International Students: Applying For A Ssn Made Easy

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but the process can be complicated. F-1 and J-1 students can apply for SSNs, but they must meet SSA eligibility requirements. These include having valid immigration documents, such as a valid passport, and proof of employment. Students can start working before receiving their SSN, but they must apply for one within 90 days of starting their job. The application process can take 3-4 weeks, and students will need to bring their original documents to their local Social Security Administration office.

Eligibility requirements for international students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

Valid immigration documents

Students must provide 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" or "J-1 D/S." 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 exchange visitors are not required to obtain a job offer letter but must have a J-1 invitation letter.

Employment authorization

Students must have valid employment authorization to be eligible for an SSN. This can include on-campus employment, curricular practical training, or optional practical training. Students must provide an offer letter from their employer, which includes their personal and employment information. The letter must be printed on department letterhead and signed in ink.

Registration for classes

F-1 students are required to be registered for classes in order to obtain a letter of eligibility for an SSN. This requirement ensures that the student is actively pursuing their studies while in the US.

Time spent in the US

International students must have been physically present in the US for at least 10 days before applying for an SSN. This allows time for their arrival/departure records to be updated with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements

Students must apply for their SSN by scheduling an in-person appointment at their local SSA office. They must bring all the required documentation, including valid immigration documents, employment authorization, and an offer letter from their employer. The SSA will not accept typed or electronically generated signatures on the offer letter.

Documents required for application

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have valid employment authorization to work in the US. You will need to show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility.

The documents required for your application will vary depending on your immigration status and type of employment. Here is a list of documents you may need to gather:

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 a department printed on letterhead and signed by the hiring department.
• If engaged in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed and authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form.
• If engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), provide an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter.

J-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 "J-1 D/S".
• Evidence of employment.
• If under the sponsorship of an external organization, obtain a Social Security letter from the sponsor.
• If requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, submit a department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), who will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status.

General:

• Original documents proving your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status (visa).
• Application receipt, which you can request after your application is accepted, to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN.
• Confirmation number (O number) if you begin the process online.

Where to apply

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in person at any Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on federal holidays.

Before applying, it is recommended that you wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States to allow enough time for your arrival information to update across all government systems.

When submitting your application, you will need to provide original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. These documents include a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94. If you are an F-1 student, you must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for practical training. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study.

If you are applying for 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 issue a second letter to confirm your employment and student status.

It is important to note that certain statuses, such as F-2, H-4, TD, and B, do not allow employment, which prevents the issuance of an SSN.

Application processing time

The application process for an SSN as an international student can take around 4-6 weeks. However, it is important to note that processing times may vary.

To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid employment authorization and have a job lined up. This can be part-time, on-campus work or off-campus work. Once authorized, students must then gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, and visit their local Social Security Administration office in person to file their application.

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). 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 sponsorship letter.

New students are advised to wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN to allow for processing times. Additionally, students should be aware that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, but if authorized to work, individuals are required to apply for an SSN.

Uses of a Social Security Number

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) were created in 1936 to track the earnings histories of U.S. workers and determine their Social Security benefit entitlement. However, their use has expanded significantly since then, and they are now used as a universal identifier by government agencies and businesses.

• 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: An SSN is required for employment purposes. It is used to report an employee's earnings.
• Taxes: The SSN is used to report taxable scholarship benefits.
• Benefits: The SSN is used to determine an individual's entitlement to Social Security benefits and to compute benefit levels.
• Other Services: An SSN is often required to open telephone, utility, or bank accounts. It may also be used to obtain a driver's license, a birth certificate, or to enforce child support orders.

International students seeking to obtain an SSN must first obtain valid employment authorization and then submit a Social Security application online or in person at a local Social Security Administration office.

Frequently asked questions