International Students: Ssn Without Jobs?

International students in the US who are on F-1 or J-1 visas can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) without a job, as long as they have valid employment authorization. This can be obtained through on-campus employment, curricular practical training, or a job offer for either. The application process for an SSN involves submitting a Social Security Letter Request and visiting a Social Security Office. It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant authorization to work in the US, but certain benefits and services do require an SSN.

F-1 Visa students are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have an Employment Authorization Document

F-1 Visa students are not eligible for an SSN without a job, and they must submit a job offer letter when applying for an SSN. This can be an on-campus job, such as a research assistant or library assistant, or it can be off-campus employment authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. The student's international student advisor will review the content of the job offer letter and endorse it if it meets the Social Security Administration's standards.

To apply for an SSN, F-1 Visa students must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20, and I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S." They 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).

It is important to note that F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including STEM OPT.

F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job

F-1 students are permitted to work on their school campus, and they can take on any job that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. They may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session or during the annual vacation.

If an F-1 student has finished a program and starts another one at the same campus, they may continue their on-campus employment as long as they plan to enroll in the new program for the next term. F-1 students may also be able to work for a commercial firm on campus, but this is more complicated and depends on various factors. The commercial firm must meet specific rules to be considered a legitimate on-campus employer, and the job must be in the direct service of students.

It is important to note that any deviation from the strict F-1 employment rules is considered an employment violation, which can have serious consequences. If an F-1 student violates their status, they must apply for reinstatement to lawful F-1 status and discontinue all work until they are reinstated.

J-1 students must have a job offer letter on departmental letterheads

International students on a J-1 visa are required to submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). This letter should be printed on departmental letterheads and include specific information.

Firstly, the letter must confirm that the J-1 student has secured on-campus employment. This can be done by providing a statement from the on-campus employer on the respective department's letterhead. The University of Houston, for example, provides a template for employers to fill out and print on their letterhead.

Secondly, the letter should include details about the nature of the employment, such as the job title and a description of the main responsibilities. It should also mention the department within the university where the student will be working.

Additionally, the letter should state that the student is authorized to engage in on-campus employment. This can be done by including a letter from a Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer at the OISS, confirming the nature of the employment and identifying the on-campus employer.

It is important to note that simply having a Social Security Number does not grant legal authorization to work in the United States. However, if a J-1 student has been authorized to work, they are required to apply for an SSN. The application process typically involves submitting the necessary documents, including valid immigration documents, and can take around 4-6 weeks.

Students can apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Tupelo, Mississippi

International students can get an SSN without a job, but they must meet certain requirements. F-1 students must have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S". Additionally, they must 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). J-1 students must have a letter of affiliation or support from their J-1 Program Advisor. Both types of students must also meet the SSA eligibility requirements.

If you are an international student in Tupelo, Mississippi, and you meet the above criteria, you can apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration (SSA). The first step is to submit a Social Security Letter Request via TC-Compass. If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered a job. The employment letter must be printed on department letterhead and include your job title. The OISS will then issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.

Alternatively, if your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, you do not need an OISS letter. Instead, you can proceed directly to the Social Security Office to apply for your SSN. Be sure to bring all the necessary documents, including your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and evidence of employment authorization if applicable. Social Security forms are available at the SSA office, and there is no fee required to apply.

Once you have submitted your application, an SSA examiner will review your documents. After your application is accepted, be sure to obtain an application receipt, which you can show to your employer as proof that you have applied for an SSN. You should receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. Please note that having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the U.S., but if you have legal authorization and are working, you are required to apply for an SSN.

An SSN is not required for a driver's license, cell phone, or credit card

While SSNs are often required when applying for a credit card, some issuers accept alternative forms of identification for those who don't have one, such as international students. This is because creditors use your credit history to decide whether to approve you for new credit and, if approved, to determine your credit limit or loan amount and interest rates. Experian, for example, uses other identifiable information, such as full name, birth date, and known addresses, to access a person’s credit history. To access your credit report without an SSN, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by submitting a written request directly to any of the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. To obtain an ITIN, you’ll need to file IRS Form W-7, which is available to individuals who do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN.

In terms of cell phone plans, T-Mobile offers No Credit Check accounts where you put down a deposit for the first line to get an account. The downside is that you can't finance any phones for the first 12 months, so you either have to bring your own phone or buy one at full price from T-Mobile.

Regarding driver's licenses, the California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to collect your SSN. However, if you are legally present in the U.S. but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from the DMV SSN requirement. You may start an application for a noncommercial driver's license or ID card, and once your eligibility status is verified, the DMV will complete your application.

Therefore, while an SSN is not required for a driver's license, cell phone, or credit card, it is often preferred by institutions as a secure and verifiable way to track an individual's financial information and establish identification.

Frequently asked questions