirements for international students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), but they must prove their eligibility to work in the United States. The eligibility requirements for international students to obtain an SSN include:

Employment

To be eligible for an SSN, international students must be employed or have proof of upcoming employment. This can include on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs, or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study. If sponsored by an external organization, a Social Security letter from the sponsor is required. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT.

Immigration Status

International students must have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations depending on their visa status. F-1 students may need additional documents, such as an employment page completed and signed by a designated school official or a work permit (I-766). J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment.

Full-Time Student Status

International students must be enrolled as full-time students in good standing at an accredited educational institution. This requirement is typically verified by the institution's international student office or a similar department.

In-Person Application

International students must apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. They should carry original documents proving their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. The application process can be started no earlier than 30 days before the scheduled employment start date.

It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if authorized to work, individuals are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.

Application process

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. The process may vary depending on the student's immigration status, visa type, and other factors. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before starting the application process, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements. In general, international students need to have a valid visa, proof of identity, and evidence of employment or work authorization to apply for an SSN. The specific documents required may vary depending on the student's situation. For example, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as on-campus employment or authorization for practical training. J-1 students may need a sponsorship letter from their exchange program or sponsoring organization.

Step 2: Timing of Application

It is recommended to apply for an SSN after securing a job offer or starting employment. Some sources suggest waiting at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying, to ensure that all necessary documents are in order. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may reject applications submitted more than 30 days before the start of employment as too early.

Step 3: Gather Documents

International students must gather the necessary documents to prove their identity, age, immigration status, and work authorization. This typically includes a valid passport, visa documents (such as I-20 or DS-2019 for F-1 students), and evidence of employment or work authorization. The specific documents required may vary, so it is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific situation.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

The standard application form for an SSN is Form SS-5. International students typically use Form SS-5 FS, which is a variation of the standard form. The application form can usually be completed online or obtained from a local SSA office.

Step 5: Submit the Application

After completing the application form, students must submit their application in person at their local SSA office. They will need to bring their completed application form and all the original documents mentioned in Step 3. An SSA examiner will review the submitted documents, and once the application is accepted, students can request an application receipt.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

After submitting the application, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive the SSN, although processing times may vary. The SSN card will be mailed to the applicant once their documents have been verified.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. International students must ensure they have the appropriate work authorization before starting employment. Additionally, students should carefully safeguard their SSN and SSN card, as they contain confidential information.

Documents required

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the US. However, simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.

• 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."
• Evidence of employment: F-1 students must provide 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 must also show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study. If sponsored by an external organization, a Social Security letter from the sponsor is required.
• On-campus employment authorization: This can be obtained by submitting an "On-campus Employment" request through MyISSS or the relevant platform provided by your institution.
• Employment offer letter: This can be obtained from your department or hiring office.
• Employment authorization documentation: This can be obtained from your ISS adviser or sponsoring agency.
• EAD card: If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
• I-20 form: If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 form must have authorization for CPT printed on it.
• Social Security letter: 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) to confirm your on-campus employment and full-time student status.
• UW campus employment letter: New students at UW may need a campus employment letter from their UW hiring department.

Time taken to receive SSN

The time taken to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) varies. International students are advised to wait for 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US to apply for an SSN. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail the SSN and card as soon as all immigration information has been verified, which can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks or more. Thus, the entire process can take up to 6-7 weeks, although processing times may vary.

It is important to note that international students must have evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment to apply for an SSN. Additionally, students with valid J-1 employment, including on-campus employment, unforeseen economic hardship employment, or J-1 Academic Training, are required to apply for an SSN.

To apply for an SSN, international students need to submit a Social Security Letter Request and provide evidence of employment and valid employment authorization. The documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner, and once the application is accepted, students can request an application receipt to show their employer that they have applied for an SSN.

It is also worth mentioning that while having an SSN is convenient for opening bank accounts and other purposes, it does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.

Importance of SSN for international students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. An SSN is essential for international students who are working during their studies, as it is used to report earnings. It is also often used to open bank accounts, phone contracts, and utilities.

Obtaining an SSN as an International Student

International students must have valid employment authorization to apply for an SSN. On-campus employment is a common way for international students to meet this requirement. Students must provide evidence of their employment, such as a letter from their department confirming their job offer, and they must be eligible to work in the US. Students must also show that they are a full-time student in good standing.

Processing Times

After submitting an application, students can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although this may vary. Students can request an application receipt to show their employer that they have applied for an SSN while they wait for it to arrive.

Alternatives to an SSN

International students who do not work but receive a taxable scholarship should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes. An SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.

Frequently asked questions