Applying For Social Security: International Students' Guide

International students who are authorized to work in the United States can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers. To be eligible to apply for an SSN as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US and show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. The application process involves filling out Form SS-5 and providing supporting documents, such as a passport, visa documentation, and evidence of work authorization.

F-1 Visa students' eligibility for a Social Security Number

International students with an F-1 visa can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are authorised to work in the United States. This includes on-campus employment, such as a job or curricular practical training (CPT), or off-campus employment through optional practical training (OPT).

To apply for an SSN, F-1 students must provide evidence of their employment and lawful F-1 status, including valid immigration documents and a job offer letter. This includes a valid passport, a valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S". They must also have a valid, unexpired Employment Authorisation (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

F-1 students must submit the immigration reporting form prior to applying for an SSN. They should also obtain a ""social security number support letter" printed and hand-signed by their employer and an ISSS advisor. Once they have gathered the necessary documents, they can submit their application online or in person at a local Social Security office.

It is important to note that the application requirements for an SSN may differ based on an individual's immigration status. The Social Security Number is used for tax and employment reporting purposes and is required by the US government for these purposes.

Documents required for the application

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have been granted legal authorization to work in the US. SSNs are issued only to those individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. F-1 and J-1 students may apply for SSNs provided they meet SSA eligibility requirements.

• A valid passport that has been issued at least one year prior to the date of application for the SSN. If the passport does not meet this requirement, a birth certificate or previous passport may also be required.
• A valid I-20 or DS-2019, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 student status".
• A current I-94 card, also known as the "arrival/departure card", with the correct notation of either "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S".
• Evidence of SSN eligibility, which can include:
• A letter from an on-campus employer addressed to the SSA.
• A letter confirming F-1 student status.
• Evidence of employment eligibility from the sponsor.
• A letter from the ISSA verifying enrollment and immigration status.
• An off-campus employment offer letter as proof of employment.
• CPT I-20 or employment authorization document (EAD) card.
• On-campus employment verification from the hiring department, which must be typed on official school or department letterhead and contain the original signature of the employer.
• Completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application.

Timing of the application

The timing of your application for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US depends on several factors, including your visa status, employment status, and arrival in the country. Here are the key points to consider:

Visa Status

If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must have valid F-1 employment authorization, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). Without lawful F-1 employment, you are ineligible to apply for an SSN. J-1 students must also show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study.

Employment Status

To be eligible for an SSN, you must have employment authorization or a job offer in the US. This can include on-campus employment or off-campus employment with valid work authorization. You will need to provide evidence of your employment or job offer when applying for your SSN.

Arrival in the US

It is recommended that new students wait at least two to three weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN. This allows time for your arrival information to update in all government systems. Your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying.

Application Process Timeframe

The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically issues SSNs within four weeks of receiving your application and supporting documents. You can complete the social security application online and then visit your local SSA office to show your documents in person. It is recommended to apply for the SSN as soon as possible after receiving your job offer.

Reasons for applying for an SSN when not intending to work

Social Security Numbers (SSN) are used to identify participants in the federal government's social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. While SSNs are typically associated with employment, there are several reasons why an international student may want to apply for an SSN even if they are not intending to work. Here are some reasons:

• Convenience: An SSN can be useful for various purposes unrelated to employment, such as opening a bank account, telephone account, or utility account. Having an SSN can make these administrative tasks easier and more convenient.
• Identification: An SSN serves as a unique identifier and can be used as a form of identification. It may be required for certain administrative processes or to access certain services.
• Scholarship Benefits: For international students receiving taxable scholarship benefits, an SSN may be necessary to report these benefits to the government. This ensures that the student's tax obligations are accurately reported and managed.
• Future Employment: While an international student may not currently intend to work, their circumstances may change. Having an SSN already in place can streamline the process if they later decide to seek employment or apply for work authorization.
• Compliance with Visa Requirements: Certain visas, such as the F-1 Visa, may have specific requirements or eligibility criteria that involve obtaining an SSN. International students on specific visa programs should refer to the guidelines provided by their visa category to understand the need for an SSN.

It is important to note that the process and eligibility criteria for obtaining an SSN as an international student may vary based on their visa status, country of origin, and other factors. Students should refer to the guidelines provided by the Social Security Administration and their respective visa programs to understand the specific requirements and determine if applying for an SSN aligns with their circumstances.

Uses of an SSN

International students with an F-1 visa are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the USCIS, have an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training, or are currently employed on campus or have a job offer to do so. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.

The SSN is a unique identifier assigned to US citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. It is a nine-digit number that the US government issues to all US citizens and eligible US residents who apply for one. The SSN enables government agencies to identify individuals in their records and businesses to track an individual's financial information.

The SSN has a wide range of uses and is often used as a matter of convenience for purposes unrelated to its official purpose. Here are some of the uses of an SSN:

• Employment: When an individual starts a new job, their employer will ask for their SSN. The employer's accounting department will use this number to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and their Social Security wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The employer will also use it for state income tax reporting, unless the state does not impose an income tax. Employers who participate in E-Verify, a program to ensure employees can legally work in the US, must obtain the employee's SSN before they can begin work.
• Obtaining Credit and Loans: Banks and other lenders use an individual's SSN to review their credit history and assess their creditworthiness when they apply for a loan or credit card.
• Opening a Bank Account: Banks often require an SSN to open a bank account.
• Obtaining Government Benefits: The SSN is used to determine eligibility for government benefits, such as Social Security retirement benefits or disability income. It helps the government keep track of an individual's lifetime earnings and the number of years worked, which is necessary for calculating benefit payments.
• Private Insurance: An SSN may be required to obtain private insurance, such as health insurance.
• Buying a Home or a Car: Dealerships and real estate businesses may require an SSN to sell a car or a home to an individual.
• Identity Verification: The SSN serves as a form of identification and can be used to verify an individual's identity when applying for various services or benefits.

Frequently asked questions