Janice Lozano
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are used to identify participants in the federal government's social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. SSNs are issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and non-residents with authorization to work in the US. International students who are authorized to work in the US can obtain an SSN, but they must first show proof of employment authorization and a job offer. If an international student loses their SSN, they can apply for a replacement card online or in person at a Social Security Administration office. The SSA generally issues replacement Social Security Cards within seven to ten business days after documentation has been approved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply for a replacement card | As soon as possible after getting a job offer |
| Where to apply for a replacement card | Local Social Security Administration office |
| Requirements for a replacement card | On-campus job or off-campus training authorization |
| Documents to bring when applying for a replacement card | ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter |
| How long does it take to receive a replacement card? | 2-4 weeks or more |
| Fee for a replacement card | Free |
| Can I work without an SSN? | Yes, as long as you have authorization |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can apply for a replacement Social Security Number (SSN) by completing Form SS-5
- International students can apply for an SSN online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or in person at a Social Security Administration office
- International students must present original documents, including proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, within 45 days of their online SSN application
- International students need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US
- International students can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS if they need a number for tax purposes but are not authorized to work in the US
International students can apply for a replacement Social Security Number (SSN) by completing Form SS-5
To apply for a replacement SSN, international students must provide valid immigration documents, including a passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with the appropriate notation. Additionally, 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 under an exchange visitor program must submit a letter from their department confirming their on-campus employment and full-time student status.
When submitting the application, students must present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any applicable letters from their DSO and employer. It is recommended to apply for a replacement SSN as soon as possible after realizing the original card is lost or stolen, and the process typically takes two to four weeks. However, processing times may vary, and it is advised to initiate the application well before it is needed.
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant authorization to work in the U.S., and students must have valid employment authorization to be eligible for a replacement SSN. International students with taxable scholarships who do not work on campus should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
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International students can apply for an SSN online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or in person at a Social Security Administration office
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or in person at their nearest Social Security Administration office. The SSN is a nine-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. International students need an SSN primarily to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. It is also essential for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the U.S.
To apply for an SSN online, students should enter their details at 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 letters from the DSO and employer, within 45 days of their online submission. Students can also use the online application to request a scheduled appointment.
To apply for an SSN in person, students can visit their nearest Social Security Administration office. They must bring their original, current proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status, as well as any school-issued letters. New students should wait at least 2-3 weeks from their arrival in the U.S. before requesting an SSN. It typically takes two to four weeks to process and issue an SSN, so students should initiate the application process well before their intended job start date.
If an international student loses their SSN, they can request a free replacement card if they meet the eligibility requirements. They may not need to replace their card if they know their Social Security number, as a physical card is not always necessary. Depending on their situation, they may be able to apply for a replacement card online or by making an appointment at a local office.
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International students must present original documents, including proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, within 45 days of their online SSN application
International students must have authorized employment to be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). They are required 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.
International students can start the SSN application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. They must then present their original documents, including proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, to their local Social Security Office within 45 days of their online application. Acceptable documents for proof of lawful permanent resident status include a Lawful Permanent Resident Card, an Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired foreign passport, or a "work permit" from the Department of Homeland Security. Students must also present school-issued letters, such as an F-1 SSN Eligibility Letter or J-1 SSN Eligibility Letter.
It typically takes two to four weeks to process and issue an SSN. Therefore, international students should initiate the application process well before their intended job start date to ensure timely receipt. An SSN is essential for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the U.S. It is also necessary for reporting income and paying taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the country.
If an international student loses their SSN card, they can replace it for free by completing an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and providing the necessary documentation. However, they must have authorization, such as on-campus work, CPT, or OPT, to be eligible for a replacement card.
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International students need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US
International students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US. An SSN is a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) based on an individual's eligibility to work in the country. Although having an SSN does not confer work authorization, it is essential for tax purposes and for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the US.
International students can apply for an SSN after securing a job or internship in the US and obtaining an employment verification letter from their institution. The application process can be initiated online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card, after which applicants must present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters, within 45 days. Alternatively, students can apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks, so students should apply well before their intended job start date.
Regarding tax liability, international students are generally considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes during their first five calendar years in the US. While there is no specific international student tax, these nonresident aliens are generally liable for Social Security and Medicare Taxes on wages earned for services performed in the US. However, students in F-1, J-1, or M-1 status are exempt from these taxes during their first five years, provided their services are allowed by USCIS and are connected to the purpose for which their visas were issued. Additionally, students employed by their school, college, or university while enrolled at least half-time are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
To file taxes, international students will need to complete Form 8843 and likely Form 1040NR, requiring their name, current address, SSN or IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), and other personal information. They may also need their W-2 form, which is used to report wages and taxes withheld, provided by their employer. It is important to comply with tax requirements and deadlines, as missing them may lead to fines and penalties and potentially impact future visa or Green Card applications.
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International students can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS if they need a number for tax purposes but are not authorized to work in the US
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the United States and have secured a job or internship. However, if they are not authorized to work in the US, they may still need a number for tax purposes. In this case, they can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.
An ITIN is required for international students who do not have an SSN but receive grants, fellowships, or scholarships. For example, a student who receives a non-service fellowship that includes money for living expenses would need an ITIN. It is important to note that the IRS will not issue an ITIN unless it is required for a tax return form.
To apply for an ITIN, international students may need to submit Form W-7 to the IRS, along with their passport and visa stamp, a copy of their fellowship or scholarship letter, their I-94, and their I-20 or DS-2019 form. They should not send original documents to the IRS but instead submit copies of original documents certified by the issuing agency or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to have documents reviewed.
It is also possible to apply for an ITIN at a university's Payroll Office, where web-based tax preparation software like GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP) can be used to determine if an ITIN is needed and prepare the application form.
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Frequently asked questions
You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and 10 during your lifetime. To request a replacement card, complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and provide the necessary documentation.
You will need to present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any letters from the DSO and employer, if applicable, within 45 days of your online submission. You will also need to provide a letter from your sponsor, on sponsor letterhead with an original signature, that authorizes your employment.
It typically takes 2-4 weeks to process and issue an SSN, but it can take longer.
You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or in person at your local Social Security Administration office. You do not need to apply at the card center located in the borough where you live.
