International Students: Getting A Ssn Simplified

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are nine-digit identification numbers assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers. While SSNs are not a requirement for international students to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution, they are necessary for tracking earnings over a worker's lifetime and for tax purposes. International students can apply for an SSN if they have authorization to work on campus or have received a taxable scholarship. The process involves submitting an application, obtaining relevant documentation, and visiting a Social Security Office.

Eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 students

The eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 students to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States are as follows:

Firstly, F-1 and J-1 students must meet the general eligibility criteria for a Social Security Number. This includes being a US citizen, permanent resident, or qualified foreign national with the right to work in the country.

F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for practical training. They must also produce valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 record with the notation "F-1 D/S".

J-1 students, on the other hand, are required to show evidence of employment and must maintain their valid J-1 status while being enrolled in a full course of study. If their sponsorship is from an external organization, such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST, they must obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

In addition, all students must verify their Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for at least two days before applying for an SSN. This is to ensure that their nonimmigrant student status can be verified, and their eligibility for an SSN can be determined.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not authorize an individual to work in the US. The SSN is only required for those who are already authorized to work and need to report their earnings or taxable scholarship benefits to the government.

Documents required for SSN application

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. This means that you must show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. For example, 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-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.

The documents you will need to gather as proof of employment eligibility vary depending on your immigration status and the type of employment. Here is a list of some of the documents you may need to provide:

• 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."
• If you are an F-1 student authorized for CPT, you must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter.
• If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
• If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an external organization, you should obtain a Social Security letter from your sponsor.
• If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring a letter from your department to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will then issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.

In addition to the above documents, you will need to fill out Form SS-5, which is the standard application form used by US citizens and non-citizens eligible to apply for a Social Security Card. International students should use Form SS-5 FS, a variation of Form SS-5, to apply for an SSN while studying in the US. You can fill in the form online and either mail it or bring it in person to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office along with the required documentation.

Where to apply for an SSN

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by providing evidence of on-campus employment, such as a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).

Once you have obtained valid employment authorization, you can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. If your employment is based on factors other than curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, you must bring your department letter to the OISS. They will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.

After submitting your Social Security Letter Request, you must visit a Social Security Office to apply for your SSN. Social Security forms are available at these offices, and there is no fee required. Be sure to bring all the required documentation, including your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 card or electronic I-94. If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization printed on page 3 of the form. If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.

You can find your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office on the SSA website. The office locations closest to the Evanston and Chicago campuses are: Evanston – 2116 Green Bay Rd., Evanston, IL 60201.

SSN application processing time

International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. They must also meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 employment. This includes on-campus employment, curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

J-1 students are 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 also be under the sponsorship of an organization such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST and obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

To apply for an SSN, international students must first submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. The OISS will issue a letter confirming their employment and student status. Students must then visit a Social Security Office and submit their application along with the required documentation, which includes valid immigration documents such as a passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically takes 4-6 weeks to process SSN applications, although processing times may vary. Students can track the progress of their application through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program using the SAVE Case Check. It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their employment or authorization.

Reasons for getting an SSN

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit Social Security numbers (SSNs) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. While international students can apply for an SSN, they must have valid employment authorization and proof of a job offer/employment eligibility.

• Employment: The primary purpose of an SSN is to track earnings and benefits for employees. International students who are authorized to work in the U.S., either on-campus or off-campus, will need an SSN to report their earnings to the government.
• Identification: An SSN serves as a form of identification and can be useful when opening telephone, utility, or bank accounts. While it is not required for these purposes, having an SSN can make these processes more convenient.
• Driver's License: In some states, having an SSN or applying for one is a requirement for obtaining a driver's license. Even if an international student is not eligible to work, they may need an SSN to apply for a driver's license.
• Tax Reporting: SSNs are used to report income and taxes to the IRS. International students with taxable scholarship benefits or other sources of income in the U.S. may need an SSN for tax purposes. If an international student is ineligible for an SSN, they may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
• Social Security Benefits: While it may not be the primary concern for international students, an SSN is used to track Social Security benefits.

Frequently asked questions