Douglas Olsen
International students in the United States may need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment and tax purposes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers, which are used to report wages, track Social Security benefits, and for identification. F-1 students must have a job or job offer on campus, while J-1 students need a letter of affiliation/support from their J-1 Program Advisor. To apply, students must submit a Social Security Letter Request and provide valid immigration documents, including a passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94. They should also wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying to ensure their information is updated in government systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | F-1 and J-1 students/scholars |
| Requirements | Valid immigration documents (passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card), evidence of lawful employment, job offer letter, evidence of age, identity and work-authorized immigration status |
| Time taken | 2-4 weeks or more |
| Application process | Submit a Social Security Letter Request, visit a Social Security Office, complete the social security application online |
| Cost | No fee |
| Notes | Students can begin working while the application is being processed but cannot receive income until the SSN has been issued |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 students
To be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must be eligible to work in the United States. This includes US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals—including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1 or J-1 status.
- F-1 students must 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). If you are in F-1 status and do not have lawful F-1 employment, you are ineligible to apply for an SSN.
- F-1 students must also present a letter from their Designated School Official (DSO) authorizing them for on-campus or off-campus employment.
- F-1 students who plan to work on CPT must present an I-20 endorsed for CPT by their DSO. Those who plan to work on OPT must present a valid EAD card.
- 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.
- J-1 students must also provide a letter from their sponsor authorizing them for employment. If they are under the sponsorship of an external organization, they should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
- J-1 students under the sponsorship of a college's J-1 exchange visitor program must submit their TC, CU, or other affiliate department letter to the OISS. The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that the student has secured on-campus employment and is a full-time student in good standing.
- Both F-1 and J-1 students must have 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."
- Both F-1 and J-1 students must have evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment to apply for an SSN.
- Both F-1 and J-1 students must complete the social security application online or in person at a local Social Security Administration office. They must bring valid employment authorization and immigration documents, as well as an employment offer letter from their department/hiring office.
Financial Aid Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Required documents
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have valid immigration documents and proof of eligibility to work in the US. The specific documents you will need to provide depend on your visa status and employment type. Here is a list of the documents you may need to include with your SSN application:
F-1 Students:
- Valid passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019
- 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 or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). The job offer letter must be printed on department letterhead and include your job title.
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card, if engaged in OPT
- Copy of your passport with the J-1 admission stamp and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, obtained from the USCBP I-94 website
J-1 Students:
- Valid passport
- Valid DS-2019
- I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "J-1 D/S"
- Evidence of employment, such as a letter of affiliation/support from your J-1 Program Advisor or a job offer letter from your department/hiring office
- If sponsored by an external organization (e.g., IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST), a Social Security letter from the sponsor
- EAD card, if applicable
General Requirements:
- All documents must be original and unexpired.
- You may need to provide additional immigration documents or a copy of your passport with the relevant visa stamp.
- It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN to allow your arrival information to update in government systems.
Recruiting International Students: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to apply
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the United States, you must meet the eligibility requirements and provide valid immigration documents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
First, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining an SSN as an international student. The specific criteria may vary depending on your visa status, such as F-1, J-1, or other visa types. For instance, F-1 students must have a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as on-campus job offers or authorization for practical training. J-1 students, on the other hand, need to show evidence of employment and maintain their valid J-1 status while being registered as full-time students.
Step 2: Obtain Employment Authorization
To apply for an SSN, you typically need to have valid employment authorization. This can be in the form of on-campus employment, curricular practical training, or other authorized off-campus employment. Obtain the necessary documentation, such as an employment letter from your department or hiring office, confirming your job offer and details of your employment.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Gather all the required immigration documents, including your passport, visa documents (such as I-20 or DS-2019), and evidence of your employment authorization. Make copies of these documents and bring both the copies and the original versions when you apply.
Step 4: Submit a Social Security Letter Request
Submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the equivalent office at your educational institution. They will issue a letter confirming your secured employment and full-time student status. This step may vary depending on the specific procedures of your institution.
Step 5: Apply at a Social Security Office
Visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to submit your application in person. You can find SSA offices in various locations, including Mississippi and Washington. Bring all the required documents, including your passport, immigration documents, employment authorization, and any letters obtained from your institution.
Step 6: Await Processing
After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. The processing time can vary, typically taking around 2 to 6 weeks. Once your application is accepted, you will receive your SSN by mail, and you can use it for various purposes, such as employment and tax-related matters.
Please note that the application process and requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and the policies of your educational institution. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines provided by the SSA and your school for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
International Students: Your Path to US Citizenship
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Processing times
International students must wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. The Social Security Administration will mail the SSN and card as soon as all immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or longer. This timeline may vary, with some sources stating that applicants can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks.
International students must first obtain valid employment authorization before applying for an SSN. Students should apply for an SSN as soon as possible after getting a job offer. The application process can be started online, and applicants must present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any required letters, within 45 days.
Students can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. They must bring their ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter, their I-94 card, or a copy of their J-1 admission stamp in their passport, along with a printout of their electronic I-94 information. They will also need an employment offer letter from their department/hiring office.
It is important to note that an SSN is not required for many everyday activities, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. Additionally, international students can begin working without an SSN as long as they have the appropriate authorization, such as on-campus work, CPT, or OPT.
Off-Shore Students: International Education's Future?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Uses of an SSN
The Social Security Number (SSN) was created in 1936 to track the earnings histories of U.S. workers, which would be used to determine Social Security benefit entitlement and compute benefit levels. Since then, its use has expanded, and it is now used as a nearly universal identifier.
- Identification: The SSN is used by government agencies to identify individuals in their records. It is also used by businesses to track an individual's financial information.
- Employment: Employers request an individual's SSN as part of the application process.
- Tax Reporting: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses SSNs for tax reporting purposes.
- Banking: Banks are required to obtain SSNs from all their customers.
- Interest-Bearing Accounts: Financial institutions require individuals to provide their SSN if they want an interest-bearing account.
- Driver's Licenses: Some states require individuals to have an SSN or have applied for one before they can apply for a driver's license.
- Student Employment: International students who are granted employment authorization by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) need an SSN.
International Students: Do You Need a Visa for Hawaii?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You will need to provide original documents that prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status.
You will need valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated with your visa status. If you are an F-1 student, you must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter. J-1 students require a letter of affiliation/support from their J-1 Program Advisor.
It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for your SSN to be processed and mailed to you, but processing times may vary. You can track the progress of your application using the SAVE Case Check online.
F-1 and J-1 students may begin working while their SSN application is in process, but they cannot receive income until the SSN is issued and processed by their employer's Human Resources department.
In some states, you must have either an SSN or proof that you have applied for one to obtain a driver's license. However, an SSN is not required for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or gaining admission to an academic institution.
