Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but it is not required to obtain a driver's license, phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. An SSN is issued to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements, and international students must have employment authorization to apply for one. While an SSN is not a work permit, it is required to work in the US. International students can start working without an SSN, but they must apply for one within 90 days of starting their job. The application process for an SSN typically takes two to four weeks, and students must present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant employment authorization documents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students get an SSN? | Yes, international students can apply for an SSN. |
| Employment status | You must have a job or employment authorization to apply for an SSN. |
| Documents required | Passport, I-20, DS-2019, I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa, letter from the sponsor, etc. |
| Time taken | 2-6 weeks |
| Online application | Yes, the application can be started online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. |
| In-person application | Yes, the application must be completed in person at a local Social Security Administration office. |
| Application fee | None |
| Can you start working without an SSN? | Yes, but you must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting your job. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can start working without an SSN
- International students must have employment authorization to work in the US
- An SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, phone, credit card, etc
- International students must prove their eligibility to get an SSN
- International students can apply for an SSN replacement card
International students can start working without an SSN
International students can begin working in the U.S. without an SSN as long as they have authorization, such as on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. However, it is recommended to apply for an SSN as soon as possible after receiving a job offer, as it typically takes two to four weeks to process and issue one. An SSN is not a work permit, but it is required for tax purposes and to set up phone, utility, or bank accounts.
To apply for an SSN, international students must visit a local Social Security Administration office and bring various documents, including proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant employment authorization documents. New students should wait at least two to three weeks after arriving in the U.S. before initiating the SSN application process. It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S.
The process of obtaining an SSN may vary slightly depending on the student's visa status. For example, F-1 students with a work permit I-776 must bring it, while J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor authorizing their employment. Additionally, students engaged in CPT must have their I-20 form authorized for CPT, and students engaged in OPT must provide their unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
International students can refer to resources such as the publication "Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers" and seek guidance from their institution's Office of International Students and Scholars for more detailed information on obtaining an SSN and starting work in the U.S.
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International students must have employment authorization to work in the US
International students with an F-1 or M-1 visa must have employment authorization to work in the US. Students must be enrolled in an academic program at an accredited college, university, or academic high school, and the school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students must also show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus.
To obtain employment authorization, F-1 students must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO is the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship after enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events that cause severe economic hardship, such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises.
M-1 students must have off-campus employment related to their area of study and must be authorized by the DSO and USCIS before starting work.
After receiving employment authorization from the USCIS, students will receive Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which specifies the dates they may work off-campus. Students can then apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by completing an online application and presenting their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as letters from the DSO and employer, to the Social Security Administration. An SSN is not required to start working, but it is necessary for tax purposes and for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the US.
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An SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, phone, credit card, etc
It is possible to obtain a driver's license without an SSN. In California, for example, you can obtain a driver's license by requesting a "letter of ineligibility" from the Social Security Office. Along with the letter, you must present your original I-20/DS-2019, passport, and I-94 card. You can then start an application for a non-commercial driver's license or ID card. Once your eligibility status is verified, the DMV will complete your application.
Additionally, while most credit card applications require an SSN, there are some exceptions. Certain credit cards allow you to apply with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or alternative documents.
Furthermore, while an SSN may be requested when obtaining a phone plan or opening a bank account, it is not always mandatory. Alternative forms of identification, such as a passport or other government-issued ID, may be presented instead.
Therefore, while an SSN can be beneficial and expedite certain processes, it is not an absolute requirement for obtaining a driver's license, phone, or credit card. Individuals without an SSN can still navigate these processes by providing alternative forms of identification and meeting the respective requirements.
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International students must prove their eligibility to get an SSN
International students can apply for an SSN, but they must prove their eligibility. The Social Security Administration will mail the SSN and card as soon as all of an applicant's immigration information has been verified. This typically takes 2-4 weeks, but it can take longer.
To apply for an SSN, international students must prove their eligibility to work in the US. This can be done by providing a valid passport and one of the following:
- If an F-1 or M-1 student, an I-20 form.
- If a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, a DS-2019 form.
- An I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.
Additionally, students must present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any letters from the DSO and employer, if applicable, within 45 days of their online submission.
International students must also have a job lined up, but even part-time, on-campus work makes them eligible. They can start working without an SSN as long as they have authorization and their employer follows the correct instructions. However, they should apply for an SSN as soon as possible after receiving a job offer.
It is important to note that an SSN is not required for non-work reasons, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.
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International students can apply for an SSN replacement card
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) replacement card if their original card is lost or stolen. However, it is important to note that eligibility requirements must be met, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will only issue a replacement card if the individual has on-campus employment or off-campus training authorization.
To apply for an SSN replacement card, international students can follow these steps:
- Complete the social security application online at www.ssa.gov/number-card or www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.
- Schedule an appointment with the SSA office, if desired.
- Gather the required documents, including valid immigration documents (such as a passport, I-20, DS-2019, I-94 card, or electronic I-94), proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant employment authorization letters or EAD cards.
- Visit the local SSA office within 45 days of the online submission to present the original documents and complete the process.
It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks or more for the SSA to process and issue an SSN replacement card, so it is recommended that international students initiate the application process as soon as possible after realizing their card is lost or stolen. Additionally, students should be aware that they can start working without an SSN as long as they have the proper authorization and their employer follows the correct instructions.
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