International Students: Applying For A Social Security Number

International students in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to participate in the federal government's social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. To be eligible, international students must have employment authorization or a job offer in the US. The process involves submitting an application form and relevant documents, such as a passport, visa, and proof of employment or authorization to work. After approval, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a Social Security card and number, which typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks.

Eligibility criteria for international students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain eligibility criteria. The SSN is a federal government programme that provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families.

Firstly, international students must have employment authorization to work in the US. This means having a valid F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa or being authorized for optional practical training (OPT). F-1 Visa students must also have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the USCIS, have an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training, or be currently employed on campus or have a job offer. J-1 students must have a letter of affiliation or support from their J-1 Program Advisor. F-1 students authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must provide Form I-20 and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or a DSO letter.

Students must also submit various documents, including a completed Form SS-5 Social Security Card Application, at least two documents that establish their age, identity, and alien status, and a passport issued at least one year before the date of their SSN application. Some schools may also require an SSN Authorization Letter from OISS, which can be requested through the OISS Portal.

It is important to note that international students cannot be assigned an SSN solely for attending college, and they must have employment or a job offer that requires an SSN. The entire application process can take up to four weeks, and the Social Security card will be mailed to the address provided on the application form.

Required documents

To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. When applying for an SSN, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility.

The documents required for an international student to apply for an SSN are:

• Form SS-5 FS, a variation of Form SS-5, is used by international students to apply for an SSN while studying in the US.
• Original documents proving your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (your visa).
• At least two documents that establish your age, identity, and alien status.
• A passport that has been issued at least one year prior to the date of your SSN application.
• Form I-20, with the employment page completed.
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter.

All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

Application process

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must have employment authorization to work in the country. The application process involves several steps and the submission of relevant documentation. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process:

Step 1: Obtain Employment Authorization

To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can vary depending on your visa type and student status. For instance, 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 required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study. They may also need to obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

The specific documents you will need to submit depend on your work authorization and visa type. In general, you will need to provide proof of identity and work-authorized immigration status. If you have a sponsor, you will need a letter from them authorizing your employment on their letterhead, including their signature. If you are an F-1 student authorized for CPT, you will need to provide Form I-20 with the completed employment page.

Step 3: Submit a Social Security Letter Request

You will need to submit a Social Security Letter Request. If you are a J-1 student under an exchange program requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, submit your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status. An OISS letter may not be required if your employment is based on certain types of training or economic hardship.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

You will need to complete the application for a Social Security Card before visiting the local Social Security office. The relevant form for international students is Form SS-5 FS, a variation of Form SS-5. You can complete and download this form through services like Sprintax Forms, which provides assistance for nonresident tax filing.

Step 5: Visit a Social Security Office

After gathering your documentation and completing the necessary forms, you will need to visit a Social Security Office to apply for your SSN in person. Once your application is accepted, be sure to request an application receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.

Processing times

The processing time for an SSN application for international students varies. It is recommended that you begin the process online and then visit your local Social Security Administration office with your confirmation number and required documentation within 45 calendar days.

If you are an F-1 student, it is recommended that you wait two weeks from the start of classes to apply for your SSN. This is because it takes about two weeks for your immigration record to be updated in the Social Security Administration (SSA) system. If you apply too soon, your SSN issuance will be delayed.

The processing time for your SSN application also depends on the type of employment you are engaged in. For instance, if you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form. If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card. F-1 students applying for an SSN on OPT should automatically receive their SSN within 2-4 weeks of their OPT application approval.

If you are a J-1 student, you should contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) at your university to request an SSN letter. Once your J-1 student employment has been approved, you will be provided with next steps for applying for your SSN. J-1 students can apply for an SSN if they have approval to work on campus or authorization for an off-campus academic internship (Academic Training). J-1 scholars (professors and researchers) are eligible to apply for an SSN one week after completing their immigration check-in.

The time it takes to receive your SSN can vary from a few days to several weeks. Some students have reported receiving their SSN within 5 days of applying, while others have reported waiting up to 4 weeks or more. It is recommended that you call and request an email update on the status of your application.

Importance of SSN for international students

International students in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). An SSN is important for international students for several reasons. Firstly, it is used to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US. International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa status are generally not required to pay Social Security taxes on their earnings, but they may still need an SSN for tax purposes. Additionally, an SSN is often required to open phone, utility, or bank accounts in the US. While it is not mandatory to have an SSN before starting work, employers are required to use an employee's SSN to report their wages. Therefore, international students should initiate the SSN application process as soon as they secure a job or internship in the US.

To be eligible to apply for an SSN, international students must have employment authorization to work in the US and provide proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. The application process involves gathering relevant documentation, including original proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any school-issued or employment letters. International students can apply for an SSN online or through in-person submission at a local Social Security office. The SSN is typically issued within a few weeks, but the process can take up to six weeks, so it is important for students to plan accordingly.

It is worth noting that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an international student has been authorized to work, they are required to apply for an SSN. In cases where an international student needs an SSN for non-work-related reasons, they must provide proof of a valid non-work reason. Overall, an SSN is an important identifier for international students in the US, facilitating employment, tax reporting, and access to various services and accounts.

Frequently asked questions