International Students: Denying Ssns And Their Rights

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. A Social Security Number is a vital piece of identification that plays a key role in everything from employment to filing taxes to even banking. While it is not a requirement for a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution, it is necessary for students who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. Obtaining an SSN is a crucial step in an international student's journey to maintaining their lawful status in the US.

Eligibility requirements for international students to obtain an SSN

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and are eligible to obtain one, provided certain requirements are met. The SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

Firstly, international students must have employment authorization to work in the U.S. This can be in the form of a job offer or employment eligibility. Even part-time, on-campus work makes an international student eligible to apply for an SSN. Students with F-1 or J-1 status can obtain a Social Security Number, but they must meet SSA eligibility requirements. For instance, 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). If an F-1 student does not have lawful employment, they should apply for an ITIN, which is used for tax filing purposes.

The next step is to gather the relevant documentation. A valid passport is essential when applying for an SSN as a foreigner. Depending on the situation, additional documents may be required. For instance, F-1 or M-1 students must bring their I-20 form, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must provide a DS-2019. To prove your status, you may need to bring an I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor, which should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature.

Once the necessary documents have been gathered, the application for a Social Security card must be completed before visiting the local Social Security office. The standard application form is Form SS-5, which can be filled out online. However, international students use a variation of this form, called Form SS-5 FS, to apply for an SSN when studying in the U.S. It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. After submitting the application, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive the SSN, although processing times may vary.

Documents required to apply for an SSN

International students can apply for an SSN, but they must have employment authorization to work in the US. When applying for an SSN, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility.

• A valid passport is a must-have document when applying for an SSN as a foreigner.
• If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must bring your I-20.
• If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must bring your DS-2019.
• You will also need one of the following documents to prove your status: I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.
• If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or an international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
• If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in CPT (Curricular Practical Training), you must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter.
• If you are not authorized to work in the US but need an SSN for non-work reasons, you must provide proof that you need it for a valid non-work reason.
• You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, other documents such as your passport or a document issued by the DHS will be considered as evidence of your age.
• You can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS by requesting Form W-7 (or Form W-7A for children) in person or by calling the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676).
• If you are applying for an SSN due to state or local law requirements to receive general assistance benefits that you have already qualified for, you can get support from the Sprintax team by creating an account with Sprintax Forms.

Where to apply for an SSN

International students can apply for an SSN, but they must have employment authorization to work in the US. When applying for an SSN, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility. This can be done by providing a letter from your sponsor, on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment before visiting. You will need to bring your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.

If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must bring your I-20. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must bring your DS-2019. You will also need one of the following documents to prove your status: I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa. It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

You can also apply for an SSN online and then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.

How long does it take to receive an SSN?

International students can apply for an SSN, but they must have employment authorization to work in the US. To apply, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility. This means that you can start working without an SSN, but you must apply and get one within 90 days of starting your job.

The time it takes to receive an SSN varies. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times vary. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. This can take 2-4 weeks or more. The SSA generally issues replacement Social Security Cards within seven to ten business days after documentation has been approved if you apply using Form I-765 and/or Form I-485.

What is an SSN used for?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number that was created in 1936 to track the earnings histories of U.S. workers. This was to be used to determine Social Security benefit entitlement and compute benefit levels. The SSN has since become a de facto national identification number, with nearly every legal resident of the United States having one.

The SSN is used by businesses and government entities to track an individual's financial information and confirm their identity. It is also used by financial institutions to open interest-bearing accounts, and to obtain credit. An individual's SSN is required for parents to claim their children as dependents for federal income tax purposes.

An SSN is also required to apply for a replacement Social Security Card, which can be done online or in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. To apply for an SSN, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility, and provide relevant documentation. This includes a valid passport, and depending on your situation, you may also need to provide additional documents such as an I-20 form, DS-2019 form, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Card.

It is important to note that while an SSN is not required for all activities, such as renting an apartment or obtaining a hunting or fishing license, it is becoming increasingly difficult to engage in legitimate financial activities without one.

Frequently asked questions