Lori Meadows
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in the US, you must be eligible for employment in the country. This means that you will need to provide evidence of a job offer or employment eligibility. It's important to note that having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been authorized to work, you are required to apply for an SSN. You can apply online and then visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show your documents in person. The documents you will need to bring include evidence of employment eligibility, such as an on-campus job offer letter, and your passport with a copy of your admission stamp and a printout of your electronic I-94 information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application form | Form SS-5 |
| Application method | Apply online or in person at a local Social Security Administration office |
| Time to apply | No earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date |
| Documents | ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter, I-94 card, copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, a printout of your electronic I-94 information, employment offer letter, documentation for employment authorization, EAD card (for J-2 dependents with employment authorization), evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment, Social Security authorization letter from sponsor (if sponsored by an external organization), Form I-20 (for F-1 students authorized to work in CPT), Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or DSO letter |
| Eligibility | Must have employment authorization to work in the US, be a nonresident alien with authorization to work in the US, be an international student authorized to work in the US, or have a valid non-work reason |
| Processing time | 2-4 weeks, or 4-8 weeks if additional security procedures are necessary |
| Notes | The Social Security Number does not grant legal authorization to work in the US |
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What You'll Learn
Employment eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. This means that you must show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility.
If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must provide the following documents: Form I-20 with the employment page completed, and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you are in F-1 status and do not have lawful F-1 employment, you are ineligible to apply for an SSN.
J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. If sponsored by an external organization, such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST, a Social Security authorization letter from the sponsor is required. J-1 students under the sponsorship of a TC J-1 exchange visitor program must submit a TC, CU, or other affiliate department letter to the OISS, who will issue a second letter confirming on-campus employment and full-time student status.
Nonresident aliens with authorization to work in the US may be eligible for an SSN. This includes those on a J-1 visa, H-1B visa, or F-1 students with lawful F-1 employment. If you are not authorized to work in the US, you may not be eligible to receive an SSN. This is common for F-1 students, who should instead apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
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Valid F-1 status
To apply for an SSN as an international student with F-1 status, you must meet certain requirements and bring specific documents when visiting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to do and bring for your SSN application:
Firstly, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 employment. This includes having valid employment authorization, which can be obtained through one of the following means:
- On-Campus Employment: You must obtain a letter from your department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. This letter should be printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include your job title and other relevant details.
- Curricular Practical Training: Obtain an updated Form I-20 from your institution, indicating that you have been authorized to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training. This includes employment based on academic internships, fieldwork, or practicums.
- Optional Practical Training or Off-Campus Employment: For this option, you will need to obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Additional Documents:
When visiting your local SSA office to apply for your SSN, remember to bring the following documents:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter: This letter confirms your eligibility for on-campus employment and is provided by your institution's International Student Services (ISS) office.
- I-94 card: Alternatively, you can bring a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, along with a printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained from the USCBP I-94 website.
- Employment Offer Letter: Provide a letter from your department or hiring office confirming your employment offer. You can use the letter template provided by the Social Security Administration.
- Other Documentation: In some cases, you may need additional documentation, such as proof of your F-1 student status or other immigration-related documents. Ensure that you have all the required documents before visiting the SSA office.
Remember to complete the social security application online before visiting the SSA office to present your documents in person. It is also recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after your arrival in the U.S. before initiating the SSN application process.
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Social Security Card application
As an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US to be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). You must also show proof of a job offer or employment eligibility.
Firstly, you should complete the application online. Form SS-5 is the standard application form, and Form SS-5 FS is a variation specifically for international students. You must then print the form and either mail it or bring it in person to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, along with the required documentation.
The documents you need to bring depend on your visa status and the nature of your employment. For instance, if you are an F-1 student authorized to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must provide Form I-20 with the employment page complete, and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or (DSO) letter. If you are a J-1 student, you must submit a letter from your department confirming your on-campus employment, and you will receive a second letter from the OISS confirming your employment and student status. You must also bring your I-94 card, or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information.
It is important to note that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Once your application has been approved by the SSA, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it in the mail within 14 days. The usual processing time is 2-4 weeks, but this can be longer if additional security procedures are necessary.
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In-person document submission
To apply for an SSN as an international student, you must first complete the social security application online. Then, within 45 calendar days, visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show your documents in person. It is recommended that new students wait at least 2-3 weeks from their arrival in the US before requesting an SSN.
When you submit your application, your documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times vary. The usual processing time is 2-4 weeks. If additional security procedures are necessary, processing times may range from 4-8 weeks.
The documents you will need to bring with you when applying in person include:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
- I-94 card; or, a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, obtained from the USCBP I-94 website
- Employment offer letter from your department/hiring office
- Confirmation number (O number) assigned during the online application
- Documentation for employment authorisation from your ISS adviser or sponsoring agency
If you are engaged in CPT, you must also bring your I-20 with 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.
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Processing times
The processing time for your Social Security Number (SSN) application as an international student in the US can vary. Most sources suggest that it takes around 4-6 weeks to receive your SSN after submitting your application. However, one source states that the process can be completed in 3-4 weeks.
It is important to note that the Social Security Administration has been known to reject applications submitted more than 30 days before the start of employment as being too early. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not apply more than 30 days prior to the start of your on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of your EAD card.
To ensure a smooth and timely application process, it is advisable to visit your local Social Security office and bring all the required documentation, including original or certified copies of relevant documents. You can also fill out Form SS-5 online and then print and submit it in person or by mail, along with the necessary documentation. Remember to request an application receipt once your application has been accepted.
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Frequently asked questions
SSN stands for Social Security Number, which is used to track earnings and benefits. It is often used for tax purposes and for opening bank accounts, among other things. International students with eligible work authorization can apply for an SSN.
You will need to bring proof of a job offer or employment eligibility. If you are an F-1 student, you must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT. J-1 students must show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status. You will also need to bring a Social Security Letter Request and a second letter confirming your employment and student status.
You can apply online and then visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show them your documents in person. You can also print the application form and mail it to your local SSA office or bring it in person.
You should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before applying for an SSN. You should also apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days. The usual processing time is 2-4 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks if additional security procedures are necessary.
