Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), but the process can be complicated. While an SSN is not required for non-work reasons, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a driver's license, it is often used for convenience in these situations. To apply for an SSN, international students must have a job or valid employment authorization. On-campus work, CPT, or OPT are all valid forms of employment that make an international student eligible to apply for an SSN. The application process typically involves submitting a Social Security Letter Request and visiting a local Social Security Administration office with the necessary documents, which may include a passport, employment authorization, and proof of identity and immigration status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are F-2 international students eligible for an SSN? | No |
| Who is eligible for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students |
| Requirements for obtaining an SSN | A job offer, either on-campus or off-campus |
| Documents required | Passport, work permit I-766, employment authorization, Social Security Letter Request, etc. |
| Time taken to obtain an SSN | 4-6 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
F2 visa holders are not eligible for an SSN
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. While having an SSN is not a requirement for a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution, or other "non-work" reasons, it is often used as a matter of convenience for these purposes.
J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. They must obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor, on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment. Once they have obtained this letter, they can apply for an SSN at a Social Security Administration office.
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, but if you have been authorized to work, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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SSN applications require a job offer letter
F-2 dependents are not eligible for an SSN. However, international students with valid employment authorization can apply for an SSN. This authorization can be based on on-campus employment, curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
If you are an international student with valid employment authorization, you must submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. If your employment is based on on-campus employment, you must bring a letter from your department to the OISS. The OISS will then issue a second letter to confirm your employment and student status.
Once you have received the second letter from the OISS, you can visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. You will need to bring the following documents:
- A completed SS-5 form
- Your original passport
- Your I-94 form
- Your I-20 form
- Your unexpired F-1 visa
- Your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the United States. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
In terms of job applications, it is generally recommended that you do not provide your SSN until you have received a job offer. While employers may ask for your SSN during the application process, they do not need it in the initial hiring phase. If an employer extends an offer, they will need your SSN to verify your identity and work authorization and to complete a background check.
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On-campus employment is a common route to SSN eligibility
F-2 dependents are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). However, F-1 students can obtain an SSN through on-campus employment.
To be eligible for an SSN, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job. They must also meet other eligibility requirements, including having valid immigration documents, such as a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations.
Once students have secured an on-campus job offer, they can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the international student services office at their institution. The OISS will issue a second letter confirming the student's on-campus employment and full-time student status.
With the confirmation letter from the OISS and evidence of employment, students can then visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. There is no fee required to apply, and students can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
It is important to note that while having an SSN can be convenient for opening bank accounts and other purposes, it does not grant legal authorization to work in the United States. Students must ensure they meet eligibility requirements for F-1 employment and have valid employment authorization before applying for an SSN.
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SSN applications must be made in person
F-2 visa holders are dependents of F-1 visa holders and are not eligible for an SSN. F-1 visa holders are eligible for an SSN if they have been granted employment authorization.
To apply for an SSN, you must submit your application in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can apply online first and then visit an office to provide your documentation. You will need to bring original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. You will also need to provide at least two separate documents.
- Employee identification card
- School identification card
- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
- U.S. military identification card
- DHS document: I-551 Permanent Resident Card, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with unexpired foreign passport, or I-766 EAD or "work permit"
If you are an international student, you may need to bring additional documents. For example, if you are applying for an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring a letter from your department confirming your employment. If you are a J-1 student, you may need to obtain a Social Security letter from your sponsor.
Once your application is accepted, you can ask for an application receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
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An SSN does not grant legal authorization to work
F-2 dependents are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). Only those authorized to work in the United States by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can obtain an SSN. An SSN does not grant permission to work. If your visa has expired, you've changed employers, or you have a new visa, your SSN remains the same, and you will never receive a new one. The same SSN will be used for any future employment.
Restricted SSN cards will have a stamp that indicates one of the following: "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" or "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION." These SSN cards have been issued to people who have been lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis and have DHS authorization to work.
If you are a J-1 student with an official employment offer and written work permission, you can apply for an SSN. You must have evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment to apply for an SSN. You are required to apply for an SSN if you have valid J-1 employment, including on-campus employment, unforeseen economic hardship employment, or J-1 Academic Training.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. For on-campus employment, you must obtain a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The employment letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include your job title, start date, and end date (if applicable).
While having an SSN is convenient for opening accounts, it is not a requirement for international students or those without legal authorization to work in the US. If you are having difficulty opening a bank account or other types of accounts without an SSN, you can contact the Office of International Students and Scholars for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
F2 international students are not eligible for an SSN.
F1 international students can get an SSN by securing on-campus employment and becoming a full-time student in good standing.
You need to carry original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes a valid passport, work permit I-776, and employment authorization.
While having an SSN is convenient for opening a bank account, it is not required.
