Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for various reasons, such as reporting income, paying taxes, and setting up phone or bank accounts. While it is not a requirement for international students to have an SSN, those who are authorized to work in the US can obtain one. The process typically involves submitting an application form, providing relevant documentation, and visiting a Social Security Office. The Social Security Administration will then review the application and mail the SSN and card to the applicant, which usually takes around two to four weeks. It is important to initiate the process early, as the SSN is essential for certain activities and services in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | F-1 and J-1 students under Teachers College sponsorship may apply for SSNs provided they meet SSA eligibility requirements. |
| Documents required | 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." |
| Employment requirements | 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. |
| Application process | Complete the social security application online and visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. |
| Time required | It usually takes 2-4 weeks to process and issue an SSN, but processing times may vary. |
| Other requirements | Students must have authorization for on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US, you must meet the following requirements:
Employment Authorization
You must have authorization to work in the US. This can include on-campus employment, off-campus training authorization, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or international organization employment. 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 be registered for a full course of study and provide evidence of employment. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Valid Immigration Status
You must have valid immigration status, such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B visa status. This status will determine the specific requirements you need to meet. For example, J-1 exchange visitors must have secured on-campus employment and be full-time students in good standing.
Employment Offer or Verification
You must have a job offer or employment verification letter from your institution. This can include an offer letter from your department or hiring office, or a letter confirming on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, or severe economic hardship employment.
Documentation
You must gather the relevant documentation, including original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any required letters or forms. For example, F-1 students engaged in CPT must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed, while those engaged in OPT must provide an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card. J-1 students may need to provide their EAD card, depending on their specific circumstances. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and visa status. It is recommended to consult official government sources or seek guidance from your educational institution's international student services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Employment authorization
International students in the US with an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. However, this off-campus employment authorization is only valid for one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. To be eligible for off-campus employment, F1 students must show that they can afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus.
There are three types of off-campus employment options for F1 students:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This option is available when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school. To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F1 students may be eligible to work off-campus in OPT status after their first academic year. This includes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension.
- Severe Economic Hardship: USCIS will authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. Emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, and financial crises, may also qualify as reasons for off-campus employment authorization.
To apply for employment authorization, F1 students must:
- Consult their Designated School Official (DSO): The DSO is the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will report any unauthorized work, leading to termination of the student's SEVIS record and immediate departure from the US.
- Obtain relevant forms: This includes Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization."
- Submit required documents and fees: Along with Form I-765, students must submit several forms and documents, including photos, to USCIS. The DSO will also provide a supporting Form I-20.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for employment authorization applications can take up to 12 weeks or longer. USCIS may take up to 90 days to process the application, so it is recommended to start the process early.
- Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Once approved, USCIS will send Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," with the dates the student may work off-campus. Students cannot begin working until they receive this authorization.
It is important to note that F1 students must maintain their status and be full-time students when school is in session. Additionally, any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the DSO and USCIS prior to starting work.
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Application process
To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. This can include on-campus work, CPT, or OPT. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT. 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 a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
The application process typically begins online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. You will then need to present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters from your DSO and employer. You should also bring your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S". It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
After submitting your application, you will need to visit your local Social Security Administration office within 45 calendar days to show them your documents in person. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
If you are not authorized to work in the US but need an SSN for non-work reasons, you must provide proof that you require 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. In this case, you should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
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Required documents
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have valid employment authorization to work in the US. The specific documents you will need depend on your visa status and the type of employment you are engaged in. Here is a list of the documents you may need to provide:
F-1 Students
- 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".
- Evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter from your department/hiring office or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
- Form I-20 with the employment page completed.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or a letter from the Designated School Official (DSO).
J-1 Students
- Valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, valid DS-2019, and an I-94 card or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information.
- Evidence of employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter from your department/hiring office.
- J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
General
- Complete the social security application online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.
- Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office within 45 calendar days to present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, along with the required documents mentioned above.
- If you are applying based on on-campus employment, you may need a letter from your institution confirming your employment.
- If you are applying based on unforeseen economic hardship employment, you may need additional documentation.
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Receipt of SSN
To receive your Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must apply for it in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You can apply at any of the Social Security Card Centers, and it is not necessary to apply at the card center located in the borough where you live. For example, if you live in New York, you can apply at the Manhattan Social Security Center or the Bronx Social Security Center.
When applying for an SSN, you must bring certain documents with you to prove your eligibility. These documents include:
- A valid passport
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
- I-94 card, or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, and a printout of your electronic I-94 information
- Employment offer letter from your department/hiring office
- If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must also provide a letter from your sponsor, on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment
- 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 to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing
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. 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.
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