Douglas Olsen
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. To apply, students must have a job lined up and take their documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person. The documents required include a valid passport, proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. Students can start working without an SSN, but they must apply and obtain one within 90 days of starting their job. An SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students get a SSN? | Yes, international students can apply for a SSN. |
| Who is eligible for a SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students. |
| What are the requirements? | A job, either on-campus or off-campus, and valid employment authorization. |
| What documents are needed? | Passport, birth certificate, I-20, I-94 card, evidence of SSN eligibility (e.g., a letter from the on-campus employer or confirmation of F-1 status), and other original documents proving identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. |
| Where to apply? | Social Security Administration (SSA) office. |
| Application fee | None. |
| Processing time | 4-6 weeks, but processing times may vary. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for F-1 employment
To be eligible for F-1 employment, international students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must have a valid F-1 visa, which is for academic students enrolled in a full-time academic program, language-training program, or vocational program at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year but can accept on-campus employment with certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus employment typically requires a letter from the department confirming the job offer and may include positions such as research assistant, library assistant, or proofreader.
After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment through various programs, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be directly related to the student's academic program, and the Form I-20 must include authorization for CPT. OPT is temporary employment related to the student's area of study, and eligible F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week during the program and full-time when school is not in session. To be authorized for OPT, students must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
Additionally, F-1 students seeking off-campus employment must have prior authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. They must also ensure that their off-campus training employment is related to their area of study. To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), F-1 students must have valid employment authorization and provide proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. They can apply for an SSN at their local Social Security Administration office or via TC-Compass if they are requesting it based on on-campus employment.
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Documents required for application
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements and provide various documents. The specific documents required may vary depending on the individual's situation, such as their visa type and the nature of their employment. Here is a detailed list of the documents that may be needed:
- Valid passport: A passport is a mandatory document when applying for an SSN as an international student.
- Employment Authorization: To be eligible for an SSN, international students must have authorization to work in the US. They must show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. This could include a letter from the college department confirming an on-campus job offer, or an updated Form I-20 indicating authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- Form I-20: For F-1 students engaged in CPT, the Form I-20 must include the employment page and authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter: This is required for F-1 students authorized for CPT.
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card: For students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), an unexpired EAD card is necessary.
- Evidence of Lawful F-1 Employment: F-1 students must provide evidence of authorized employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT.
- Valid immigration documents: This includes a valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with the appropriate visa status, such as "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."
- Original documents proving identity, immigration status, and work eligibility: These documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
- Social Security Letter Request: This is submitted to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. The OISS will then issue a letter confirming on-campus employment and full-time student status.
- TC/CU Department Letter: If requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, a letter from the TC, CU, or affiliate department must be submitted to the OISS.
- Social Security Application Form (Form SS-5): This is the standard application form used by US citizens and non-citizens eligible to apply for a Social Security Card. Form SS-5 FS is the variation used by international students.
It is important to note that the Social Security Administration recommends not applying for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of employment, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected. Additionally, while having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work, those with authorized employment are required to apply for an SSN.
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Where to apply
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by visiting a local Social Security Administration office. This can be done in person or by mail.
To apply in person, you must visit a Social Security Administration office. You will need to bring the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility
- Evidence of on-campus employment, such as a letter from your hiring department or a confirmation of on-campus employment from your institution's International Student Services (ISS) or Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
- 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
To apply by mail, you will need to contact your local Social Security Administration office to request an application form. You will need to provide the same documents as for the in-person application.
It is important to note that you should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. Additionally, you must have valid employment authorization to apply for an SSN. This can be in the form of on-campus employment or off-campus employment authorization, such as curricular practical training or optional practical training.
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Application processing time
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. However, they must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by providing a letter from the relevant department confirming that the student has been offered an on-campus job, or by obtaining an updated Form I-20 showing that the student has been authorized to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training.
Once a student has obtained valid employment authorization, they can begin the application process for an SSN. This typically involves submitting a Social Security Letter Request and visiting a Social Security Office to provide the necessary documentation. The specific documents required may vary depending on the student's individual circumstances, but generally include proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. It is important to note that original documents are typically required, and photocopies or notarized copies may not be accepted.
The processing time for an SSN application can vary, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks for the application to be reviewed and approved. Students are advised to obtain an application receipt to show their employer that they have applied for an SSN. Once the application is approved, students can expect to receive their SSN card within 2 weeks. However, it is recommended to allow up to 14 days for processing and delivery of the card.
It is important to note that the Social Security Administration has specific guidelines regarding the timing of applications. For example, the OISS recommends that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of their employment or authorization program. Additionally, students who are applying for work authorization using Form I-765 can request an SSN card as part of that application process, and will receive their SSN card within 14 days of receiving their Employment Authorization Document.
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SSN uses
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply, students must have a job lined up and valid employment authorization. Even part-time, on-campus work makes students eligible. Students must then take their documents to their local Social Security Administration in person to file their application.
The SSN was initially created in 1936 to track the earnings history of U.S. workers and determine Social Security benefit entitlement. However, its use has expanded significantly since then, and it is now used as a nearly universal identifier.
The SSN is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax reporting purposes. It is also used by employers to submit accurate reports of covered earnings for use in administering benefits under the Social Security program. This includes reporting your income to the IRS and your Social Security wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your employer will also use it for state income tax reporting.
Financial institutions such as banks use your SSN to check your credit, report your interest and investment income or losses to the IRS, and manage your account. It is also used to obtain credit, open a bank account, obtain government benefits or private insurance, and buy a home or a car.
Additionally, many states require you to provide your SSN when applying for a driver's license. It is also used to apply for a U.S. passport and enrol in Medicare.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a Social Security Number (SSN).
You will need to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. A valid passport is a must-have document when applying for an SSN as a foreigner.
You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
