Working Off-Campus: International Students And Ssns In The Us

International students in the US on an F-1 or M-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply for an SSN, international students must have a job lined up, even part-time on-campus work will make them eligible. They will need to apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office and provide original documents proving their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. Students can start working without an SSN but must apply and obtain one within 90 days of starting their job.

Can an international student work off-campus in the US with an SSN?

International students can apply for an SSN with F-1 or M-1 visas

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with an F-1 or M-1 visa. To do so, they must have a job lined up, even part-time, on-campus work. After accepting a job offer, students must take all relevant documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person to file their application for an SSN card.

The required documents for an SSN application include a completed SSN application form, an original and photocopied I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), and a valid passport with a photocopy of the picture page and the page showing the expiration date and US visa stamp. Additionally, students must provide an employment offer letter, which should include their name as listed on their passport, the name of the hiring department, and the employment identification number (EIN) if possible.

For F-1 students eligible for curricular practical training, the I-20 form must be completed and signed by a designated school official. If an F-1 student possesses a work permit I-766, they must bring it. J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor.

It is important to note that while a job is required to apply for an SSN, international students can start working without an SSN but must obtain one within 90 days of starting their job.

You need a job to apply for an SSN

As an international student in the US, you may be eligible to work off-campus, but you will need to secure a job first before applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). Only non-citizens with permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for an original SSN.

If you are a foreign worker, you will need to show your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or an admission stamp in your unexpired foreign passport, which shows a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must also show their I-766 (EAD) or "work permit" from the DHS. If you are an F-1 student eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your school official confirming your school status, identifying your employer, and describing the type of work you will be doing. You will also need to provide evidence of that employment, such as a recent payslip or a letter from your employer.

In addition to proof of employment, you will also need to provide certain documents to obtain an SSN. These include a current DHS document, such as a Lawful Permanent Resident Card, an Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired foreign passport, or a "work permit." You may also be asked to present your foreign birth certificate or other documents issued by the DHS as evidence of your age. It is important to note that you must provide at least two separate documents, and they must be original or certified copies.

While an SSN is required for certain purposes, such as employment, it is not needed for other activities. Lawfully admitted non-citizens can access many benefits and services without an SSN, including banking, registering for school, applying for educational tests, obtaining private health insurance, and applying for subsidized housing.

You can start working without an SSN

As an international student in the US, you can start working without a Social Security Number (SSN). However, you will need to obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This authorizes you to work under specific conditions, such as F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. If you have been granted legal authorization to work, you are then required to apply for and obtain an SSN. The SSN is often used as a matter of convenience for various purposes, such as opening telephone, utility, or bank accounts.

To apply for an SSN, you will need to follow certain steps. Firstly, you must obtain evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment. Secondly, you will need to submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. If your employment is based on specific types of training or economic hardship, you may not need an OISS letter. Finally, you can visit a Social Security Office to apply for your SSN.

The process of obtaining an SSN can take some time. Once your application is accepted, you can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. In the meantime, you can show your employer the application receipt as proof that you have applied for an SSN.

You must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting work

International students in the US who are employed and don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) must apply for one within 90 days of starting their new job. The SSN is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to US citizens and residents, and it is used for various purposes, from opening a bank account to reporting wage earnings.

To apply for an SSN, you need to complete Form SS-5, which is available on the SSA website. You can also use this form to receive a replacement Social Security Card or correct your SSN record. In addition to Form SS-5, you must provide original documents that prove your identity, age, and immigration status. These documents include your birth certificate, passport, US military record, or religious record. If you cannot obtain your birth certificate within 14 business days, other documents may be accepted.

If you are applying for work authorization, you can use DHS's Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and complete the section requesting an SSN card. If you are applying for Permanent Residence or Adjusted Status, you can use Form I-485 and complete the section requesting an SSN card. For these two forms, you do not need to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card.

It typically takes about two weeks to process your SSN application. If you do not receive your SSN card within 14 days of being granted work authorization or receiving your Permanent Resident Card, you can contact your local Social Security office for follow-up.

Dependents in F-1 status are not eligible for an SSN

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but they must obtain prior authorisation from their school's international student office and receive a Social Security Number (SSN). The process for obtaining an SSN involves several steps, and the eligibility requirements must be met. Dependents of F-1 visa holders are not eligible for an SSN.

F-1 visa students must first consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) about working and training in the United States. The DSO will provide essential information regarding regulations and requirements and confirm the student's eligibility to apply for an SSN. It is imperative to ensure that the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN.

To apply for an SSN, international students must visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and present original documents, including proof of age, identity, and work-authorised immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorisation must be valid and unexpired. Additionally, students may need to provide an employment offer letter from their department or hiring office, using a template provided by the SSA.

While obtaining an SSN is crucial for off-campus employment, it is important to note that an SSN is not required for other purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to academic institutions. However, dependents in F-1 status are specifically ineligible for an SSN. If an F-1 dependent receives non-wage income, such as scholarships or grants, they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

It is recommended that international students refer to the SSA website for detailed information on the specific documents required for the SSN application process. Additionally, they should allow sufficient time for processing and follow up with their DSO and the SSA to ensure they meet all the requirements and are authorised to work off-campus.

Frequently asked questions