Lana Oconnell
International students in the United States may be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by the USCIS, have an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or are currently employed on campus or have a job offer to do so. Students must provide valid employment authorization and evidence of their identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status to apply for an SSN. While an SSN is not required for a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or academic admission, it is necessary for tax purposes and to receive Social Security benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get an SSN? | The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers in the U.S. |
| Who needs an SSN? | Every F and M student who U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants employment authorization to needs an SSN. |
| What if an international student is ineligible for an SSN? | If an F or M student is ineligible for an SSN but receives non-wage income in the U.S., they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). |
| What is the eligibility criterion for an SSN? | F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT. J-1 students must show evidence of employment and valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. |
| What documents are required for an SSN application? | A passport issued at least one year before the date of application, a birth certificate, an I-20 form, a current I-94 card, and evidence of SSN eligibility, such as a letter from an on-campus employer or confirmation of F-1 student status. |
| When to apply for an SSN? | Wait for at least two days after arrival in the U.S. and ensure your SEVIS record is in Active status. It is recommended to wait for 2-3 weeks to let your arrival information update in the government systems. |
| How to apply for an SSN? | Submit a Social Security Letter Request, visit a Social Security Office, and complete the social security application online or in person. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for international students to obtain an SSN
International students with F-1 or J-1 status are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) in certain circumstances. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers in the United States.
To be eligible for an SSN, international students must meet the following criteria:
- Have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with their visa status (e.g., "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S").
- Obtain valid employment authorization. F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students must also show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study.
- Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow for the update of arrival information in government systems.
- Verify that their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is in Active status for at least two days before applying.
- Provide original documents proving their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status when applying at a local SSA office.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request and any required employment letters to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the equivalent office at their educational institution.
- For F-1 students engaged in CPT, ensure that the I-20 form has an authorization for CPT printed on it. For OPT, an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card is required.
- J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- J-2 dependents with employment authorization must provide the same documents as J-1 students, plus their EAD card.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S., but it is required for tax and employment reporting purposes. International students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for employment and SSN application as outlined by the SSA and their educational institution.
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Documents required to apply for an SSN
International students with F-1 status must provide evidence of lawful employment to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). This includes on-campus jobs, curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), or authorization for employment. J-1 students must show evidence of employment and valid J-1 status, and they must be enrolled in a full course of study. They may also need to obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor if they are under the sponsorship of an external organization.
To apply for an SSN, international students should follow these steps:
- Verify your active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your record must be active for at least two days before applying for an SSN.
- Wait at least ten days after arriving in the United States to allow your arrival information to update across government systems.
- Obtain valid employment authorization if you are an F-1 student. Authorization can be based on on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, or other forms of authorized employment.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. If your employment is based on CPT or OPT, you must provide additional documentation, such as an I-20 form with CPT authorization or an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
- Visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. No fee is required. Bring your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. This may include your foreign birth certificate, passport, or other documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- If you are applying based on on-campus employment, bring your department letter to the OISS. They will issue a second letter confirming your employment and full-time student status.
- You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
It is important to note that only U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents over the age of 12 can submit applications for an SSN. Additionally, if an international student is ineligible to receive an SSN but receives non-wage income in the U.S., they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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How to apply for an SSN
International students with F-1 and J-1 visas who are sponsored by their educational institution may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as long as they meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) eligibility requirements. These include having valid immigration documents, such as a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or an electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S".
To apply for an SSN, follow these steps:
- Obtain valid employment authorization: F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as on-campus employment or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). On-campus employment requires a letter from the department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. Curricular practical training requires an updated Form I-20 from your institution, showing that you have been authorized to engage in F-1 CPT. Optional practical training or other off-campus employment requires a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and have valid immigration documents. J-1 students sponsored by an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request: If requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, submit a department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter confirming your on-campus employment and full-time student status. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on CPT, OPT, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
- Verify your 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. If your record shows any other status, your application will not be successful.
- Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States: Allow sufficient time for your arrival information to update across all government systems. The SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine your eligibility for an SSN.
- Apply for an SSN at a local Social Security Administration office: Bring your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. This includes your ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter, I-94 card, or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, along with a printout of your electronic I-94 information. You will not be charged a fee for submitting your application.
- Receive your SSN: The SSA will mail your SSN and card once all your immigration information has been verified. This process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, but processing times may vary.
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When to apply for an SSN
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have employment authorization to work in the US. The eligibility requirements for F-1 employment include:
- On-campus employment: A letter from a department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job.
- Curricular Practical Training: An updated Form I-20 showing that you have been authorized to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (employment based on academic internship/fieldwork/practicum).
- Optional Practical Training or other off-campus employment: A valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
J-1 students must also show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. They should also obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
International students who are not eligible for an SSN but need to file a tax return can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or International Tax Identification Number, which is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
When applying for an SSN, students should start the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. They must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as the letters from the Designated School Official (DSO) and employer, if applicable, within 45 days. It is recommended that students wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
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Alternatives to an SSN for international students
International students in the US who are not eligible for an SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is used for tax purposes and is required if an international student (or dependent) receives non-wage income in the US, such as scholarships, grants, or interest on stocks.
To be eligible for an SSN as an international student, you must have work authorization in the US and show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. This includes students on an H-1B visa, J-1 visa, and F-1 students with lawful F-1 employment. J-1 students must also be registered for a full course of study and show evidence of employment. F-1 students must provide evidence of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.
If you are an international student in the US and do not have work authorization, you may still be able to apply for an SSN for non-work reasons, but you must provide proof that you need it for a valid non-work reason. An SSN is not required for a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution, or other "non-work" reasons.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not required to have an SSN to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution, or other “non-work” reasons.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. You will need to submit a Social Security Letter Request and a completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application. You can file your application in person at any SSA office, and you should expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks.
If you are ineligible to receive an SSN but receive non-wage income in the US (e.g. scholarships, grants, interest on stocks, gambling/lottery winnings), you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
