Lori Meadows
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed or have proof of employment. The SSN is a nine-digit, permanent tax identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to track individuals for taxation purposes. While it is not required for identification purposes, it is needed if one is employed in the U.S. F-1 and J-1 students are eligible for an SSN if they have an offer of on-campus employment or have been approved for F-1 practical training (CPT or OPT) or J-1 Academic Training. Students must obtain valid employment authorization and provide proof of employment to apply for an SSN. The application process involves submitting the required documents, including a valid passport, in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | F-1 or J-1 students and scholars with valid employment |
| Documents required | Passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card, proof of employment, social security letter from sponsor (if applicable) |
| Time taken for processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Application process | Submit Form SS-5 online, schedule an in-person appointment at the local Social Security Administration office |
| Mailing address | Must be a residential address |
| Card collection | Card will be mailed to the address provided on the application |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible. Eligibility for an SSN is based on a person's eligibility to work in the United States. Those eligible for an SSN include US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals—including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1 or J-1 status.
F-1 students must also 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). If you are in F-1 status and do not have lawful F-1 employment, you are ineligible to apply for an SSN. This includes applications for replacement SSN cards. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. J-2 dependents are eligible for an SSN only if approved for work authorization.
To be eligible to apply for an SSN, students must first obtain a job offer for on-campus employment. After securing an on-campus job offer, the student must request an SSN eligibility letter from their institution's international student services office. Upon receipt of the eligibility letter, the student must then apply for an SSN through the US Social Security Administration (SSA) by scheduling an in-person appointment at the local SSA office no more than 30 days before the employment start date.
Students will need to bring their institution's eligibility letter and their own 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." If engaged in OPT, students must also bring their unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
It's important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been authorized to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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Documents needed to apply
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have valid immigration documents and are engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Here is a list of documents required for the application process:
- Valid passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S"
- Evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or CPT/OPT authorization
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card (for OPT)
- Social Security Letter from the sponsor (for J-1 students under external organization sponsorship)
- Social Security Number eligibility letter from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the equivalent office at the university
It is recommended to initiate the application process no more than 30 days before the start of on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date on the EAD card. International students can complete the social security application online or visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, depending on their specific location and circumstances.
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Where to apply
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA recommends that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of their on-campus employment.
There are multiple SSA offices in San Francisco, including one at 1098 Valencia St, San Francisco 94110 (between 21st and 22nd Street).
In addition to the San Francisco location, there are several Social Security Card Centers in New York that are available to students who live or receive mail in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Queens:
- Manhattan Social Security Center: 123 William Street, 3rd Fl., New York, NY 10038
- Bronx Social Security Center: 820 Concourse Village West, 2nd Fl., Bronx, NY 10451
If you live or receive mail in Staten Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, or another area, you can apply at a local office near your place of residence or at any of the Social Security Card Centers.
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How long does it take to receive a social security card
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have valid 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 are also required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and have a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Once international students have secured employment, they can apply for a Social Security Number. The Office of International Services at USC recommends waiting 10 business days after entering the U.S. before requesting an SSN eligibility letter from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter confirming employment and student status. After receiving this letter, students can apply for an SSN through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The Social Security Administration recommends applying no more than 30 days before the start date of employment. After submitting an application, it usually takes 4-6 weeks to receive a Social Security Number, although processing times may vary. The SSA will mail the Social Security card as soon as they have all the necessary information, and individuals should typically receive it within 7-10 business days. However, due to slight delays in processing mail-in applications, it may take up to 2-4 weeks to receive the card.
If you have not received your Social Security card within 14 days, you may request a non-receipt replacement. This process involves re-verifying information, confirming your address, and ensuring that you are properly registered for mail at your local post office.
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Why do international students need a social security number?
International students in California can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To be eligible, they must first obtain 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 Students and Scholars (OISS). Upon receipt of the OISS SSN eligibility letter, the student must then apply for an SSN through the US Social Security Administration (SSA) by scheduling an in-person appointment at the local SSA office.
Now, why do international students need an SSN?
A Social Security Number is a 9-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) non-residents by the Social Security Administration. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. It is often used as a matter of convenience for other purposes, such as opening bank accounts, telephone services, or insurance. While having an SSN is useful for these reasons, they are only issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. For example, if an international student is engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or has a taxable scholarship, they will need an SSN.
Additionally, students and scholars who are not eligible for an SSN may face certain restrictions. For example, they may have limited options for the types of bank accounts they can open or may be asked to pay higher security deposits for housing and services. An SSN is also necessary for students who plan to work, either on or off campus, as it is required by law.
It is important to note that an SSN should be kept confidential at all times to prevent identity theft. This is a key piece of information that can be used by thieves to make financial transactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in California can apply for an SSN if they are employed on campus or have been authorized for off-campus employment.
To apply for an SSN, international students in California typically need:
- A valid passport
- An I-94 card or electronic I-94
- An I-20 or DS-2019 form
- Employment offer letter or evidence of employment
- Social Security Number eligibility letter from the school's international student office
You can apply for an SSN in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The office locations can be found on the SSA website or by contacting your school's international student office.
