Douglas Olsen
International students with F1 or J1 visas are often eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. An SSN is a unique, nine-digit identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. Once issued, an SSN remains valid indefinitely, even if the holder leaves the country or their visa expires. However, the associated credit history will become inactive after two years of inactivity. While an SSN is not required for non-work purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license or opening a bank account, it is often used for convenience in various non-employment-related activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does SSN expire? | No, it stays with the individual for life. |
| What happens to credit history? | It will remain active. |
| What happens to credit cards? | It is tricky to renew the card. |
| What happens to bank accounts? | Some banks may ask for a US address. |
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What You'll Learn
SSN is valid for life, even after leaving the US
A Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. Once you have been assigned an SSN, it remains valid for life, even if you leave the US. This means that if you return to the US at a later date, you can continue using the same SSN.
It is important to note that an SSN is not a work permit. While it 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, it is necessary if you plan to work in the US. In that case, you must ensure that you have the proper authorization and apply for an SSN.
If you are an international student who has received a taxable scholarship but does not work on campus, you should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
Regarding Social Security benefits, if you are a non-US citizen and have left the country for at least six consecutive months, your benefits may be affected. To continue receiving benefits, you must return to the US and remain lawfully present for an entire calendar month. This means being physically present for every hour of every day of that month.
Additionally, if you are leaving or have already left the US for at least 30 consecutive days, you must complete Form SSA-21, "Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States." This form is relevant for individuals receiving Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Insurance benefits.
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Credit history remains active with ongoing activity
International students who have received a Social Security Number (SSN) should note that their SSN will remain valid for life, even if they leave the US. This means that if they ever return to the US, they can use the same SSN again.
Regarding credit history, it is important to distinguish between the credit history remaining active and the credit score being visible. The credit history itself will remain active with ongoing activity, such as an open credit card, a loan that is being paid off, or some other form of debt. However, after two years of inactivity, the credit score will no longer be visible, although past payments and accounts will still be shown.
Maintaining a US address can be beneficial for keeping an active credit score. While some banks require a US address, others do not. Additionally, there are mail-forwarding services that allow individuals to have a non-PO box US address. However, sending and receiving cards overseas can be challenging, as cards typically need to be deactivated when sent internationally.
It is worth noting that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. Eligibility for an SSN is based on a person's eligibility to work in the country, and once authorized to work, individuals are required to apply for an SSN.
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SSN is needed for tax and employment reporting
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. If you work in the US, you must have authorization and must apply for an SSN. An SSN is required to file your tax returns. The IRS states that you should use your SSN to file your tax return even if your SSN does not authorize employment. If you have been issued an SSN that authorizes employment and you lose your employment authorization, you should still use your SSN to file your tax returns.
If you are an international student and did not request an SSN as part of your OPT application, you can complete the social security application online and visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in-person. You will need to provide documentation for employment authorization from your ISS advisor or sponsoring agency.
If you are an international student who does not have employment authorization and is not eligible for an SSN, you should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get an SSN. It is a 9-digit number, formatted like an SSN, and is only issued for the purpose of federal tax reporting. Nonresidents filing an income tax return may need an ITIN.
It is important to note that an ITIN does not entitle the recipient to Social Security benefits, indicate immigration status, or guarantee/certify the right to work in the US. To receive an ITIN, you must complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS.
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F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment
International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work in the US, but only under specific conditions. F-1 students are only authorised to work on their school's campus, and even then, certain types of work are prohibited. For example, work that takes place at a school location but does not directly involve services to students, such as construction work, does not qualify as on-campus employment. On the other hand, work with an employer that is contractually affiliated with the school is considered on-campus employment, even if the worksite is off-campus. An example would be a research lab affiliated with the school.
F-1 students are also limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and 40 hours per week during holidays and vacations. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they do not exceed this limit, as working even 15 minutes over the 20-hour weekly limit constitutes an employment violation.
To ensure lawful employment, F-1 students must obtain documentation for employment authorisation from their ISS adviser or sponsoring agency. They must then complete the social security application online and visit their local SSA office to show their documents in person. This includes an I-94 card or a copy of their J-1 admission stamp in their passport, as well as a printout of their electronic I-94 information. An employment offer letter from the department or hiring office is also required.
After receiving a job offer, F-1 students should apply for their SSN as soon as possible. While it is possible to start working without an SSN, failure to apply for one will cause problems later with tax filing. To receive an SSN, students must show the Social Security Administration that they are eligible to work in the US. This includes providing evidence of lawful employment, such as a certification letter from their school.
In summary, F-1 students must carefully adhere to employment regulations and provide the necessary documentation to ensure they maintain lawful status and are eligible to receive a Social Security Number.
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J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status
International students who are in the US with a Social Security Number (SSN) and then leave the country will be able to keep their SSN. This is because an SSN is issued to track earnings over a worker's lifetime and can be used by the holder indefinitely. However, if the student does not work on campus, they will not be eligible for an SSN.
Now, focusing on J-1 students:
To maintain J-1 status, students must have a valid passport that will remain current for at least another six months at all times. It is the responsibility of the student to renew their passport through their embassy before it expires. Students must also have a valid I-94 record reflecting "D/S" and "J-1" status. This indicates that the student is admitted to the United States for the duration of their status. J-1 students are required to register for and complete a full course of study each quarter, except during vacations.
Additionally, J-1 students must only accept authorized employment. They must also maintain health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents, meeting specific requirements set by the Department of State. Proof of health insurance is required at the time of the student's SEVIS check-in with OISS and when requesting an extension of the J-1 program.
If a J-1 student wishes to transfer to another J-1 sponsor, they must obtain a written release from their current sponsor. They are also responsible for ensuring that any J-2 dependents maintain their lawful status while in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student's SSN does not "close" and will stay the same if they decide to move back to the US. The SSN is basically theirs for life.
You can continue to have a bank account, but if you have a debit card attached, it can be difficult to get a replacement card without a US address. You should check the minimum balance and associated account fees to avoid any nasty surprises.
You can keep your credit cards, but it will be tricky when it comes to renewing them. Usually, there is a policy in place that only allows the new card to be sent to your home (existing) address. You may also find it difficult to get a credit card in the US without some sort of income statement.
