Lana Oconnell
International students in NYC can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by completing Form SS-5 online and submitting it to the Social Security Administration. To be eligible, students must have employment authorization and proof of a job offer/employment eligibility in the US. The SSN is used to track earnings and benefits, and while it is often used for convenience in opening accounts, it does not grant legal authorization to work. Students must apply for an SSN within 90 days of starting employment and can expect to receive it within 2-6 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | International students with F-1 or M-1 visas who are authorized to work in the US |
| What is the purpose of an SSN? | To track earnings and benefits |
| What documents are required to apply for an SSN? | 1. Valid passport 2. Job offer letter or employment eligibility 3. Form I-20 (for F-1 students) 4. Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or DSO letter 5. Form SS-5 |
| Where to apply for an SSN? | Social Security Administration card center closest to where you live |
| Is there a fee to apply for an SSN? | No fee is required |
| How long does it take to receive an SSN? | 2-6 weeks |
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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 students must have employment authorization to work in the US to be eligible for an SSN.
F-1 and J-1 students who are authorized for employment can apply for an SSN. F-1 students can also apply for an SSN if they are authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be registered for a full course of study. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Students receiving a fellowship or scholarship who are not expected to work beyond their own studies cannot apply for an SSN. Instead, they will be asked to complete a W-7 form to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) necessary for filing their tax forms. F-2 spouses and family members are also not eligible to accept employment in the US and therefore cannot apply for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, students must complete Form SS-5 or Form SS-5 FS (a variation of Form SS-5 for international students). They will also need to provide an unexpired passport (valid for at least six months into the future) and proof of employment authorization. This could include a job offer letter or a letter from a sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing employment.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an international student has been granted legal authorization to work, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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Employment authorization
To obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in NYC, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. Here is a detailed guide on employment authorization for international students in NYC:
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 visa is for international students who wish to enter the United States as full-time students at an accredited academic institution. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating proficiency in English and having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is off-campus employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. To be eligible for CPT, F-1 students must have their Form I-20 endorsed by their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure that their DSO enters their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students can apply for OPT to gain temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. OPT can be authorized for up to 12 months before or after completing their academic studies.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: If an F-1 student has earned a degree in certain STEM fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, the student must be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify and have received their initial grant of post-completion OPT based on their STEM degree.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 visa is for international students enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs (except language training). M-1 students must have any off-campus training employment authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS before starting work. This employment must be related to their area of study.
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must maintain valid J-1 status while being registered for a full course of study. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a crucial component of employment authorization for international students. The EAD specifies the terms and conditions of the student's employment authorization, including the type of employment allowed and the validity period. The EAD must be presented when applying for an SSN.
Social Security Letter Request
After obtaining employment authorization and securing on-campus or off-campus employment, international students must submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the StudentLink Center. The OISS will issue a letter confirming the student's employment and full-time student status.
Application for SSN
Once the student has received the necessary authorization and letters, they can visit a Social Security Office and apply for an SSN using the Form SS-5. They must bring their passport (valid for at least six months), employment authorization documents, and any other required paperwork. The SSN application process typically takes around 2-6 weeks.
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Necessary documents
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work in the country. To apply for an SSN, you will need to have a job lined up, even if it is part-time or on-campus work.
The documents you will need to apply for an SSN as an international student in NYC are:
- A valid passport (with an expiry date of at least six months in the future)
- Proof of employment or employment eligibility (a job offer letter or work authorization letter)
- Form SS-5 (or Form SS-5 FS for international students)
- Form I-765 (if you are an F-1 student applying for an SSN on Optional Practical Training)
- Form I-20 (if you are an F-1 student authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training)
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter (if you are an F-1 student)
- Employment Authorization (EAD) card (if you are engaged in OPT)
- I-20 with OPT, international organization, or economic need employment authorization recommendation (if you are an NYU student)
- On-campus employment verification letter (if you are an F-1 student)
- J-1 On-campus Employment Request form (if you are sponsored by NYU)
- Social Security Letter from your sponsor (if you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an external organization)
All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
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Application process
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must be eligible to work there. The purpose of an SSN is to track earnings and benefits, so non-resident aliens who are not authorised to work in the US may not be eligible for an SSN.
The application process for an SSN as an international student in NYC is as follows:
Obtain evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorisation. To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorisation. Authorisation can be based on one of the following:
- On-Campus Employment: obtain a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed in the original by your hiring department, and include your job title, start date, number of hours per week, and the name and contact information of your supervisor.
- Off-Campus Employment: if you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorisation for CPT printed on page 3 of the form. If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorisation (EAD) card.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request to the OISS via TC-Compass. If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your department letter to the OISS. The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organisation employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
- Visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. Social Security forms are available at SSA offices, and no fee is required. Bring the following documents with you:
- Completed Form SS-5
- Unexpired passport (valid at least six months into the future)
- Your original OGS on-campus employment verification letter
- Your work authorisation letter
- Your NYU job offer letter with OGS approval
- If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorisation for CPT printed on page 3 of the form
- If you are engaged in OPT, you must also bring your unexpired Employment Authorisation (EAD) card
Submit your application. Your documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt so that you can show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks, although processing times vary.
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SSN card collection
To collect your Social Security Number (SSN) card as an international student in New York City, you must first apply for an SSN. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for an SSN as an international student. You must have valid employment authorization and a job offer to be eligible. F-1 and J-1 students who are authorized for employment can apply for an SSN. J-1 students must also be registered for a full course of study and provide evidence of employment.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The documents you need to apply for an SSN as an international student include:
- A valid passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
- Employment authorization documents, such as a work authorization letter or a letter from your sponsor
- On-campus employment verification letter (if applicable)
- Job offer letter
- Form I-20 (for F-1 students)
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter
Step 3: Complete the Application
To apply for an SSN, you need to complete Form SS-5, which is the application for a Social Security Card. You can complete this form online or in person at your local Social Security Administration office. Form SS-5 FS is a variation specifically for international students. Make sure to keep a receipt as proof of your application.
Step 4: Submit the Application
After completing the application, submit it along with the required documents to your local Social Security Administration office. Do not send your SSN via email. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-4 weeks or 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
Step 5: Collect Your SSN Card
Once your application is approved and you have provided all the necessary documentation, you can collect your SSN card from the Social Security Administration office. They will issue a replacement Social Security Card within seven to ten business days after documentation approval. Remember to safeguard your Social Security Card and number as they contain confidential information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to have a job lined up, but even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible.
You will need a valid passport and proof of employment. If you are an F-1 student, you will also need a Form I-20 with the employment page completed. If you are a J-1 student, you will need a letter from your sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
You can apply for an SSN by completing Form SS-5 online and visiting the Social Security Administration card center closest to where you live.
