Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers. To apply for an SSN, international students must prove their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. F-1 Visa students are eligible for an SSN if they have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), have an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training, or are currently employed on campus or have a job offer to do so. The application process typically involves submitting the required documents to the SSA office, and applicants can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students |
| When to apply for an SSN? | No earlier than 30 days before the start of employment |
| Where to apply for an SSN? | Any Social Security Card Center or local SSA office |
| Documents required | Valid passport, I-766 work permit, I-94 card, employment offer letter, etc. |
| Time taken to receive SSN | 2-4 weeks or more |
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What You'll Learn
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
Students must also ensure that their SEVIS record is in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN, to allow time for arrival information to be updated in government systems. Students should also not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of their employment, as applications may be rejected as too early.
To apply for an SSN, students can complete the social security application online and then visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show their documents in person. Required documents may include an ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter, an I-94 card, a copy of the passport admission stamp, and an employment offer letter. It is important to note that application requirements may differ depending on the student's immigration status.
Once the application is submitted, students can expect to receive their SSN within 2-4 weeks or more, although processing times may vary. The SSN will be mailed to the individual once all immigration information has been verified. It is important to note that an SSN is not a work permit and does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an individual has been authorized to work, they are required to apply for an SSN.
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F-1 Visa students are eligible for an SSN
International students with an F-1 visa are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a nine-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). To be eligible for an SSN, F-1 students must have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an 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).
To apply for an SSN, F-1 students must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done through on-campus employment, where the student must obtain a letter from their school department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include the student's job title. Alternatively, F-1 students can obtain employment authorization through off-campus employment by obtaining a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorizing them to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
Once F-1 students have obtained employment authorization, they can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. If the request is based on on-campus employment, they must bring their department letter to the OISS. The OISS will then issue a second letter to confirm the student's employment and full-time student status. However, it is important to note that an OISS letter is not required if the employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
After obtaining the necessary documentation, F-1 students can visit a Social Security Office to apply for their SSN in person. They will need to provide their original documents, including their passport, to prove their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. The processing time for SSN applications can vary, but students can typically expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks.
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Documents required for SSN application
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States if they are eligible nonimmigrant workers. SSNs are nine-digit numbers assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings and benefits. To apply for an SSN, you must first ensure that you are eligible and have the necessary documentation. Here is a list of documents you will need for your SSN application:
- Valid immigration documents: This includes a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with your specific visa status, such as "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."
- Employment authorization: If you are an F-1 student, you must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). For CPT, you need Form I-20 with the employment page completed and the authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form. For OPT, you must have an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
- Social Security Letter: If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program, you must submit a letter from your department to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will then issue a second letter confirming your on-campus employment and full-time student status.
- Evidence of authorized employment: You must have evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment to apply for an SSN. If your employment is based on CPT, OPT, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, an OISS letter may not be required.
- Application Form: You will need to complete Form SS-5, which is the standard application form for a Social Security Card. Form SS-5 FS is the variation used specifically by international students. You can fill out the form online and then print it, or you can request the form at a Social Security office.
It is important to note that you should not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of your employment or authorization, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected. Additionally, all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
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SSN application process
International students with employment authorization in the US can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States.
The SSN application process for international students is as follows:
- Verify that you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN.
- Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.
- Complete Form SS-5 FS, the variation of Form SS-5 that international students use to apply for an SSN. You can begin the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card.
- Gather the required documentation, including original documents proving your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (your visa). The full list of documentation will depend on the type of work authorization you have in the US.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request via your school's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) if your employment is based on on-campus employment or if you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program.
- Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to submit your application and documentation. You do not need to apply at the office located in the borough where you live.
- Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-4 weeks, although processing times may vary.
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SSN eligibility
International students can be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) in certain circumstances. A Social Security Number is a nine-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
Eligibility for an SSN is based on a person's eligibility to work in the United States. Those eligible include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals, including, in some cases, students in F-1 or J-1 status. F-1 students 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). J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to have the above documents, plus their EAD card, in order to apply for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. On-campus employment requires a letter from a department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead and signed, including your job title. Curricular Practical Training requires an updated Form I-20 from TC, showing authorization to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training. Optional Practical Training or other off-campus employment requires a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
You will need to submit a Social Security Letter Request to the OISS via TC-Compass. If your employment is based on on-campus employment, you must bring your department letter to the OISS. The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm your employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
You can apply for an SSN at any of the Social Security Card Centers. You will need to bring your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. This includes valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for an SSN.
You will need to prove that you are eligible to work in the U.S. and provide documents to verify your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. If you are an F-1 student, you will also need a work permit I-776. If you are a J-1 student, you will need a letter from your sponsor.
You can apply for an SSN at any Social Security Card Center or SSA office. You do not need to apply at the card center located in the borough where you live.
