Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. The SSN is a nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers in the United States. While having an SSN is not a requirement for working in the U.S., it is required for tax reporting purposes. To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid employment authorization and then submit their application in person at any SSA office.
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To do so, they must have a job lined up, even if it is part-time or on-campus work.
To apply for an SSN, international students must submit their application in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. They must bring their original documents, including a valid passport, to prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.
For F-1 visa students, eligibility for an SSN specifically requires one of the following:
- The student has been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The student has an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training.
- The student is currently employed on campus or has a job offer to do so.
For students on an M-1 visa, eligibility requirements for an SSN are not explicitly mentioned in the sources provided. However, it is safe to assume that similar requirements, such as proof of employment and valid immigration status, would apply.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the United States. Instead, it is used to report employee earnings, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes.
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Documents required to apply
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have secured employment. This can be either on-campus or off-campus employment. Students with J-1 visa status can also apply for an SSN, but only if they have secured on-campus employment.
To apply for an SSN, international students must visit a Social Security Office in person and bring the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019
- An I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S"
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card (for OPT)
- Original department letter printed on department letterhead and signed by the hiring department, including job title (for on-campus employment)
- Social Security Letter Request
- Social Security Authorisation Letter from sponsor (if sponsored by an external organisation)
Students engaged in CPT must also have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the I-20 form.
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Where to apply
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To do so, they must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by providing evidence of on-campus employment or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
On-Campus Employment:
To prove on-campus employment, international students must obtain a letter from their department confirming that they have been offered a job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include the job title.
Curricular Practical Training:
For CPT, students must obtain an updated Form I-20 from their institution, showing that they have been authorized to engage in CPT.
Optional Practical Training:
For OPT, students must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
Once students have obtained the necessary employment authorization, they can apply for an SSN in person at their local Social Security Administration office. They should bring their original documents, including a valid passport, proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
It is important to note that simply 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 within 90 days of starting their job. The Social Security Administration will verify the student's immigration information and mail their SSN and card within 2-4 weeks or more.
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Application processing time
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but the process can vary. It is not possible to apply online for a first-time application. You must visit your local Social Security office in person. However, you can start the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card.
The application process can take two to four weeks, but it is recommended that students allow up to six weeks for processing. Students should also be sure to initiate the SSN application process well before their intended job start date to ensure timely receipt.
The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. You will need to show proof of identity, age, and work-authorised immigration status (your visa). You will also need to provide evidence of a job offer or employment eligibility.
If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card. You must also have evidence of authorised on-campus or off-campus employment.
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Uses of SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply, students need to have a job lined up and valid employment authorization. Even part-time, on-campus work makes an international student eligible to apply for an SSN.
The Social Security Number (SSN) was initially created in 1936 to track the earnings histories of U.S. workers. This information was used to determine Social Security benefit entitlement and compute benefit levels. However, the use of the SSN has expanded significantly since its inception.
Today, the SSN is a commonly used numbering system in the United States and is often used as a means of identification. It is used by government agencies to identify individuals in their records and by businesses to track an individual's financial information. The SSN is also used for tax reporting purposes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is required to open bank accounts.
Additionally, the SSN is used to track an individual's yearly earnings and the number of years they have worked, which is necessary for computing potential financial benefits, such as retirement income, disability income, or health insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get an SSN.
You will need to have a job lined up, even part-time, on-campus work will make you eligible. You will also need to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status.
You can apply in person at any SSA office.
You will need a valid passport, and other original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
