Douglas Olsen
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. An SSN is not required to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution, or other non-work reasons. However, it is essential for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the US. To apply for an SSN, students must have a job lined up and then take their documents to their local Social Security Administration office in person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who assigns Social Security Numbers (SSNs) | The Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Who is eligible for an SSN | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers |
| Who needs an SSN | Every F and M student who U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants employment authorization to |
| Who must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | F or M students (or dependents) who are ineligible to receive an SSN but receive non-wage income in the U.S. |
| What is required to apply for an SSN | A job, either on-campus or off-campus |
| What documents are required to apply for an SSN | Original documents proving identity, immigration status, and work eligibility, including a valid passport |
| When to apply for an SSN | As soon as possible after getting a job offer, within 90 days of starting the job |
| How to apply for an SSN | In person at a local Social Security Administration office |
| How long to wait after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an SSN | 2–3 weeks, 10 days, or 2 days |
| What is required to be eligible for an SSN | Evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization |
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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. The purpose of an SSN is to track earnings and benefits, so non-resident aliens who are not authorized to work in the US may not be eligible for an SSN.
To be eligible to apply for an SSN as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. This means that you'll need a job to apply. Even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. If you have F-1 visa status, you 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). If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work in CPT, you must have your I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official. If you have a work permit I-766, you must bring it. If you are a J-1 student, you must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and provide a letter from your sponsor. This letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
In addition to the above, you will need to bring original documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes 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". You will also need to complete Form SS-5, which 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 this form that international students use to apply for an SSN when studying in the US.
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Documents required for application
International students seeking a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States must meet specific requirements and provide necessary documentation. Here is a detailed list of the documents required for the application process:
Valid Immigration Documents:
- Passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport that serves as proof of their identity and citizenship.
- I-20 or DS-2019 Form: The I-20 or DS-2019 form certifies an individual's student status and is issued by the university or educational institution.
- I-94 Card or Electronic I-94: The I-94 is a record of arrival and departure for non-immigrants, and it is crucial for verifying an individual's entry into the country.
Employment Authorization:
- F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
- J-1 students under an exchange visitor program must submit a letter confirming their on-campus employment and full-time student status.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card: This card is required for certain visa categories, such as J-2 dependents with employment authorization.
Student Status Verification:
- Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Record: Applicants must ensure their SEVIS record is in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. This verifies their non-immigrant student status.
- Arrival Information Update: It is recommended to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States to allow government systems to update with the applicant's arrival information.
Social Security Office Visit:
- Social Security Application Forms: While the initial application can be completed online, applicants must visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to submit their documents in person.
- Sponsor Letter (if applicable): J-1 students sponsored by an external organization must obtain a Social Security authorization letter from their sponsor.
It is important to note that specific requirements and documents may vary based on individual circumstances and visa categories. Applicants should refer to the official website of the Social Security Administration and their respective educational institutions for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
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Where to apply
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States.
To apply for an SSN, you must go in person to a local Social Security Administration office. All Social Security Card Centres are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It is recommended that you wait at least 10 days to three weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.
Before applying, you must verify that you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN.
If you are an F-1 student, you will need to obtain valid employment authorization before applying for an SSN. You can do this by applying for on-campus work authorization through your institution's International Student Services (ISS) or Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). You will need to provide evidence of a job offer and that you are a full-time student. Once you have received employment authorization, you can apply for an SSN.
If you are a J-1 student, you must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, as well as be registered for a full course of study. You should obtain a Social Security letter from your sponsor.
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On-campus work authorization
International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. To obtain on-campus work authorization, you must first secure an official on-campus employment offer. The job offer letter must be printed on department letterhead and include specific information, such as employer contact details, your job title, and the name of your immediate supervisor.
Once you have received your on-campus employment offer letter, you can apply for on-campus work authorization through your university's International Student Services (ISS) or Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). They will verify your full-time student status and on-campus employment eligibility before issuing the authorization.
After receiving your on-campus work authorization, you can proceed to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a unique, nine-digit identification number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is required for all individuals working in the US. To apply for an SSN, you must provide the necessary documents, including your on-campus work authorization, passport, I-94 card or admission stamp, and employment offer letter.
It is important to note that you should not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of your on-campus employment, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected. Additionally, while it is possible to receive your initial payments without an SSN, you must obtain one as soon as possible to ensure proper reporting and tax filing.
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SSN for non-work reasons
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States if they have been granted employment authorization by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To do so, they must follow the steps outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Firstly, students must verify their Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This SEVIS record must be in Active status for a minimum of two days before applying for an SSN. Secondly, students should wait at least ten days after arriving in the United States before submitting their SSN application. This waiting period ensures that their arrival information has been updated across all government systems. The SSA utilizes the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm the nonimmigrant student status of applicants and determine their eligibility for an SSN.
In certain states, individuals who are ineligible to work but intend to apply for a driver's license must first apply for an SSN and receive a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." This form is required even for those who are not eligible to receive an SSN but still want to obtain a driver's license.
It is important to note that F and M students who are ineligible for an SSN but receive non-wage income in the United States, such as scholarships, grants, or investment returns, must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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Frequently asked questions
A Social Security Number is a nine-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and nonresidents with authorization to work in the US. It is used to track earnings and benefits. Nonresidents with eligible work authorization, such as those on an H-1B visa, J-1 visa, or F-1 visa with lawful employment, are eligible to apply for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must first have employment authorization to work in the US. You will then need to gather relevant documentation, such as a completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application, and evidence of SSN eligibility. After completing the social security application online, visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person to show them your documents.
The documents required to apply for an SSN as an international student include a completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application, and evidence of SSN eligibility. If you are an F-1 student, you must also provide your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, Form I-20. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor, you will need to show your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status in Form DS-2019. Additionally, you may need an on-campus employment letter from your department/hiring office and confirmation of your F-1 student status.
After submitting your application, it can take up to four weeks to receive your SSN. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more. Processing times may vary, and you can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks.
