Lana Oconnell
International students can work in the US and apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), but they must first prove their eligibility to work. To be eligible, students must have a job or internship in the US and obtain an employment verification letter from their institution. Students can start working before receiving their SSN, but they must apply for one within 90 days of starting their job. The application process for an SSN can be done online or in person and typically takes two to six weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students |
| What do you need to apply? | A job offer, employment authorization, and valid documents |
| Where do you apply? | Local Social Security Administration office |
| What documents do you need? | Passport, work permit, letter from sponsor, proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility |
| Is there a cost? | No |
| How long does it take? | 2-4 weeks or more |
| Can you start working without an SSN? | Yes, but you must apply and get an SSN within 90 days of starting your job |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and work in the US, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. The process involves several steps and necessary documents. Here are the key eligibility requirements for international students seeking to work in the US and obtain an SSN:
Visa Requirements
To study as a full-time student in the US, international students typically need a student visa. The two common non-immigrant visa categories are the F and M visas. Within these categories, international students can enter with an F-1 or M-1 visa, which requires meeting specific criteria:
- Enrolment in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- The chosen school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement.
- F-1 visa holders intending to work and obtain an SSN must have a work permit (I-766).
- J-1 visa holders, including students, student interns, or international visitors, must provide a letter from their sponsor, authorising their employment.
Academic Requirements
Eligibility for admission to a US degree program varies among universities and programs. Here are some common academic requirements:
- Standardised tests: Many universities require English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Undergraduate courses may require the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), while postgraduate programs often require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT.
- Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum GPA of 3.00, or its equivalent, is typically required. Universities will convert grades from a different scaling system to the 4.0 US scale.
- Previous Education: For MS programs in the US, eligibility often includes 16 years of previous education, which can vary in structure. For an MBA, a four-year Bachelor's degree with work experience is typically required.
- Holistic Admission: Some universities employ holistic admission, considering the student's overall profile, including personal essays, reference letters, interests, achievements, non-academic achievements, and activities, in addition to grades and test scores.
Additional Considerations
- On-Campus Employment: International students seeking on-campus employment must obtain work authorisation by submitting a request through their university's international student services.
- Social Security Administration: To obtain an SSN, international students must prove their eligibility to work in the US and provide necessary documents, including a valid passport, to the Social Security Administration.
- Taxes: International students who do not work on campus but receive taxable scholarships should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements may vary among universities and programs, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your chosen university and program.
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The application process
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by following these steps:
Step 1: Ensure you are eligible
First, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for an SSN. You must have a job lined up, even part-time on-campus work is eligible. If you are an F-1 student, you must have a work permit I-766, and if you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. This letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment.
Step 2: Gather required documents
Next, you will need to gather the required documents to apply for an SSN. This includes a valid passport and other documents depending on your situation. If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Step 3: Complete the application form
You can complete the SSN application form, Form SS-5, online or by printing and completing it manually. This form can be found on the Social Security Administration website.
Step 4: Submit the application
After completing the application form, you must submit it to your local Social Security Administration office in person, along with your required documentation. You must do this within 45 calendar days of completing your online application. It is recommended to wait at least ten days after arriving in the US to apply, as this makes it easier for your documents to be verified online and can speed up the process.
Step 5: Receive your SSN
Once your application has been approved and your documents have been verified, the Social Security Administration will mail your SSN and card to the address provided on your application form. This typically takes 2-4 weeks, but additional security procedures may extend this timeframe to 4-8 weeks.
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Necessary documents
International students can work in the US, but they must abide by the terms and restrictions of their visa. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which is a non-immigrant student visa. Students with this visa can work in the US, but only under certain conditions.
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), you must have a job lined up, even if it is part-time or on-campus work. You will need to take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration office in person to file your application for an SSN card. Here are the necessary documents:
- A valid passport is a must-have document when applying for an SSN as an international student.
- If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (I-766), you must bring it.
- If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. This letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorising your employment.
- If you are a J-2 dependent with employment authorisation, you will need the above documents, plus your Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) card.
- You may also need to submit photos that are unmounted and unretouched.
- You will also need to prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
It is important to note that the SSN itself is not a work permit, and you must have authorisation to work in the US before applying for an SSN. Additionally, you can start working without an SSN, but you must apply and obtain one within 90 days of starting your job.
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Time taken to receive SSN
International students in the US are required to have a Social Security Number (SSN) for tax and employment reporting purposes. An SSN is used to track earnings over a worker's lifetime and is valid forever. While it is not necessary to have an SSN before starting work, employers will require your SSN to report your wages.
To be eligible to apply for an SSN, international students must have employment authorization to work in the US and proof of a job offer/employment eligibility. It is recommended that students start the application process online and then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters, within 45 days.
The time taken to receive an SSN can vary, with estimates ranging from two to six weeks, or even up to four weeks or more. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card once all your immigration information has been verified. New students are advised to wait at least two to three weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN to allow for processing and verification of their full-time status and employment eligibility.
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What an SSN is used for
International students can apply for an SSN, but they need to have a job lined up and meet other eligibility criteria. An SSN is a Social Security Number, which is used for tracking earnings over a worker's lifetime. It is not a work permit, but you must have work authorization to obtain an SSN.
An SSN is used to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. It is a unique identifier for income tracking purposes. Before 1986, people often did not obtain an SSN until they were around 14 years old, as those under that age seldom had substantial income. However, since nearly everyone in the US now has an SSN, it has become a de facto national identification number.
An SSN is required for parents to claim their children as dependents for federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service also requires all corporations to obtain SSNs from their employees. An SSN is not needed to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to engage in legitimate financial activities, such as applying for a loan or bank account, without an SSN. Companies may refuse to provide services to individuals who do not have an SSN.
Additionally, an SSN is used to replace a Social Security card if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. It is also necessary to report a stolen SSN to the Federal Trade Commission if you suspect identity theft.
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