Ibrahim Gardner
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. An SSN is a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. While it is not a work permit, individuals must prove their eligibility to work in the US to obtain an SSN. International students with eligible work authorization, such as those on an H-1B visa, J-1 visa, or F-1 visa with lawful F-1 employment, can apply for an SSN. The application process typically involves submitting proof of identity, work authorization, and employment eligibility or a job offer letter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | International students with F-1 or M-1 visas |
| What do students need to prove? | Evidence of employment or a job offer, and eligibility to work in the U.S. |
| What documents are required? | A valid passport, employment offer letter, and evidence of employment authorization |
| Where do students apply? | Local Social Security Administration (SSA) office |
| How long does it take to receive an SSN? | 2-6 weeks, but processing times vary |
| Can students work without an SSN? | Yes, but they must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting work |
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What You'll Learn
International students can apply for an SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers, in addition to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must prove that you are eligible to work in the U.S. F-1 students must have a job or job offer on campus, and J-1 students must have a letter of affiliation/support from their J-1 Program Advisor. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organisation should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor. This letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorising employment. F-1 students must obtain valid employment authorisation, which can include on-campus employment.
To apply for an SSN, you must submit a Social Security Letter Request and gather the necessary documents, including a valid passport. You will then need to take these documents to your local SSA office in person to file your application. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
It is important to note that an SSN is not required for many everyday activities, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. However, if you are an international student with a taxable scholarship, you should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
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F-1 students must have a job or job offer
International students with an F-1 visa who are employed or have been offered a job may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible non-immigrant workers in the United States, and these numbers are used for reporting wages, tracking Social Security benefits, and identification.
To apply for an SSN, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for practical training. The application process typically involves obtaining valid employment authorization, completing the social security application online, and visiting a local SSA office with the required documents. It is recommended to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before initiating the application process, and one cannot apply more than 30 days before the start of their employment. The SSA will review the application, and if accepted, an SSN will typically be issued within 4 to 6 weeks.
F-1 students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 employment and provide valid immigration documents, including a passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card. Additionally, their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying.
It is important to note that dependents in F-1 status are not eligible for an SSN. If an F-1 student is ineligible for an SSN but receives non-wage income in the US, they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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J-1 students need a letter of support
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. F and M students granted employment authorization by the USCIS need an SSN. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and obtain valid employment authorization.
J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor. They must submit their department letter to the OISS, which will issue a second letter confirming their employment and full-time student status. J-1 students must have evidence of authorized employment to apply for an SSN and are required to apply for one if they have valid J-1 employment.
J-1 students need to demonstrate sufficient funding to support themselves and any dependents for the duration of their program. They must submit financial institution documentation, such as recent bank statements or letters, and a letter signed by the financial sponsor attesting that the student is entitled to the funds. If the J-1 student is supported by anyone other than themselves, a letter of support must be provided by the source of the funds. This letter must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. The letter can be from an employer or another institution on official letterhead, including the amount, length, and purpose of the support.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible individuals, which are used for reporting wages, tracking benefits, and identification. To apply for an SSN, international students must verify their Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and wait at least ten days after arriving in the US. They can then apply at a Social Security Card Center or local SSA office, depending on their location. The SSA examiner will review the student's documents, and they can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks.
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SSN is not required for a driver's license
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, but the requirements vary depending on their visa status. F and M students who are granted employment authorization by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) need an SSN. J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must have valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.
While a Social Security Number is typically required to obtain a driver's license in the United States, it is not always necessary. The requirement varies from state to state, and some states have introduced legislation to provide driver's licenses to undocumented residents. Here are some key points to note:
- States like California, New York, Utah, New Jersey, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Texas allow individuals to obtain a driver's license without an SSN.
- In California, individuals who are legally present but ineligible for an SSN can apply for a noncommercial driver's license or ID card. Once their eligibility status is verified, the DMV will process the application.
- New York's Green Light Law allows individuals aged 16 and older to apply for a 'Standard' non-commercial driver's license or learner's permit, regardless of their citizenship or legal status in the United States.
- The process of obtaining a driver's license without an SSN typically involves fulfilling specific criteria, submitting an application, undergoing driving tests, and paying a fee.
- For commercial driver's licenses (CDL), the requirement is stricter, and visual verification of an SSN is necessary.
- If an individual is ineligible for an SSN but receives non-wage income (such as scholarships or grants) while in the United States, they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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Processing times vary
Processing times for international students to receive their SSN vary, typically taking around two to four weeks. However, some sources state that it can take up to six weeks, and others suggest that it could be longer. The time it takes depends on how long it takes for the Social Security Administration to verify all of your immigration information.
International students should be mindful of this timeframe and initiate the application process well before their intended job start date to ensure timely receipt of their SSN. It is recommended that students apply for an SSN as soon as possible after receiving a job offer.
Students can complete the SSN application form online (Form SS-5) and then take the completed application form, along with original documents, to their local Social Security office. Alternatively, students can fill out Form SS-5 online, print it, and either mail it or bring it in person to their local SSA office.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students need to have a job or a job offer to be eligible for an SSN. Even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. However, you can start working without an SSN and apply for one within 90 days of starting your job.
You will need a valid passport and a job offer letter printed on the letterhead of the department/company that has made the job offer. If you are an F-1 student, you must obtain valid F-1 employment authorization. If you are a J-1 student, you must provide a letter of affiliation/support from your J-1 Program Advisor.
You can apply for an SSN at any local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. If you live or receive mail in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Queens, you must go to a Social Security Card Center.
