Savanna Hoffman
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, but they must meet certain requirements. To be eligible for an SSN, international students must have a job lined up, even if it is part-time or on-campus work. They must also prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify nonimmigrant student status and determine eligibility for an SSN. It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, and individuals must ensure they have proper work authorization before applying for an SSN.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students get a Social Security Number? | Yes, international students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). |
| Who is eligible for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students with a job offer or employment authorization in the U.S. are eligible for an SSN. |
| What documents are required? | Original documents such as a valid passport, proof of identity, age, immigration status, and work eligibility. |
| Where to apply? | Local Social Security Administration office or online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. |
| How long does it take? | Typically, it takes two to four weeks to process and issue an SSN. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, they must have authorization to work in the US, which can be in the form of on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. This means that having an SSN is not a requirement to begin working in the US, and students can start working without one. However, they must apply for an SSN as soon as they receive a job offer.
To be eligible for an SSN, international students must prove that they have a job or internship in the US and obtain an employment verification letter from their institution. This can include on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
F-1 visa students are also eligible to apply for an SSN if they have found a job, either on or off campus. They will need to provide original documents proving their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility, such as a valid passport. They can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office or online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. They must then present their original documents within 45 days of the online submission. The process is similar for J-2 dependents with employment authorization, who will need to provide their EAD card along with the other required documents.
It is important to note that while an SSN is often used for convenience for non-work purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank accounts, it is primarily issued based on an individual's eligibility to work in the US. Therefore, international students must meet the eligibility requirements for employment to obtain an SSN.
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Application process for SSN
International students on F1 and J1 visas can only obtain a social security number (SSN) 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 US for up to 12 months after completing their degree, or an additional 24 months if they have a STEM degree.
The application process for an SSN is as follows:
- Complete Form SS-5, the standard application form for a Social Security Card. This can be found on the SSA website or picked up from a local Social Security office.
- Take the completed application form, along with original documents proving your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (your visa) to your local Social Security office.
- Following this, once your documents have been verified, you will be mailed your SSN card.
- The full list of documentation you will need to submit will depend on the work authorization you have in the US. On each visa type, you will need to provide proof of identity and work-authorized immigration status.
- You will also need a letter from your sponsor authorizing your employment. This letter must be on your sponsor's letterhead and include their signature.
- You must also show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility.
- You can begin the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber, after which you must present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as the letters from the DSO and employer, if applicable, within 45 days.
The SSA generally issues Social Security Cards within seven to ten business days after documentation has been approved. The usual processing time is 2-4 weeks. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4-8 weeks.
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Documents required for SSN
International students can get a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. An SSN is issued to track earnings over a worker's lifetime and is not a work permit.
- Employment offer letter: You will need an employment offer letter from your department or hiring office. You can use the letter template provided by the Social Security Administration.
- Employment authorization: You must obtain documentation for employment authorization from your ISS adviser or sponsoring agency. This could include a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
- Valid immigration documents: You must provide valid immigration documents, including 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: You must provide evidence of employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter printed on department letterhead and signed by your hiring department.
- Sponsor letter: If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor authorizing your employment. This should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature.
- Foreign birth certificate: You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can obtain it within 10 days; otherwise, a passport or DHS-issued document can be used as evidence of age.
It is important to note that you should wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN, and you must apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office. Additionally, having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US, and you must ensure you have the necessary work permits and authorizations.
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Importance of SSN for international students
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, but it is not a straightforward process. The SSN is primarily intended for individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. Thus, for international students to obtain an SSN, they must first secure valid employment authorization. This can be done through on-campus employment, off-campus employment under certain conditions, or by receiving a taxable scholarship.
The process of obtaining an SSN for international students typically begins with obtaining valid employment authorization. For on-campus employment, a letter from the student's department or hiring office is required, confirming the offer of an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead and include specific details such as the student's job title. In some cases, additional documentation, such as an updated Form I-20 or an Employment Authorization (EAD) card, may be necessary.
Once employment authorization is secured, international students can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or a similar office at their educational institution. The OISS will then issue a second letter confirming the student's employment and full-time student status. With these documents in hand, students can visit a local Social Security Administration office to complete the application process and present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status.
Having an SSN is important for international students as it enables them to open telephone, utility, and bank accounts in the U.S. While it is not a requirement for obtaining a driver's license, credit card, or insurance, it simplifies these processes and serves as a convenient form of identification. Additionally, the SSN allows students to officially report their earnings and taxable scholarship benefits, ensuring they comply with tax regulations.
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SSN and work authorization
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and work in the US, but they must ensure they have the proper authorisation. An SSN is issued to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. It is not a work permit, and simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorisation to work in the US.
To apply for an SSN, international students must show the Social Security Administration that they are eligible to work in the US. Students must obtain valid employment authorisation, which can be based on one of the following:
- On-campus employment: Students must obtain a letter from their department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include the student's job title.
- Off-campus employment: Students must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorisation (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorising them to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organisation employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
Once students have obtained the necessary documentation for employment authorisation, they can complete the social security application online or in person at a local Social Security Administration office. New students should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. The Social Security Administration will mail the student's SSN and card as soon as all immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.
It is important to note that students can start working without an SSN as long as they have authorisation for on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. However, employers must follow the correct instructions for allowing employees to begin work without an SSN. Additionally, if international students do not work on campus but receive a taxable scholarship, they should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for an SSN.
You will need to prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes providing your original documents, such as a valid passport, and evidence of employment or employment authorization.
You can apply for an SSN in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
