Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US who are authorised to work in the country can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. To apply for an SSN, students must first obtain valid employment authorisation. They must then complete and submit the social security number application, typically Form SS-5 FS, a variation of the standard application form, Form SS-5. Next, they must visit their local SSA office to show their documents in person, including proof of identity, age, and work-authorised immigration status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) | Nonresidents with eligible work authorization such as those on an H-1B visa, J-1 visa, and F-1 students with lawful F-1 employment. |
| What is the purpose of an SSN? | To track earnings and benefits. |
| What is the eligibility criterion for an SSN? | Employment or tax reporting requirements. |
| What is the standard application form for SSN? | Form SS-5. |
| What is the variation of Form SS-5 used by international students? | Form SS-5 FS. |
| What is the eligibility criterion for F-1 students? | Evidence of lawful F-1 employment such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). |
| What is the eligibility criterion for J-1 students? | Evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. |
| What documents are required for the application? | Original documents proving identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (visa). |
| Where can one apply for an SSN? | Local Social Security Office or Social Security Card Centers. |
| What is the processing time for an SSN? | Typically, two to four weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 students
F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). They must also submit a job offer letter when applying for an SSN letter. The job offer letter must include the student's name as listed on their passport.
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 proper authorization to work on campus. If sponsored by an external organization, J-1 students should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
In general, students with F-1 or J-1 status must have an offer of employment to be eligible for a Social Security Number. They must also be in the United States and have submitted the necessary immigration reporting forms. Additionally, students must provide valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with the appropriate notations.
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Documents required
International students with F-1 or M-1 visa status are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have a job lined up, even if it is part-time, on-campus work. To apply for an SSN, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Valid immigration documents, including a 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"
- Evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization, such as a campus employment letter from your hiring department or an employment offer letter
- If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form
- If you are engaged in OPT, you must also bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card
- If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an external organization, you will need a Social Security letter from your sponsor
It is important to note that simply having a Social Security Number does not grant you legal authorization to work in the United States. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work, you are required to apply for an SSN. Additionally, you should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an SSN.
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Online application process
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, in most cases, international students do not require an SSN to receive a scholarship or grant income, and they may not be eligible to receive an SSN if they are not authorized to work in the US.
The online application process for an SSN is as follows:
- Begin by entering your details at www.ssa.gov/number-card.
- Utilize the online application to schedule an appointment. This method eliminates the need for a paper Social Security Card Application.
- Ensure you present your original, current proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status to your local Social Security office within 45 days of your online submission. After 45 days, the entered information will be purged.
- Typically, the SSN is issued within a few weeks, provided all required documents are presented during the visit, including any school-issued letters.
- The SSA generally issues replacement Social Security Cards within seven to ten business days after documentation has been approved if you apply using Form I-765 and/or Form I-485.
- It is possible to apply for a replacement card online using your Social Security Card, or in person at an SSA office.
Form SS-5 is the standard application form used by US citizens and non-citizens that are eligible to apply for a Social Security Card. Form SS-5 FS is a variation of Form SS-5 that international students use to apply for an SSN when studying in the US.
If you need help applying for an SSN as an international student in the US, the Sprintax team can support you. Simply create an account with Sprintax Forms, where you can complete and download your application for a Social Security Card.
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In-person application process
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in person, international students need to visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. This can be done at a local office near their place of residence or at a Social Security Card Center. It is important to note that students should wait at least 2-3 weeks from their arrival in the US before requesting an SSN.
When visiting the SSA office, students should carry the original documents proving their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. A valid passport is a mandatory document when applying for an SSN as an international student. Depending on the student's situation, they may also need to provide additional documents. For instance, F-1 students must bring their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors are required to present their DS-2019.
Additionally, students may need to provide one of the following documents to prove their status: I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa. 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 registered for a full course of study. They may also need to obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor if they are under the sponsorship of an external organization.
After submitting the application, it typically takes two to four weeks to process and issue an SSN. Therefore, international students should initiate the application process well in advance of their intended job start date to ensure they receive their SSN on time. Once all the immigration information has been verified, the Social Security Administration will mail the student their SSN and card.
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Time taken to receive SSN
The time taken to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student can vary, but it typically takes around two to four weeks for the application to be processed and the SSN to be issued. However, it can sometimes take longer, up to six weeks or more, depending on various factors such as the volume of applications being processed and the completeness of your application.
It is recommended that international students wait at least two to three weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN. This allows time for the necessary employment authorization and confirmation from the International Student Services (ISS) office, which is required before applying for an SSN. The ISS will verify your full-time student status and on-campus employment eligibility before providing you with an authorization letter.
Once you have the required documentation, you can initiate the SSN application process. The first step is to complete the online application on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by an SSA examiner, and once accepted, you will receive an application receipt. This receipt can be shown to your employer as proof that you have applied for an SSN.
After your application is accepted, the SSA will verify all your immigration information. This step can take some time, as they will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for an SSN. Once your immigration information has been verified, the SSA will mail your SSN and card to the address on file.
It is important to note that the entire process can take a few weeks, so it is recommended that international students initiate the application process well before their intended job start date to ensure they receive their SSN in a timely manner. Additionally, while you can start working without an SSN, it is crucial for tax and employment reporting purposes and is often used for other unofficial purposes, such as setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need an SSN to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. However, you do need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S.
You can start the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. After that, you must present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any employment verification letter, to your local Social Security Administration office in person.
You will need to provide original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes a valid passport, as well as any school-issued letters.
It typically takes two to four weeks to process and issue an SSN, but processing times may vary. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks.
