Savanna Hoffman
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but there are certain eligibility criteria to be met. An SSN is issued to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. While it is not mandatory to have an SSN before starting work, it is required to report an employee's earnings. Students can start the application process online and will need to present proof of ID, age, lawful resident status, and employment eligibility within 45 days of the online submission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students get an SSN? | Yes |
| Requirements | A job offer/employment eligibility, a valid passport, and other documents depending on the situation. |
| Time taken to issue an SSN | 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
International students must have a job to apply for an SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and are eligible to work in the US. However, they must have a job lined up to apply for an SSN, and even part-time, on-campus work makes them eligible. International students can start working without an SSN but must apply and obtain one within 90 days of starting their job.
To apply for an SSN, international students must visit their local Social Security Administration office in person with the necessary documents. These documents include a valid passport, and depending on the student's situation, they may need to provide additional documents. For instance, F-1 or M-1 students must bring their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must bring their DS-2019. Furthermore, students must provide proof of their status, such as an I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.
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). J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study. If sponsored by an external organization, J-1 students must obtain a Social Security authorization letter from their sponsor.
The Social Security Administration will review the submitted documents, and once the application is accepted, students can request an application receipt. They can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
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Required documents for SSN application
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have employment authorization to work in the US. The first step in the application process is to show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility.
The documents required for the SSN application vary depending on the applicant's immigration status. Here are the documents that may be needed:
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is a must-have document when applying for an SSN as a foreigner.
- Form I-20: F-1 students authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed.
- DS-2019: If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must bring Form I-20. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you will need to provide Form DS-2019.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter: This is required for F-1 students authorized to work in CPT.
- Evidence of Lawful F-1 Employment: F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide one of these documents to prove your status.
- I-94 Card or Electronic I-94: F-1 and J-1 students may need an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with their specific visa status ("F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S").
- Letter from Sponsor: J-1 students, student interns, or international visitors must provide a letter from their sponsor on official letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment.
- Additional Documents for Non-Work Reasons: If you are not authorized to work in the US but need an SSN for non-work reasons, you must provide proof of a valid non-work reason for requiring an SSN.
It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. After gathering the relevant documentation, you must complete the application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5) and submit it to your local Social Security office, either in person or by mail.
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SSN application process
International students can apply for an SSN, but they must meet certain requirements. To be eligible to apply for an SSN, international students must have employment authorization to work in the US. This means that you will need a job offer or proof of employment eligibility before you can apply for an SSN. Even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment.
Once you have secured employment, you will need to gather the relevant documentation and complete the application for a Social Security card. This can be done through Sprintax Forms, where you can complete and download your application. You will then need to take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration office in person to file your application. A valid passport is a must-have document when applying as a foreigner. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally issues replacement Social Security cards within seven to ten business days after documentation has been approved. It is possible to apply for a replacement card online using your Social Security Card or in person at an SSA office. If there is a problem with your Social Security Number, the SSA will mail you a letter.
It is important to carefully guard your Social Security Card and number as they contain confidential information and are key to confirming your identity. The SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes.
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SSN not required for non-work purposes
International students can apply for an SSN, but they need to prove their eligibility. If you are an international student and do not have a job, you can still apply for an SSN if you require it for a valid non-work reason.
To be eligible 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. However, even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must provide Form I-20 and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor, on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment.
If you are not authorized to work in the US but require an SSN for non-work reasons, you must provide proof that you need it for a valid non-work reason. For example, if state or local law requires an SSN to receive general assistance benefits that you have already qualified for.
It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Additionally, you will need a valid passport when applying for an SSN as a foreigner.
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SSN not required to open certain accounts
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and are required to have employment authorization to work in the US. However, an SSN is not always necessary for international students, and there are certain accounts and services that can be accessed without one.
Banking
Some US banks allow non-residents and international students to open accounts without an SSN. For example, SoFi offers checking and savings accounts to non-permanent residents. Additionally, Mercury and Relay are two other options for non-residents seeking to open a bank account without an SSN, as indicated in a 2025 YouTube video.
Loans
International students without an SSN can also access private student loans from organizations like MPOWER Financing. MPOWER offers loans without requiring collateral or a cosigner.
Starting Work
It is possible to start working in the US without an SSN, but it is mandatory to apply for one within 90 days of beginning employment. To apply for an SSN, international students must provide proof of employment eligibility or a job offer, along with other relevant documents.
In summary, while an SSN may be beneficial for certain purposes, it is not a requirement for international students to open specific accounts or access particular financial services in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for an SSN.
To be eligible for an SSN, an international student must have employment authorization to work in the US. They must also show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility.
The documents required to apply for an SSN vary depending on the student's situation. A valid passport is always required. F-1 or M-1 students must bring their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must bring their DS-2019. Additionally, students may need to provide proof of their status, such as an I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.
Yes, international students can start working without an SSN as long as they have authorization. However, they must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting their job.
International students can apply for an SSN online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. They must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any required letters, to their local Social Security Administration office within 45 days of their online submission.
