Social Security Numbers: International Students' Options

International students in the United States can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to track their earnings and benefits over their working lifetime. An SSN is issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals with employment or tax reporting requirements. International students who are not eligible for an SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an International Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.

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Eligibility requirements for international students

International students seeking a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States must meet certain eligibility requirements. An SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. While it is not a work permit, individuals working in the U.S. must have authorization and apply for an SSN.

To be eligible for an SSN as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:

• Student Status: You must be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing at an accredited educational institution in the United States.
• Employment Authorization: You must have valid employment authorization to work in the United States. This can include on-campus employment or off-campus employment through programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT. J-1 students are also required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study.
• Valid Immigration Documents: You must possess valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notation indicating your student status (e.g., "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S").
• Social Security Administration Requirements: The SSA may have additional eligibility criteria. For example, they require that you apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You must also submit the required documentation, which may include an employment offer letter, authorization for CPT or OPT, and proof of student status.
• Timing of Application: It is recommended that you apply for an SSN after receiving your employment authorization and within a specific timeframe. New students should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the U.S. before requesting an SSN. Additionally, you should not apply more than 30 days prior to the start of your employment or the beginning date of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.

It is important to note that eligibility requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and immigration status. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) or the Social Security Administration for detailed guidance on obtaining an SSN as an international student.

Documents required for application

International students who have been granted legal authorization to work in the United States are required to apply for and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is used to track earnings over a worker's lifetime.

• Valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations depending on the student's status.
• Evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, and J-1 students must show evidence of valid J-1 employment and registration for a full course of study.
• If engaged in CPT, an I-20 form with CPT authorization printed on it.
• If engaged in OPT, an unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
• For J-1 students under the sponsorship of an exchange program or external organization, a letter from the sponsor confirming on-campus employment and full-time student status.

It is important to note that students should not apply for an SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of their employment or the beginning date on their EAD card. The Social Security Administration will not issue a Social Security Number until all immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or longer.

Where to apply

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. This can be done in person or online, followed by an in-person visit to share their documents. The application is free of charge.

Students can apply at any of the Social Security Card Centers, and it is not necessary to apply at the card center located in the borough where they live. For instance, if you live or receive mail in Staten Island, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you can apply at a local office near your place of residence or at any of the Social Security Card Centers. Here are some Social Security Card Centers in New York:

• Manhattan Social Security Center: 123 William Street, 3rd Fl., New York, NY 10038
• Bronx Social Security Center: 820 Concourse Village West, 2nd Fl., Bronx, NY 10451

All Social Security Card Centers are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

International students who are not eligible for an SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an International Tax Identification Number (also ITIN). These are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are meant for tax purposes.

Application process

International students need a Social Security Number (SSN) primarily to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. It is also often used for convenience for other purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank accounts. While having an SSN is convenient for these reasons, they are only issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements.

The application process for an SSN is as follows:

• International students are eligible 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.
• Begin the application process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card.
• Schedule an appointment with your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
• Present your original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant letters, within 45 days of your online submission.
• You will receive your SSN within a few weeks, provided all documents are presented.

It is important to note that application requirements differ depending on your immigration status. For example, F-1 students 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). J-1 students must submit a letter from their affiliate department confirming their on-campus employment and their full-time student status.

Purpose of a Social Security Number

International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have employment authorization to work in the US. The SSN is used by employers and employees to report individual employee earnings for tax purposes. It is also used to track earnings and benefits over a worker's lifetime. The number is valid for life and is issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration.

The purpose of an SSN is to identify participants in the federal government's social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. International students who are not eligible for an SSN, such as those without work authorization, can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an International Tax Identification Number (also ITIN) for tax purposes.

To apply for an SSN, international students must show proof of employment authorization and complete the relevant documentation. This includes providing at least two documents that establish their age, identity, and alien status, such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous passport. Students must also complete Form SS-5, the Social Security Card Application, and submit it in person to the Social Security Administration office. The processing time for an SSN application is typically between two to four weeks.

It is important to note that an SSN is not required for non-work purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution. However, an SSN is often used for unofficial purposes, such as opening bank accounts or credit card accounts. International students should carefully guard their SSN and Social Security Card as they contain confidential information and are crucial for confirming their identity.

Frequently asked questions