Janice Lozano
International students in the US may be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. To apply for an SSN, students must first obtain valid employment authorization. However, it is unclear whether an SSN can be cancelled for international students. This paragraph introduces the topic and provides background information on the criteria for international students to obtain an SSN in the US, which is relevant to the question of whether an SSN can be cancelled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa status |
| Requirements | Valid employment authorization, including on-campus or off-campus employment |
| Documents | Passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card, employment offer letter |
| Time taken | 4-6 weeks or more |
| Replacement card | Free if lost or stolen, provided eligibility criteria are met |
| Work authorization | Having an SSN does not grant work authorization in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must have valid employment authorization to apply for an SSN
- F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job
- J-1 students must submit a department letter to the OISS to request an SSN
- The Social Security Administration will mail your SSN and card once your immigration information is verified
- An SSN is not required to start working, but individuals must apply for one once authorized to work
International students must have valid employment authorization to apply for an SSN
International students must meet certain requirements to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). While having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S., international students with valid employment authorization are required to apply for an SSN.
F-1 students 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). They must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with their F-1 status.
J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study. They need to provide similar immigration documents as F-1 students but with their J-1 status noted. Additionally, if J-1 students are sponsored by an external organization, they must obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
To apply for an SSN, international students should first complete the social security application online. They will then need to visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show their documents in person. The required documents include evidence of immigration status and work authorization, which must be unexpired. For on-campus employment, a letter from the student's department confirming the job offer is also necessary. The SSA will verify the student's nonimmigrant student status and eligibility for an SSN using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
It is important to note that the timing of the application is crucial. International students should wait at least two weeks after their arrival in the U.S. before requesting an SSN to allow their arrival information to update across government systems. Additionally, students should not apply earlier than 30 days before their scheduled employment start date. Once the application is accepted, the SSA will mail the SSN and card within a few weeks after verifying the student's immigration information.
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F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus, but there are strict rules in place regarding their place of employment, hours worked per week, and in some cases, the type of employment.
F-1 students must not work off-campus during their first academic year. After this period, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment, but this must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
On-campus employment must meet certain criteria. The work must take place either at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. Work at the school could include working for an on-campus commercial business, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. For example, working for a construction company building a school building would not qualify as on-campus employment.
F-1 students are limited to working 20 hours per week during the school term and 40 hours per week during holiday breaks and vacations. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they do not exceed this limit, and working just 15 minutes over the limit constitutes an employment violation.
To apply for an SSN, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter. They must also receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration.
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J-1 students must submit a department letter to the OISS to request an SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the United States. This includes US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals—such as students in F-1 or J-1 status—with valid employment.
J-1 students must submit a department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to request an SSN. This letter must be printed on department letterhead and signed by the hiring department. It should include the student's job title, such as research assistant, library assistant, or proofreader. Additionally, J-1 students on Fulbright's visa sponsorship must contact their Fulbright advisor for the SSN authorization letter. However, J-1 Short Term Scholars, J-1 Research Scholars, and J-1 Professors do not need SSN authorization letters.
The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that the student has secured on-campus employment and is a full-time student in good standing. This letter, along with other required documents, must be presented in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but it can be longer if additional security procedures are necessary. The SSA will mail the Social Security card and number once all immigration information has been verified.
It is important to note that having an SSN is not a requirement to start working. Students can begin working without an SSN as long as their employer follows the correct instructions for such cases. However, they should apply for an SSN as soon as possible after receiving a job offer.
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The Social Security Administration will mail your SSN and card once your immigration information is verified
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. Generally, at least two original or certified copies of evidence are required to establish identity, age, and lawful immigration status. The documents required include:
- A passport with a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- A birth certificate
- An I-94 card or a copy of the J-1 admission stamp in the passport and a printout of the electronic I-94 information
- An employment offer letter
- Documentation for employment authorization
International students can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. It is recommended that new students wait at least 2–3 weeks from their arrival in the US before requesting an SSN. The SSA will mail the SSN and card once the applicant's immigration information is verified. This can take 2–4 weeks or more. The SSN card will be mailed to the US mailing address where the Department of Homeland Security will send the Permanent Resident Card.
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An SSN is not required to start working, but individuals must apply for one once authorized to work
International students in the United States who plan to work may need a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is not required to start working, but individuals must apply for one once authorized to work. This is because employers need an SSN to report earnings to the US government.
To apply for an SSN, international students must visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person. It is recommended that new students wait at least two to three weeks from their arrival in the US before requesting an SSN. To apply, students must bring the following documents:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
- I-94 card; or, a copy of the J-1 admission stamp in their passport and a printout of their electronic I-94 information
- Employment offer letter from the department/hiring office
- Documentation for employment authorization from an ISS adviser or sponsoring agency
The Social Security Administration will mail the individual's SSN and card as soon as their immigration information has been verified. This can take two to four weeks or more. Individuals can replace their card for free if it is lost or stolen, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
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