Lori Meadows
International students in the US can work without a Social Security Number (SSN) as long as they have authorization, such as on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. However, they must apply for an SSN once they have secured employment. An SSN is a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration based on an individual's eligibility to work in the country. While it is not a work permit, it is required to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. International students can apply for an SSN by submitting the necessary documents, including a job offer letter, work authorization, passport, visa, and other relevant forms, either online or in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can an international student work without an SSN? | No answer found |
| Can an international student get an SSN? | Yes answer found |
| What is required to get an SSN? | No answer found |
| How long does it take to get an SSN? | No answer found |
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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) and are encouraged to do so as soon as they get a job offer. However, it should be noted that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.
To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by submitting an "On-campus Employment" request through MyISSS. Students will need to provide information on whether the employment relates to a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, or if it occurs on campus. After receiving confirmation of employment authorization from ISS, students can then apply for an SSN.
Students must apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office or one of the Social Security Card Centers. They will need to bring certain documents, including a passport, employment letter, and Social Security Letter Request. The employment letter must be printed on department letterhead and include the student's job title.
It typically takes 2-4 weeks or more for the Social Security Administration to mail the SSN and card after verifying the applicant's immigration information. Students can request an application receipt to show their employer that they have applied for an SSN.
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You need a job to apply for an SSN
International students can work without a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they will need to apply for one as soon as they have a job offer. An SSN is only issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements.
To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by submitting an On-campus Employment request through MyISS. Once the request has been processed and confirmed, students can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
Students will need to bring certain documents with them to apply for an SSN, including an ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter. They may also need a letter from their hiring department confirming their job offer. It is recommended that students wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN.
While it is not illegal for employers to ask for an SSN on a job application, students are not obligated to provide it if they feel the request is unreasonable. Employers may ask for an SSN to verify identity and work authorization, or to complete a background check. However, most employers do not conduct background checks until later in the recruitment process. Students should be cautious about providing their SSN to potential employers, as identity theft is a concern.
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SSN is not required for a driver's license, phone, credit card, etc
While a Social Security Number (SSN) is necessary for official transactions such as filing tax returns, applying for unemployment benefits, and completing banking transactions, it is not a mandatory requirement for several other purposes. Here are some instances where an SSN is not required:
Driver's License
Depending on your state of residence, you may not need an SSN to obtain a driver's license. Certain states, including Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas, allow individuals to apply for a driver's license without an SSN. In these states, alternative forms of identification, such as a foreign passport, can be used to establish one's identity.
Phone Services
When setting up a new phone account or service, you may be asked to provide your SSN by the carrier or service provider. However, providing your SSN is not always mandatory. Some companies, such as T-Mobile, allow customers to set up accounts without providing their SSN, especially for prepaid accounts. Additionally, you may have the option to provide alternative forms of identification or a deposit in lieu of an SSN.
Credit Cards
While an SSN is often requested during credit-related applications, it is not always mandatory. Some credit card companies may issue cards without an SSN, especially if you are able to provide other forms of identification or meet their alternative requirements. It is worth noting that providing an SSN may simplify the application process and enhance your chances of approval for certain credit-related services.
It is important to remember that the requirement for an SSN can vary depending on the specific circumstances, state laws, and individual company policies. While an SSN may not be mandatory for certain purposes, it is still a vital piece of identification and can often streamline processes related to official transactions, credit applications, and establishing residency.
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Apply for on-campus work authorization
International students in the US with an F1 visa are allowed to work on-campus without a Social Security Number (SSN). However, they must obtain valid on-campus work authorization. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for on-campus work authorization:
- Obtain evidence of employment: Get a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include your job title, start date, and the number of hours you will work per week.
- Submit the "On-Campus Employment" request: Complete the web form through your institution's online system (e.g., MyISSS for UW, TC-Compass for Columbia University). Provide information such as whether the employment relates to a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, and whether it occurs on campus. Allow time for your institution's International Student Services (ISS) to process your request and verify your full-time status and on-campus employment eligibility.
- Receive on-campus employment authorization: You will receive an email notification when your on-campus employment authorization is ready for pickup. Ensure you obtain this authorization before starting any on-campus work.
- Apply for an SSN (optional): While not mandatory for on-campus work, you may choose to apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. Wait at least 2-3 weeks after your arrival in the US before applying. Bring the required documents, including your institution's On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter.
Remember that the specific steps and requirements may vary slightly depending on your educational institution and location. Always refer to your institution's International Student Office or ISS for detailed instructions and guidance.
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Non-US citizens with work authorization can request an SSN
International students in the US may be able to work without a Social Security Number (SSN), but they will need to apply for one as soon as they receive a job offer. Non-US citizens with work authorization can request an SSN, but they must follow certain procedures.
Firstly, international students must wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN. They must then obtain valid employment authorization, which can be done by submitting an "On-campus Employment" request through MyISSS. ISS will verify the student's full-time status and on-campus employment eligibility, and once confirmed, the student can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
Students must bring the ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter, as well as a campus employment letter from their hiring department. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include the student's job title. Additionally, J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
For 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 must then submit a Social Security Letter Request to the OISS. If the employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, an OISS letter is not required.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an individual has been granted legal authorization to work and is employed, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as you have authorization, you can start working without an SSN. However, you must apply for an SSN as soon as possible after getting your job offer and you will need to obtain it within 90 days of starting your job.
You must obtain valid employment authorization. For F-1 students, this can be based on on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, or off-campus employment under Optional Practical Training. J-1 students must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.
You can start the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. Then, within 45 days, you must present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any letters from the DSO and employer, to your local Social Security Administration office.
You will need a job offer letter, work authorization, passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. If you are an F-1 student with on-campus employment, you will also need a letter from your department confirming your job offer. If you are a J-1 student, you may need a Social Security letter from your sponsor.
An SSN is used to report an employee's earnings and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is also often used for other purposes such as opening a bank account, phone plan, or utilities.
