International Students In California: How To Apply For A Social Security Card

International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed in the US or have been authorized to work. The SSN is a 9-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) non-residents by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes, and it is not intended for identification. International students with F-1 or J-1 visas who have valid employment are eligible for an SSN. To apply, students must complete Form SS-5 and provide documents such as a passport, visa, and evidence of employment authorization. The application process typically involves submitting the required documentation and scheduling an appointment at a local SSA office.

Eligibility requirements for international students

International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

F-1 students

F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter from their college or university's hiring department. They must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S".

J-1 students

J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study. They must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "J-1 D/S". J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

On-campus employment

To be eligible for an SSN based on on-campus employment, students must first secure an on-campus job offer and then request an SSN eligibility letter from their college or university's international student office. They will then need to apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. New students should wait at least 10 business days or 2-3 weeks after entering the US before requesting an SSN eligibility letter and applying for an SSN.

Off-campus employment

For optional practical training or other off-campus employment, students must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing them to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment. They will also need to submit a Social Security Letter Request to their college or university's international student office.

Curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment

For these types of employment, an OISS letter is not required. However, students must still have valid employment authorization and meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 or J-1 status.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. Students must first obtain legal authorization to work and then apply for an SSN if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Documents required for application

International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include having valid immigration documents and being an F-1 or J-1 student with a valid job offer for on-campus employment.

To apply for an SSN, students must submit the following documents:

• A completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application.
• At least two documents that establish your age, identity, and alien status.
• A passport that has been issued at least one year before the date of application for the SSN. If the passport is newer, a birth certificate or previous passport may also be required.
• Valid immigration documents, including a 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 SSN eligibility, such as a letter from an on-campus employer addressed to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or a letter confirming F-1 student status.
• If engaged in CPT, an I-20 with authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form.
• If engaged in OPT, an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.

It is important to note that students must wait at least 10 business days after entering the U.S., as indicated on their I-94 arrival/departure record, to allow time for their information to be updated with the SSA before requesting an SSN eligibility letter. Additionally, students should not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their employment, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected.

Once all the required documents are gathered, students can schedule an in-person appointment at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to submit their application. There is no fee required for submitting an application.

Application process

International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job offer for on-campus employment or off-campus internships. SSNs are only issued to those with permission to be employed in the United States. F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for practical training. J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study.

The application process for an SSN is as follows:

• Secure a job offer: Students must first obtain a job offer for on-campus employment or an off-campus internship that is paid. Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not qualify for an SSN. The job offer letter must include the employer's original signature and specific information required by the SSA.
• Request an SSN eligibility letter: After securing the job offer, students should request an SSN eligibility letter from their school's international student office, such as the OIS or OISS. New students must wait at least 10 business days after entering the U.S. to allow time for their I-94 information to be updated with the SSA.
• Complete the SSN application: Students can apply for an SSN by scheduling an in-person appointment at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The application is free. The earliest appointments are usually about two weeks in advance. The application can also be submitted online, followed by an in-person appointment.
• Submit required documents: When submitting the application, students must provide various documents, depending on their visa type. Common documents include a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, admission letter or on-campus work authorization letter, and the SSN eligibility letter. J-1 students under an exchange program must also submit a letter from their sponsoring department.
• Receive SSN: After the application is accepted, students should request an application receipt. The SSN will be mailed to the address provided on the application within 7-10 business days, or it may take up to 4-6 weeks according to some sources.
• Contact HR: Once the SSN is received, students should contact their HR department to provide the number and complete the employment process.

It is important to note that the SSN is solely for taxation purposes and is not intended for identification. Students should keep their SSN confidential to protect themselves from identity theft.

Time taken for processing

The time taken for processing a Social Security Number (SSN) application for international students in California varies. However, according to sources, it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to receive an SSN after submitting the application.

It is recommended that international students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of their EAD card. Applications submitted more than 30 days in advance have been rejected by the Social Security Administration as being too early.

To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain a job offer for on-campus employment. After securing a job offer, students can request an SSN eligibility letter from the Office of International Services (OIS) or the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Upon receiving the eligibility letter, students can apply for an SSN through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

When submitting the application, an SSA examiner will review the documents. Once the application is accepted, students should ask for an application receipt, which they can show to their employer as proof of their SSN application.

It is important to note that the processing time may vary, and the specific steps and requirements may differ based on the student's location and other factors. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities and offices for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Importance of keeping SSN confidential

International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job offer for on-campus employment. After securing an on-campus job offer, the student must request an SSN eligibility letter from the Office of International Services (OIS). Upon receipt of the OIS SSN eligibility letter, the student must then apply for an SSN through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

Now, onto the importance of keeping your SSN confidential:

The Social Security Number is a unique 9-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) non-residents. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. While the SSN is not intended for identification purposes, it is often used as a form of identification by banks and other institutions. This means that it can be a target for identity thieves, who steal personal information and use it to make financial transactions. As such, it is important to keep your SSN confidential and not carry your SSN card in your wallet or with your passport.

Identity theft can occur when someone steals your SSN and uses it for financial gain. This can include opening credit cards, applying for loans, or making unauthorized transactions. Additionally, your SSN can be used to access other personal information, such as your address, phone number, or birth date, which can further facilitate identity theft.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, unlike passwords, your SSN cannot be changed if it is compromised. This means that once your SSN is leaked, you are at risk of identity theft and financial fraud indefinitely. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your SSN confidential and not share it with anyone unless absolutely necessary.

By keeping your SSN confidential, you can help protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud, ensuring that your personal and financial information remains secure.

Frequently asked questions