International Students: Getting Your Social Security Card

International students in the US may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for various reasons, including opening a bank account or for tax purposes if they are working. However, simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. Students must first be eligible to work in the US and have a job to be able to apply for an SSN. Students must also have been in the US for at least 10 days and have completed check-in procedures at International Student and Scholar Services.

Eligibility requirements for F-1 and J-1 students

F-1 and J-1 students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they meet the eligibility requirements. Students in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for an SSN unless they have a job or a job offer. They must also be authorized to work in the US and be in the United States.

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). They must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing them to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment. To apply for an SSN, F-1 students must also 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".

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. They must also have 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". J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

Once F-1 and J-1 students have secured employment or received a job offer, they can request a Social Security Letter from their college or university's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a letter confirming that the student has secured employment and is a full-time student in good standing. This letter can then be submitted along with the required documentation to the Social Security Administration to apply for an SSN.

On-campus employment

International students in the US who are seeking on-campus employment will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as they receive a job offer. This is a requirement for all international students working on campus, and they must be able to provide their SSN as soon as possible in order to be properly reported in the employee system and to be able to file a tax return.

To apply for an SSN, students need to first obtain valid employment authorization. For on-campus employment, this means getting a letter from their college or university department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on official school or department letterhead and contain the employer's original signature. The student can then submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via TC-Compass. The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that the student has secured on-campus employment and that they are a full-time student in good standing.

Once the student has received this letter, they can submit a Social Security Number application online and then provide their documents to the Social Security Administration office in person. It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of their employment, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected. The Social Security Administration will mail the student's SSN and card as soon as all of their immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. International students must ensure that they have valid work authorization before applying for an SSN and beginning any on-campus employment.

Applying online

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) online, international students must meet certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, they must be employed or have an offer of employment to start within 30 days of their application. This includes on-campus employment, off-campus employment under F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other authorized work such as international organization employment or severe economic hardship employment. Students must obtain valid employment authorization, which can be confirmed through an Employment Authorization (EAD) card or a letter from the university's hiring department.

Once employed or with an offer of employment, students can initiate the online application process. They will need to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or a similar portal provided by their university, such as MyISSS or iSTART. During the online application, students will be required to provide various documents, including valid immigration documents. This typically includes a valid passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019 with the student's signature, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with the appropriate notation for their visa type (e.g., "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S").

Additionally, students may need to submit evidence of their employment authorization, such as an EAD card or a letter from their university's department confirming their on-campus job offer. This letter should be printed on department letterhead and include specific information, such as the employer's contact information and the name of the student's immediate supervisor. J-1 students whose DS-2019 was not issued by their university may need to obtain an eligibility letter from their J-1 program sponsor instead.

After completing the online application, students will usually need to schedule an appointment to visit a local Social Security Administration office in person to finalize their application and submit their documents. It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, and students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for employment.

In-person application

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in person, international students must visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. It is recommended that you wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US to apply for an SSN, and you must have a job lined up, as you will need to prove your employment status.

When visiting the SSA office, you will need to bring original documents that prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. These documents may include:

• A valid passport
• I-20 or DS-2019, with an electronic DSO/ARO signature and signed in ink
• I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S"
• Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa
• Employment Authorization (EAD) card
• A letter from your hiring department confirming your employment
• A letter from your university confirming your student status and employment

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been authorized to work, you are required to apply for an SSN. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card once all of your immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.

Protecting your SSN

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a piece of personal identifiable information that you should keep in a safe place. You should be cautious about who you provide your SSN to. It is normal for employers, banks, and the Department of Motor Vehicles to ask for your SSN. In most cases, you should not provide your SSN over the phone or via email or text message. You could be a victim of a scam if your SSN ends up in the wrong hands.

If you are experiencing difficulty opening a bank account because you do not have an SSN, there are some banks that do not require one. In Boulder, Colorado, for example, Chase Bank, US Bank, and Wells Fargo are major banks that do not require an SSN to open an account. You may need to provide proof of residence, such as rent receipts or a copy of your lease.

Additionally, some mobile phone carriers, like T-Mobile or Mint Mobile, offer options for those without an SSN. You may need to pay a deposit and commit to a contract ranging from one to two years. Alternatively, you can bring an unlocked cell phone and buy a new SIM card in the US.

Finally, it is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you are only eligible for an SSN if you have a job.

Frequently asked questions