Lori Meadows
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States, which is a nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for identification and tracking of benefits and wages. The process involves submitting a Social Security Letter Request and relevant documents, such as proof of employment and identity, to the SSA office. Students with F-1 or M-1 visa status and a secured job are eligible to apply for an SSN. It is important to meet eligibility requirements and wait for the arrival information to update before submitting the application, 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 |
| What do you need to apply for an SSN? | A job, valid employment authorization, and original documents proving identity, immigration status, and work eligibility |
| Where do you apply for an SSN? | Social Security Administration office |
| What are SSNs used for? | Reporting wages to the government, tracking Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes |
| How long does it take to receive an SSN? | 4-6 weeks, but processing times vary |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for F-1 employment
To be eligible for F-1 employment, international students must fulfil several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. Secondly, they must be enrolled as full-time students and demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses to achieve this. Additionally, students must possess sufficient funds for self-support throughout their studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of relinquishing it.
F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year but can accept on-campus employment, subject to specific conditions. On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place at the school location or an educationally affiliated off-campus site, directly providing services for students. After the first academic year, F-1 students can seek off-campus employment through various programs, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to engage in paid work-study, internships, or other required practical training integral to their degree program curriculum. The Designated School Official (DSO) must authorize CPT on the student's Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." OPT provides practical training related to the student's major area of study, and eligible F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session and full-time when school is not in session. After completing their degree, F-1 students may be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT, with certain STEM fields offering possible extensions.
To maintain their status, F-1 students must attend all classes, maintain academic progress, and complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation. They must also intend to register for classes following their vacation. Any plans to change majors, programs, degree levels, or schools, as well as travel outside the US, should be discussed with the DSO. F-1 students must also comply with federal laws and regulations when seeking employment and obtain authorization before commencing any work. Failure to comply may result in forced departure from the country and possible re-entry issues.
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Required documents for SSN application
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have valid employment authorization. This authorization can be based on the following:
On-Campus Employment
Obtain a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include your job title. You must also submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. The OISS will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Obtain an updated Form I-20 from your institution, showing that you have been authorized to engage in CPT. You must also provide a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or a DSO letter. If you are an F-1 student, you must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as authorization for CPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card. If you are an F-1 student, you must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as authorization for OPT.
International Organization Employment or Severe Economic Hardship Employment
An OISS letter is not required for these types of employment. However, you must still provide evidence of your employment and eligibility.
In addition to the above documents, you must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with your student status.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application by filling out Form SS-5 online or printing and mailing it to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can also bring the form and required documents in person to your local SSA office. There is no fee required to apply for an SSN.
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SSN application process
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have F-1 or M-1 visa status and have secured employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers.
- Obtain valid employment authorization: You must have a job lined up, even if it is part-time or on-campus work.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request: If your employment is based on campus, you must obtain a letter from your department confirming your job offer. Submit this letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), who will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.
- Gather required documents: You will need to provide original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes your passport, visa, and employment authorization.
- Visit a Social Security Office: Take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration office and apply for your SSN in person. There is no fee required for the application.
- Review and wait for processing: Once you have submitted your application, an SSA examiner will review your documents. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
It is important to note that you can start working without an SSN, but you must apply and obtain your SSN within 90 days of starting your job. Additionally, your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN, and it is recommended to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States to allow your arrival information to update across government systems.
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SSN application timeline
The process of applying for an SSN as an international student typically takes two to four weeks, so make sure to start the process well in advance of your intended start date.
Before applying:
- Check your eligibility for an SSN with your DSO, who will have information on regulations and requirements for F and M students.
- Verify that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is in Active status. This must be done at least two days before applying.
- Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before applying to allow your arrival information to update in government systems.
Online application:
- Begin the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card.
- Print, annotate, or screenshot your confirmation number (O number).
In-person application:
- Gather your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any letters from the DSO and employer, if applicable.
- Visit your local Social Security Administration office within 45 days of your online application to submit your documentation and confirmation number.
After applying:
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4-8 weeks.
- You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times vary.
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SSN and driver's license
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by following these steps:
- Wait for at least two weeks after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN.
- Check in with the Office of International Students Services (OISS) and ensure that they have registered you in SEVIS.
- Obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done by:
- Getting confirmation of on-campus employment. This can be obtained through a letter from a department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job.
- Getting confirmation of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). This can be obtained through an updated Form I-20 showing that you have been authorized to engage in CPT or OPT.
Visit a Social Security Office and submit your application for an SSN card in person. Bring the following documents:
- Employment letter
- SS-5 Social Security application form
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Form I-20
- I-94
- Evidence of immigration status and work authorization (must be unexpired)
- Colgate ID
Once your application is accepted, you can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks.
Regarding obtaining a driver's license, international students must apply for a driver's license from the state that they reside in. While the specific process can vary from state to state, here are some general steps and considerations:
- Contact the local DMV office to learn about the specific requirements for international students in that state.
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements as a "nonimmigrant student" by providing Form I-20.
- Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) if required by the state. Not all states require an SSN, but many do.
- Provide proof of residence in the state you are applying for the driver's license. Accepted documents may vary but could include a utility bill or rental agreement.
- Understand that you cannot carry driver's licenses from multiple states, and you cannot drive legally in most US states with only an international driving license or International Driver's Permit (IDP).
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Frequently asked questions
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job, even if it's part-time or on-campus work. Students need to take their documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person.
You will need a valid passport, as well as original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. If your employment is based on on-campus work, 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.
You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
