Lori Meadows
International students in the United States may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for various reasons, including employment and tax purposes. While an SSN is not required for a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution, it is necessary for reporting wages, tracking Social Security benefits, and other identification purposes. Obtaining an SSN as an international student typically requires valid employment authorization or evidence of a job offer, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the student's visa status, such as F-1, J-1, or M-1. The application process involves submitting relevant documents, including a valid passport, to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the timing for receiving an SSN can range from a few weeks to a month or more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an SSN? | F-1 or M-1 visa students, J-1 students, and J-2 dependents with employment authorization |
| Requirements | Valid passport, evidence of employment, valid F-1 employment authorization, SEVIS record in Active status for at least two days, I-20 form, DS-2019 form, I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa, valid foreign passport, work permit I-766, letter from sponsor |
| Application process | Submit a Social Security Letter Request, visit a Social Security Office, apply in person, provide documents, receive SSN within 4-6 weeks |
| Use cases | Reporting wages to the government, tracking Social Security benefits, identification, opening phone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts |
| Notes | Not required for driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for F-1 and M-1 students
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States: F-1 and M-1 visas.
Eligibility requirements for F-1 students
F-1 students are foreign students pursuing academic studies and/or language training programs. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program.
- Be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have your school authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- Maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of giving up.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may seek off-campus employment through a variety of programs. F-1 students who are authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). OPT is temporary employment that directly relates to the student's area of study. After completing their degree program, an F-1 student may be authorized by USCIS for up to 12 months of OPT.
Eligibility requirements for M-1 students
M-1 students are foreign students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies. To be eligible for an M-1 visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a vocational or other non-academic program, other than language training.
- Have your school authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
M-1 students may work in the United States under certain circumstances. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before they are authorized to work.
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Documents required for application
As an international student, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You will need to have a job lined up, even if it is part-time, on-campus work. You will also need to provide a valid passport.
If you are an F-1 student, you must bring your I-20. If you are eligible to work in curricular practical training, you must have your I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official. If you have a work permit I-766, you must bring it. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must bring your DS-2019.
If you are engaged in CPT, your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form. If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of an external organization such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST, you should obtain a Social Security letter from your sponsor. If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your TC or CU 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.
If you are a J-2 dependent with employment authorization, you will need the above documents plus your EAD card in order to apply for an SSN.
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Where to apply
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Students can file their application in person at any SSA office. However, they must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
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). They must also obtain valid employment authorization and meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 employment. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and be in good standing academically. Additionally, J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Students should bring their original documents to prove their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status when applying. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. For those engaged in CPT, the I-20 form must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3. Students engaged in OPT must bring their unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
It is important to note that students should wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow time for their arrival information to update across government systems. Additionally, their SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying.
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Processing times
International students in the US who are eligible to work can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. It is required by the US government for tax and employment reporting purposes.
To be eligible to apply for an SSN as an international student, you must have employment authorization to work in the US. When applying for an SSN, you must show proof of a job offer/employment eligibility. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you must also show evidence of authorized on-campus or off-campus employment.
The processing time for an SSN application typically takes around 2-6 weeks, although times may vary. You can apply for an SSN by completing Form SS-5, the official application form for a Social Security Card. You must then print the form and either mail it or bring it in person to your local SSA office along with the required documentation. You will need to provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency.
If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you may also need to submit additional documentation, such as Form I-20 with the employment page completed, and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or a letter from your department. J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to provide their EAD card in addition to the other required documents.
It is important to note that international students who are not eligible to work in the US may not be eligible for an SSN. In such cases, an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) may be more appropriate for tax filing purposes.
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Reasons for needing an SSN
International students in the United States may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for several reasons. The most common reason is to report taxable income from employment or scholarships to the government. While an SSN is not required for a student to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution, it is often used as a form of identification for these purposes.
- Employment: International students with lawful F-1 or J-1 employment authorization may need an SSN to report their earnings to the government. This includes on-campus jobs, off-campus training, curricular practical training, optional practical training, or unforeseen economic hardship employment.
- Scholarships and Benefits: An SSN may be required to report taxable scholarship benefits or to track Social Security benefits.
- Identification: While not officially required, an SSN can be used as a form of identification for various purposes, such as opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or signing up for a phone plan.
- Driver's License: Although most states do not require an SSN to obtain a driver's license, there are some that do. In these cases, international students must first apply for an SSN and receive a Form SSA-L676 ("Refusal to Process SSN Application") to be eligible for a driver's license.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Having an SSN ensures that international students comply with tax laws and other government regulations. It allows the government to track their income, benefits, and contributions accurately.
- Convenience: Obtaining an SSN can make various administrative tasks more convenient for international students. It can simplify processes such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, or entering into certain contracts that require a form of identification.
It's important to note that the eligibility requirements and procedures for obtaining an SSN may vary based on the student's visa status and the specific regulations of their host institution. International students should carefully review the guidelines provided by their school's international student office and seek guidance from relevant government websites or their DSO (Designated School Official) to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements before applying for an SSN.
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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 other documents depending on your situation. For example, F-1 or M-1 students must bring their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must bring their DS-2019.
It can take 2-4 weeks or more to receive your SSN, but processing times vary.
