International Students: Getting Your Social Security Number

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must first secure a job or internship and obtain an employment verification letter from their institution. The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants SSNs to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. Students should start the application process online and then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any school-issued letters, to their local SSA office.

Eligibility requirements for international students

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the United States. This includes F-1 or M-1 visa students who have secured on-campus employment or have a work permit. J-1 students are also eligible if they can show evidence of employment and are registered for a full course of study.

For F-1 students, eligibility requirements include providing evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). This can be done by obtaining a letter from the university confirming a job offer or having the employment page of the I-20 form completed and signed by a designated school official.

J-1 students, on the other hand, must provide a letter from their sponsor, which can be Yale or an outside organization such as Fulbright, IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead and include an original signature authorizing their employment.

In addition to these requirements, international students must also prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes providing valid immigration documents, such as a passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with the appropriate notations.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, and the eligibility requirements may differ depending on the student's immigration status. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify nonimmigrant student status and determine eligibility for an SSN.

Application process

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US, you must have employment authorization to work in the country. The SSN is issued to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. It is used to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US.

• Obtain employment authorization: To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. This can include on-campus employment, off-campus employment under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
• Secure a job or internship: International students are eligible to apply for an SSN only after securing a job or internship in the US and obtaining an employment verification letter from their institution.
• Gather required documents: You will need to gather relevant documentation, including proof of employment authorization, an employment offer letter, and proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status. If you are an F-1 student, you may also need to provide a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or a letter from your Designated School Official (DSO). J-1 students must provide evidence of employment eligibility from their sponsor.
• Complete the online application: Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov/number-card or www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to complete the online application and schedule an appointment.
• Visit a local SSA office: Within 45 days of your online submission, visit your local SSA office to present your original documents and complete the application process.
• Receive your SSN: The SSA will mail your Social Security Number and card once all your immigration information has been verified. This can take 2-4 weeks or more.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. Additionally, if you do not work on campus but receive a taxable scholarship, you should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.

Documents required

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the United States, you must gather and submit several important documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on your visa status, employment situation, and other factors, but here is a comprehensive list of documents you may need:

• Valid immigration documents: This includes your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations, depending on your visa type. For example, F-1 students may look for "F-1 D/S," while J-1 students may seek "J-1 D/S."
• Employment authorization: If you are employed or seeking employment, you must provide evidence of valid employment authorization. This could include an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, especially for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or other off-campus employment.
• On-campus employment confirmation: If you are employed or seeking on-campus employment, you will need a letter from your department or hiring office confirming the job offer. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include details such as your job title and whether the employment relates to a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship.
• Full-time student status verification: J-1 students, in particular, must provide evidence that they are registered for a full course of study. This can be done through a letter from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or a similar office at your educational institution.
• Social Security Letter (for J-1 students): If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an external organization, you will need to obtain a Social Security letter from your sponsor. This letter should confirm your sponsorship and valid J-1 status.
• Other supporting documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documents. For example, dependents of J-2 visa holders with employment authorization will need their EAD card, along with the other required documents.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration and your specific student visa category. Additionally, allow sufficient time for processing your application, as it can take a few weeks to receive your Social Security Number and card.

Time taken for issuance

The time taken for the issuance of a Social Security Number (SSN) for international students in the USA can vary, but it generally takes around 2-6 weeks. It is recommended that new students wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. This is to ensure that all immigration information has been verified and that the student has received their employment authorization.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail the SSN and card as soon as all immigration information has been verified. This process can sometimes take longer than the estimated 2-4 weeks. It is important to note that the SSA will not issue a replacement card if the individual does not have on-campus job authorization or off-campus training authorization.

The entire process of obtaining an SSN as an international student can take longer, depending on various factors. Firstly, students must obtain valid employment authorization, which can be based on on-campus or off-campus employment. For on-campus employment, students must receive an employment offer letter from their department or hiring office, which can take some time to process. For off-campus employment, students must obtain an Employment Authorization (EAD) card, which authorizes them to work under certain conditions.

Additionally, students should allow time for ISS processing, as the ISS will verify their full-time status and on-campus employment eligibility. Once the student has received their employment authorization, they can apply for an SSN. The application can be completed online, after which the student must visit a local SSA office to show their documents in person. The SSA examiner will review the documents, and the student can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.

Importance of SSN for international students

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are essential for international students in the United States for several reasons. Firstly, an SSN serves as a means of identification and is often required when opening accounts or applying for certain services. For example, international students may need an SSN to set up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the U.S. as it is used to report an employee's earnings or a student's taxable scholarship benefits.

Secondly, an SSN is necessary for tax purposes. International students need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. The IRS requires employers to use the SSN of their employees to report their wages. While waiting for their SSN, international students can provide their employer with a letter confirming that they have applied for one, along with their immigration documents, which prove their authorization to work.

Thirdly, an SSN is required for certain types of employment. International students must have an SSN if they are authorized to work on campus or have secured off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training or other programs. To obtain an SSN, students must submit a Social Security Letter Request and provide proof of employment eligibility, such as an Employment Authorization (EAD) card or a letter from their department.

It is important to note that while an SSN is necessary for these purposes, possessing an SSN alone does not confer work authorization. International students must ensure they have the appropriate employment authorization before starting work and should consult with their school's Office of International Students and Scholars for guidance.

Frequently asked questions