Essential Ssn Information For International Students

International students in the US may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for a variety of reasons, including employment and applying for a driver's license. The process of obtaining an SSN may seem complicated, but it is not as daunting as one might think. In this discussion, we will outline the steps international students need to take to obtain an SSN, the documents they will need, and the time frame for receiving their SSN. We will also address any potential challenges or requirements international students may face when applying for an SSN.

Eligibility requirements for F-1 and M-1 students

To be eligible for an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Firstly, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at your chosen institution. This means that F-1 students typically enrol in traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational or non-academic programs.

Secondly, you must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will lead to English proficiency.

Thirdly, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your studies. This includes covering tuition fees and living expenses.

Additionally, you must maintain a residence in your home country, indicating that you have no intention of abandoning it. This is an important factor, as your F or M student status relates to your purpose for coming to the United States, which is to study. Any action that detracts from this purpose, such as unauthorized work, will result in your forced departure from the country.

Finally, there are specific procedures to follow upon your arrival in the United States. You must enter the country no more than 30 days before your program starts and immediately contact your Designated School Official (DSO). You will also need to contact your DSO again once you arrive at your school, and no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility."

It is important to note that while F-1 students can work when authorized by a DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), M-1 students are not eligible for employment during their studies. However, they may obtain authorization for practical training employment after completing their vocational program.

Documents required for application

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must have a job lined up, even part-time, on-campus work will make you eligible. You will need to take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration office in person to file your application. Here are the documents you may need when applying for an SSN as an international student:

• A valid passport is a must-have document when applying for an SSN as an international student.
• If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must bring your I-20. 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 a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must bring your DS-2019.
• You will also need one of the following documents to prove your status: I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.
• If you are an F-1 student and 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 are an F-1 student and 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 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 engaged in OPT, you must also bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
• If you are requesting a Social Security Number 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.

Employment eligibility and authorization

To be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student, you must be employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. If you have been granted legal authorization to work, you are required to apply for an SSN.

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). If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit I-766, you must bring it. If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work in CPT, you must have your I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official. If you are an F-1 student working off-campus with OPT, you must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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. J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor. 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 a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must bring your DS-2019.

To apply for an SSN, you must have a job lined up, but even part-time, on-campus work makes you eligible. You can start working without an SSN, but you will have to apply and get an SSN within 90 days of starting your job. You will need to take all your documents to your local Social Security Administration office in person to file your application for an SSN card. A valid passport is a must-have document when you apply for an SSN as a foreigner.

You can apply at any of the Social Security Card Centers, and there is no fee required. You do not need to apply at the card center located in the borough where you live.

Application process and timing

The application process for an SSN as an international student involves several steps and requirements. Firstly, it is essential to determine your eligibility by consulting official sources, as specific visa types and employment statuses may impact your qualification. For instance, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as on-campus jobs or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). Similarly, J-1 students need to show evidence of employment and valid J-1 status, along with registration for a full course of study.

Once you confirm your eligibility, you can initiate the application process. Begin by gathering the necessary documents, which typically include a valid passport, visa documents, and proof of employment or student status. Specifically, F-1 or M-1 students need to present their I-20, while J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors are required to provide their DS-2019. Additionally, you may need to furnish proof of your status, such as an I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa.

After compiling the required documents, you should visit a Social Security Office to submit your application. Social Security Administration offices do not charge a fee for this process. At the office, a SSA examiner will review your documents and determine whether your application is accepted. It is advisable to request an application receipt at this stage, which can be shown to employers or other relevant parties as proof of your SSN application.

The timing of receiving your SSN may vary, but it typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks, although it can sometimes be shorter or longer. Additionally, if you are engaged in CPT, ensure that your I-20 has the necessary authorization printed on page 3 of the form. Similarly, if you are engaged in OPT, you must provide your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card. It is recommended that you do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of your on-campus employment or the beginning date of your EAD card.

Non-work reasons for obtaining an SSN

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are typically issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and non-residents with authorization to work in the US. The purpose of an SSN is to track earnings and benefits. Therefore, non-resident aliens who are not authorized to work in the US may not be eligible for an SSN.

However, if you are not authorized to work in the US but require an SSN for non-work reasons, you must provide proof that you need it for a valid non-work reason. For example, if an SSN is required by state or local law to receive general assistance benefits that you have already qualified for.

It is also often used as a matter of convenience for a variety of other purposes unrelated to its official purpose, such as opening telephone, 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. Simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.

If you are an international student and do not have a job, you may not be eligible to receive an SSN. This is common for F-1 students who should instead apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to non-residents who are not eligible for an SSN.

Frequently asked questions