Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US by following a few steps. Firstly, students must determine their eligibility to apply for an SSN, which requires being employed or having an offer of employment to start within 30 days of application. After checking eligibility, students can begin the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. The application is free, and the SSN is typically issued within a few weeks. The Social Security Administration will mail the number and card once all immigration information has been verified. This process can take 2-4 weeks or longer, so it is important to initiate the application well before the intended job start date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs an SSN? | International students who are employed or have an offer of employment in the US |
| When to apply | After securing a job or internship in the US and obtaining an employment verification letter; within 30 days of the application |
| Where to apply | Online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card; in person at a local Social Security Administration office |
| Application requirements | Original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status; letters from the DSO and employer, if applicable; Form SS-5: Application For A Social Security Card; passport; DS-2019; I-94; UCSF appointment/invitation letter printed on UCSF letterhead; I-797 Approval Notice; on-campus work authorization letter from ISSO; admission letter from department indicating campus position; "DSO letter" from the ISSO |
| Processing time | 2-4 weeks or more |
| How to receive | Mailed to the address listed on the application |
| How to replace | Free replacement if lost or stolen, provided eligibility requirements are met |
| Other uses | Opening telephone, utility, or bank accounts; not required for these purposes |
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What You'll Learn
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. An SSN is a nine-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to US citizens, permanent residents, and non-residents with authorization to work in the US.
Firstly, international students must have a job or internship in the US to apply for an SSN. Even part-time, on-campus work makes students eligible, but they must have authorization to work. 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 and registered for a full course of study. J-1 students sponsored by an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Secondly, international students must have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, and, depending on their status, an I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or a copy of their J-1 admission stamp in their passport and a printout of their electronic I-94 information. F-1 students with a work permit must bring this with them, and J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing their employment.
Thirdly, international students must present their original, current proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status to their local SSA office within 45 days of their online submission. They must also submit necessary documents, including a job offer letter, work authorization, and visa.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an individual has been granted legal authorization to work and is working, they are required to obtain an SSN.
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Applying online
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) online. This nine-digit number is assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers. It is used to report wages, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes. While it is not mandatory to have an SSN before starting work, employers are required to use it to report employee earnings.
To apply for an SSN online, students can visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. They must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters from the DSO and employer, within 45 days of their online submission. The SSA will mail the SSN and card once all immigration information has been verified, which typically takes around two to four weeks.
It is important to note that international students are eligible to apply for an SSN only after securing a job or internship in the U.S. and obtaining an employment verification letter from their institution. Additionally, F-1 students are required to be registered for classes to obtain a letter of eligibility. J-1 students must provide evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization, such as an Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
Students should also be aware that their SSN is tied to their identity and financial background, so they must keep this information secure and private. They should not carry their Social Security card with them and should not share their SSN unless absolutely necessary.
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In-person application
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. This nine-digit identifier is issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration and is required for tax and employment reporting purposes.
To apply for an SSN in person, you must have a job or an offer of employment that starts within 30 days of your application. You must also have been in the U.S. for at least 10 days and have completed check-in procedures at the International Student and Scholar Services.
When visiting your local SSA office, you will need to bring the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Valid immigration documents, including:
- I-20 or DS-2019, which may have an electronic DSO/ARO signature
- I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S"
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card (for J-2 dependents with employment authorization)
- On-campus employment authorization/SSN eligibility letter
- Evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT)
- Proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status
- Letter from your employer, if applicable
It is important to note that application requirements may differ depending on your immigration status. For example, F-1 or M-1 students must bring their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must bring their DS-2019.
The SSA will mail your SSN and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified, which typically takes about two to four weeks. There is no charge for obtaining an SSN and card, and you can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
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Documents required
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can be done through on-campus employment or off-campus employment. Here is a list of documents you may need to provide:
On-Campus Employment:
- A letter from your college or university department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include your job title, start date, and the number of hours you will work per week.
- For F-1 students, evidence of lawful employment such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
- For J-1 students, evidence of employment and valid J-1 status, including registration for a full course of study. If sponsored by an external organization, a Social Security letter from the sponsor is required.
- For new students, it is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN and completing the "New Student Post-Arrival Checklist."
Off-Campus Employment (Optional Practical Training):
- A valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
- A Social Security Letter Request submitted to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the equivalent office at your university.
- The OISS will issue a second letter confirming your secured employment and full-time student status.
Once you have the required documentation for employment authorization, you can complete the social security application online or in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Remember that having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US, but it is required if you have been authorized to work.
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Protecting your SSN
As an international student, you may need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment or tax purposes. To protect your SSN, there are several key steps you should take:
Firstly, never carry your Social Security card with you. Memorise your SSN and keep the card secure at home. This way, if your wallet or purse is stolen, your SSN will not be compromised. If you lose your card, you can order a free replacement from the Social Security Administration, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Secondly, be cautious about who you share your SSN with. Never repeat your SSN aloud in public or around untrusted individuals. Always ask why your SSN is needed and how it will be used before providing it. Be aware that agencies like the IRS will not make unsolicited calls asking for your SSN. Scammers may use sophisticated phishing or smishing campaigns to trick you into giving up your SSN, so be vigilant.
Thirdly, properly dispose of any documents containing your SSN. Shred any paperwork with your SSN or other personally identifiable information before throwing it away.
Additionally, consider purchasing identity protection services. These services can track where your SSN appears online and monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. They may also offer restoration services if you become a victim of identity theft.
Finally, regularly review your credit reports. The three nationwide consumer reporting agencies—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—offer fraud alerts and security freezes to protect against fraudulent credit or loan applications. By placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report, you can help prevent unauthorised use of your SSN.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorised use of your SSN.
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Frequently asked questions
You can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778 to ask about the status of your SSN.
You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You will need to provide proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant employment authorization or verification letters.
The documents you need will depend on your visa type. Generally, you will need to provide a passport, proof of identity and age, and proof of lawful resident status. For F-1 visas, you will also need Form I-20, while for J-1 visas, you will need Form DS-2019. You may also need an on-campus work authorization letter or employment verification letter.
It typically takes two to four weeks to receive your Social Security Number and card, but it can take longer depending on your specific circumstances.
