Janice Lozano
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, but they must be employed or have tax reporting requirements to be eligible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers. To apply for an SSN, international students must have a job lined up and provide original documents proving their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. The application process typically involves submitting a request to the SSA and visiting a local SSA office in person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get a Social Security Number? | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States |
| Who needs a Social Security Number? | Every F and M student who U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants employment authorization |
| Who is not eligible for a Social Security Number? | F-2 or J-2 dependents, F-1 visa holders who do not work on campus but receive a taxable scholarship |
| What is a Social Security Number used for? | Reporting earnings, tracking Social Security benefits, other identification purposes |
| What if I am not eligible for a Social Security Number but need to file a tax return? | Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) |
| How to apply for a Social Security Number? | Apply in person at a Social Security Administration office, carry original documents proving identity, immigration status, and work eligibility |
| When to apply for a Social Security Number? | After getting a job offer, do not apply more than 30 days prior to the start of employment |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Students need to prove their identity, immigration status and work eligibility
- SSN applications must be made in person at a Social Security Administration office
- The Social Security Administration assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers
- Students ineligible for SSN but receiving non-wage income must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
To apply for an SSN, international students must visit their local SSA office in person and provide original documents, such as a valid passport, to prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. The SSA will then mail the SSN and card once all immigration information has been verified, which typically takes 2-4 weeks, although processing times can vary.
It is important to note that 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. Additionally, an SSN is not required for non-work purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.
International students who are not eligible for an SSN but need to file a tax return or have taxable scholarships may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an International Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
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Students need to prove their identity, immigration status and work eligibility
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and are required to prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. To do this, students must carry their original documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person. 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. Students will also need to have a job lined up, but even part-time, on-campus work makes them eligible. They can apply for the SSN as soon as possible after getting their job offer. Students with F-1 visa status who have found a job on or off campus are eligible to apply for an SSN.
Students can obtain documentation for employment authorization from their ISS adviser or their sponsoring agency. They can then complete the social security application online. The Social Security Administration will mail the student's number and card as soon as all of their immigration information has been verified. It can take 2-4 weeks, but processing times vary.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an individual has been granted legal authorization to work and is working, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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SSN applications must be made in person at a Social Security Administration office
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as long as they have a job lined up, even if it is part-time, on-campus work. To apply for an SSN, you must have received employment authorization from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program and are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must submit your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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The Social Security Administration assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, but they must be eligible nonimmigrant workers or have tax reporting requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the country. The SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for identification purposes.
Every F and M student who has been granted employment authorization by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs an SSN. However, simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S. If an F or M student is ineligible for an SSN but receives non-wage income in the U.S. (such as scholarships, grants, or interest on stocks), they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
To apply for an SSN, international students must file their application in person at an SSA office. They need to provide original documents that prove their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration and work authorization must be unexpired. Many states require that international students have an SSN or have applied for one before they can apply for a driver's license.
It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their on-campus employment or the beginning date of their EAD card. Applications submitted more than 30 days before the start of employment may be rejected as too early. Once an application is accepted, students can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
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Students ineligible for SSN but receiving non-wage income must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. However, to be eligible for an SSN, students must have a job lined up, even if it is a part-time, on-campus position. This means that international students who are not employed but receive non-wage income (such as scholarships, grants, interest on stocks, or gambling/lottery winnings) are ineligible for an SSN.
In such cases, where students are ineligible for an SSN but receive non-wage income, they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is specifically designed for international students and scholars who do not qualify for an SSN. The ITIN enables these individuals to file their taxes, particularly when they need to submit a 1040NR tax return.
It is important to note that the ITIN is not a replacement for an SSN and serves a different purpose. While an SSN is used to report wages, track Social Security benefits, and for identification purposes, the ITIN is primarily for tax-related matters. International students who are employed and eligible for an SSN should apply for one, as it is a requirement for those who work in the US.
The process of applying for an ITIN involves submitting an application to the IRS. Dependents of international students (F-2 or J-2) should plan to apply for an ITIN in person at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Students can also submit an ITIN application request through their institution's international student services or office. While an ITIN is necessary for tax purposes, it is not a requirement for other activities such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver's license, or applying for a credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
You will need to have a job lined up and take all your original documents to your local Social Security Administration office in person to file your application for an SSN card. This includes your passport, proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
It can take 2-4 weeks to receive your SSN, but processing times vary.
Yes, you can start working without an SSN, but you will need to apply and get one within 90 days of starting your job.
An SSN is used to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes.
