Janice Lozano
International students in the US on F1 or J1 visas are eligible to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment. The SSN is a unique identifier used to track payments from work, tax withholding, and benefits. While work authorization will eventually expire, an SSN is permanent and does not change or expire. Students who do not plan to work while studying are not eligible to receive an SSN. To apply for an SSN, students must have employment authorization and a job offer, and they must apply before starting work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility criteria | Foreigner on a US student visa (F1, J1, or M1) |
| Prerequisites | Authorization to work in the US; Employment Authorization Document (EAD card); Job offer letter |
| Application process | Complete Form I-765 Application; Visit Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person |
| Required documents | Passport; I-94 card; Visa; I-20 or DS-2019 form; Evidence of employment |
| Timing | Average wait time to receive SSN card is 2 weeks |
| Usage | Used to track payments from work, tax withholding, and benefits; Required for paid work in the US |
| Expiry | Permanent and does not expire |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for international students
To study in the US, international students must obtain a student visa. There are two types of non-immigrant visas for students: the F visa and the M visa. The F visa is further divided into the F-1 visa for academic, language, or vocational training, and the F-1 nonimmigrant visa for students attending public school.
To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement. All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).
To be eligible for an M-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a vocational program. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
To obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. You can get an SSN as an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa after receiving authorization to work in the United States. For F-1 students, this authorization is given by the Designated School Official (DSO), and for J-1 students, it is given by the Responsible Officer (RO). Alternatively, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and receive an SSN if their application is approved.
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Required documents for application
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. International students on an F1 or J1 visa must receive authorization to work in the US. For F1 visa holders, this authorization comes from their Designated School Official (DSO), whose name can be found on page 1 of Form I-20. J1 visa holders, on the other hand, need to obtain authorization from their Responsible Officer (RO), whose name can be found on page 1 of Form DS-2019.
Once you have obtained the necessary authorization, you can gather the required documents for your SSN application. The specific documents you need may vary depending on your visa type and employment status. However, here is a list of commonly required documents for international students applying for an SSN:
- Valid passport: You will need to present your passport as proof of your identity and immigration status.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019: This form is crucial and varies depending on your visa type. F1 students need to present Form I-20, while J1 students require Form DS-2019. Make sure the form is properly endorsed and includes any necessary authorizations, such as CPT or OPT approval.
- I-94 card or electronic I-94: This document should be valid and annotated with "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S," depending on your visa type.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card: If you are engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must bring your unexpired EAD card.
- Evidence of employment: You may need to provide proof of employment or authorization for employment. This could include a letter from your employer or sponsor, pay stubs, or other relevant documentation.
- Social Security Number Support letter: You may need to submit a request to obtain this letter through your international student services portal.
It is important to note that the requirements and documents needed for an SSN application may change, so it is always best to refer to the official websites and resources provided by the Social Security Administration and your educational institution for the most up-to-date information.
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How to apply
International students on an F1 or J1 visa can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) after receiving work authorization in the United States. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an SSN as an international student:
- Obtain Work Authorization: F1 and J1 students must receive authorization to work in the United States before applying for an SSN. For F1 students, this authorization is given by the Designated School Official (DSO), and for J1 students, it is provided by the Responsible Officer (RO). You can find the contact information for your DSO or RO on your Form I-20 (for F1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students).
- Secure Employment: Once you have work authorization, you must secure employment. This can be on-campus employment or off-campus employment in the form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). You will need evidence of employment, such as a pay stub or a letter of employment, when applying for your SSN.
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application. The required documents may vary slightly depending on your visa type and employment situation but generally include:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20 (for F1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students) endorsed for CPT or OPT
- Evidence of employment, such as a pay stub or letter of employment
- 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
- Submit Your Application: Apply for your SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. Bring all the required documents with you. Your application will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. Once your application is accepted, you can request a receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN.
- Receive Your SSN: After submitting your application, you can expect to receive your SSN within 2 to 6 weeks, although processing times may vary. The Social Security Administration will mail your SSN and card once all your immigration information has been verified.
It is important to note that the specific process and requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the institution you are studying at. Always refer to the official guidelines provided by your school's international student office or the Social Security Administration for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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SSN card receipt
International students with F-1 or J-1 student visa status must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment in the United States. The SSN is a unique identifier used to track payments from work, tax withholding, and benefits. While work authorizations will eventually expire, an SSN is permanent and does not change or expire.
To apply for an SSN, international students must meet certain eligibility criteria and obtain employment authorization. Students on an F1 visa can receive authorization to work from their Designated School Official (DSO), while those on a J1 visa need authorization from their Responsible Officer (RO). Additionally, F1 students planning to work on CPT must present an I-20 form endorsed for CPT by their DSO.
The process of applying for an SSN typically involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary documentation, completing an online application, and visiting a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person. International students may need to provide evidence of their visa status, employment authorization, and job offer letter. It is recommended to have sufficient funds to cover expenses until the first paycheck is received, as there may be a pay lag of up to nine weeks or longer for new international students.
Once the application is submitted, international students can expect to receive their SSN card in the mail within approximately two weeks. Upon receiving the card, individuals should sign it, memorize the number, and keep it in a safe place. The SSN should be reported to the employer as soon as it is received, and it is important to only share the SSN with legitimate businesses that require it for tax or government purposes.
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SSN protection
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. International students can apply for an SSN, but they must prove the following:
- They have a valid foreign passport.
- They have a job lined up, even part-time on-campus work.
- They have authorization to work in the United States. F1 students can get this authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO), whose name can be found on page 1 of their Form I-20. J1 students will need to get authorization from their Responsible Officer (RO), whose name can be found on page 1 of their Form DS-2019.
Once an international student has obtained employment and authorization to work in the United States, they can apply for an SSN at their local Social Security Administration office. They will need to bring their original documents, including their passport, to prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
It's important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. If an individual has been granted legal authorization to work and is working, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN within 90 days of starting their job.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are an international student with an F-1 or J-1 visa status and plan to work while studying, you must obtain an SSN.
To get an SSN as an international student, you must first receive authorization to work in the United States. For F1 or M1 visa holders, this authorization is given by your Designated School Official (DSO), while J1 visa holders need authorization from their Responsible Officer (RO). After receiving work authorization, you can apply for your SSN by completing an online application and visiting a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person.
No, your SSN is permanent and does not expire or change.
You must apply for an SSN before you start working. Your employer will use your SSN to report your wages to the Internal Revenue Service, so it is important to report your SSN to them as soon as you receive it.
