Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but the process can be complicated. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers in the country, and these numbers are used to report wages and track benefits. While an SSN is not a requirement for a driver's license, phone, credit card, or insurance, it is often used for these purposes. International students must prove their eligibility to work in the US and provide evidence of employment to apply for an SSN. They must also wait at least two weeks after arriving in the country before applying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students |
| What is required to apply for an SSN? | A job offer or proof of employment |
| What documents are required to apply for an SSN? | A valid passport, an employment offer letter, and evidence of employment authorization |
| Where to apply for an SSN? | Local Social Security Administration office |
| How long does it take to receive an SSN? | 2-4 weeks or more |
| Can an international student get an SSN without a job? | Yes, but they must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting their job |
| Is an SSN required to obtain a driver's license? | No, but some states require students to have an SSN or have applied for one before applying for a driver's license |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students with F-1 or M-1 visas can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To be eligible, you must prove that you have a job or a job offer. This can be either an on-campus or off-campus job, and even part-time work counts. If you are an F-1 student, you must obtain valid F-1 employment authorization. This can be done by obtaining a letter from your college or university department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. If you are a J-1 student, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. This letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment. You must also be registered for a full course of study and be in valid J-1 status.
If you are an international student with an F or M visa, you will need to 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. It is also recommended that you wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been authorized to work, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN. Additionally, having an SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution, or for other "non-work" reasons. If you are ineligible to receive an SSN but receive non-wage income in the US, such as scholarships or grants, you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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Necessary documents for application
International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the United States. Necessary documents for application vary depending on the immigration status of the applicant. Here is a detailed list of the necessary documents for application for an SSN as an international student:
F-1 students:
- Valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S".
- Evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
- If engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form.
- If engaged in OPT, you must provide your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
J-1 students:
- Evidence of employment and valid J-1 status.
- Must be registered for a full course of study.
- J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- If requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing.
General documents:
- It is recommended that you submit a Social Security Letter Request via TC-Compass.
- Visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. Social Security application forms are available at all Social Security offices, and there is no fee required.
- 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 time for your arrival information to update in government systems.
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Where to apply
International students must apply for a Social Security number (SSN) in person at a Social Security office. They cannot apply for a SSN outside of the US or its territories.
To locate the nearest Social Security office, students can use the You may want to see also International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. Those eligible for an SSN include US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals, including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1 or J-1 status. The application process for an SSN can vary depending on the individual's immigration status. However, there are some general steps that can provide guidance on the processing time. Firstly, it is important to note that international students cannot apply for an SSN online as a first-time applicant. They must visit their local Social Security office. The application form, Form SS-5, can be filled out online, printed, and then taken to the office, or it can be filled out at the office in person. This form is used to apply for a Social Security Card, request a replacement, or update information. The application process requires proof of identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (visa). For J-1 students, a letter from the sponsor authorizing employment is also required. This letter must be on the sponsor's letterhead and include their original signature. Additionally, an employment offer letter is needed, and a template for this is provided by the Social Security Administration. It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their employment or the beginning date on their EAD card. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to receive an SSN. After the application is accepted, individuals can request an application receipt to show their employer as proof that they have applied. The Social Security Administration will mail the SSN and card once all immigration information has been verified. You may want to see also The Social Security Number (SSN) was initially created in 1936 to track the earnings histories of U.S. workers and determine their Social Security benefit entitlement. However, its use has expanded significantly since then, and it is now used as a means of identification by government agencies and businesses. Identification The SSN is often used as a means of identification by government agencies and businesses. It enables government agencies to identify individuals in their records and businesses to track an individual's financial information. The SSN is also required to obtain a driver's license in some states. Tracking Earnings and Benefits The SSN is used to report an employee's earnings to the government and track Social Security benefits. It is also used to report a student's taxable scholarship benefits. The SSN helps compute potential financial benefits, including retirement income, disability income, and health insurance. Tax Reporting The SSN is used for tax reporting purposes. Employers provide the IRS with salary payment details associated with each SSN, including withholdings made for Social Security and Medicare contributions. Opening Accounts While not its primary purpose, an SSN can be used to open telephone, utility, or bank accounts. Financial institutions may require an SSN for customers with interest-bearing accounts. You may want to see also No, you need to have a job or a job offer to apply for an SSN. Even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. You will need a valid passport and an employment offer letter from your department/hiring office. If you are an F-1 student, you will need a job or job offer on campus. If you are a J-1 student, you will need a letter of affiliation/support from your J-1 Program Advisor. You can apply for an SSN at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. It can take 2-4 weeks or more to receive your SSN in the mail.Working in Canada: Opportunities for International Students
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Frequently asked questions
