Lori Meadows
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are eligible to work in the US. To apply for an SSN, students must visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and submit a social security application form. They must also bring documents that prove their identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This includes a valid passport, a birth certificate, and evidence of SSN eligibility, such as a letter from an on-campus employer or confirmation of student status. 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). J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor, authorizing their employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Type | F-1, J-1, or international visitor |
| Documents | Valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card, I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa, work permit I-766, letter from sponsor |
| Additional Documents for F-1 Students | Evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT |
| Additional Documents for J-1 Students | Proper authorization to work on campus from OIP |
| Application Process | Submit application at a Social Security Office or Social Security Card Center; no fee required |
| Application Timeline | Recommended to apply no more than 30 days before the start of employment; SSN typically received within 4-6 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa students: valid passport, I-20, DS-2019, I-94, proof of employment
International students with an F-1 visa need specific documents to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). These requirements include a valid passport, the I-20 form, DS-2019 form, I-94 form, and proof of employment.
Firstly, a valid passport is essential for identification and verification of your international student status. The passport must be up-to-date and not expired.
The I-20 form, officially known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is critical for F-1 visa students. This form is issued by the designated school official (DSO) upon acceptance into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. It provides information about your student status, including your program start date, and is required for your visa interview.
Additionally, the DS-2019 form, or the "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant)," is crucial. While it is primarily associated with the J-1 exchange visitor visa, it may also be applicable to F-1 visa students participating in specific programs or activities. The DS-2019 form details the exchange visitor's identification, sponsor information, program dates, and financial support estimates.
The I-94 form, or Arrival/Departure Record, is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to non-immigrants. It serves as proof of lawful entry into the United States and indicates the authorized duration of your stay. This form is typically attached to your passport by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon entry.
Lastly, proof of employment is necessary to demonstrate that your work is directly related to your student status. This could include a job offer letter or employment contract.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining an SSN may vary, and it is always advisable to consult official government sources or seek guidance from your educational institution for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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J-1 visa students: letter from sponsor, passport, DS-2019, I-94
If you are a J-1 visa student, you will need to provide the following documents to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN):
Letter from Sponsor:
You must provide a letter from your sponsor authorizing your employment. This letter should be on official letterhead with the sponsor's original signature. It should also include specific information, such as your name as listed on your passport, and any other details requested by the Social Security Administration.
Passport:
A valid passport is required as proof of your identity and immigration status. You will need to present the original document along with a photocopy of the picture page, the page showing the expiration date, and your U.S. visa stamp.
DS-2019:
The DS-2019 form is a certificate of eligibility for J-1 exchange visitors. It confirms your status as a J-1 student and provides information about your program. Both the original document and a photocopy are typically required for your SSN application.
I-94:
The I-94 record, also known as the "Arrival/Departure Record," is crucial for verifying your entry into the United States. Ensure that it is up to date and accurately reflects your current visa status. The I-94 can be in electronic format, and it should be annotated with "J-1 D/S," indicating your J-1 visa status.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining an SSN may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances and the policies of the Social Security Administration. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or seek guidance from your international student advisor to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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F-1/J-1 students: hiring department support letter
International students in the US on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 and J-1) are eligible to accept employment under certain conditions.
F-1 students are permitted to work on campus, unless they are a border commuter. They must work with a Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure that the job qualifies as on-campus employment. The DSO will provide a certification letter, which the student must present to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The F-1 student 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).
F-1 students can also work off-campus after their first academic year, but this is limited to two types of employment: severe economic hardship or special student relief. Off-campus employment must be authorized by a DSO, who will provide a Form I-20, signed on pages 1 and 2. The USCIS will then send the student a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document", and a letter notifying them of the decision.
J-1 students must have a written job offer in order to apply for work authorization. They must provide a letter from their sponsor, on letterhead with an original signature, authorizing their employment.
In addition to the above, there are some general requirements for obtaining an SSN. Students must have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S". They must also present their foreign birth certificate, or another document such as a passport or DHS-issued evidence of age.
This answer provides an overview of the requirements for F-1 and J-1 students to obtain employment and the necessary documents for an SSN. For further details on specific situations, it is recommended to refer to the provided sources and official websites.
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Foreign birth certificate, or passport, or DHS-issued document
International students applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States may be required to present a foreign birth certificate, passport, or DHS-issued document as evidence of their age and identity. Here is some detailed information regarding these requirements:
Foreign Birth Certificate
If you are applying for an SSN, you must typically present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can obtain it within 10 days. This document serves as primary proof of your date of birth and identity. It is essential for establishing your eligibility for an SSN, as Social Security requires verification of birth records for all applicants seeking an original SSN.
Passport
In the absence of a foreign birth certificate, a current or previous passport can be used as an alternative form of identification. This document helps establish your identity and demonstrates your residence outside the United States, indicating that you do not possess an SSN. It is important to note that an unexpired foreign passport is also required when presenting certain DHS-issued documents, such as the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
DHS-Issued Document
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers various documents that can be used as proof of immigration status and identity. These include the I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired foreign passport, and the I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or "work permit." Social Security may use a single DHS-issued document for multiple purposes, such as verifying both immigration status and identity. However, applicants must generally provide at least two separate documents to support their SSN application. It is important to note that only original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency are accepted; photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.
It is worth mentioning that, while these documents are crucial for establishing your identity and eligibility, simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the United States. Obtaining an SSN is typically linked to employment authorization, and international students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the Social Security Administration.
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Social Security Office application: no fee
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) by visiting a Social Security Office and submitting the relevant documents. There is no fee for this application.
To apply for an SSN, you must prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. This means providing original documents and one hard copy of each. The documents required vary depending on your visa status and employment situation.
F-1 Visa Holders
If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must provide:
- A completed SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card
- A valid passport
- A valid I-20 or DS-2019
- An I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S"
- Evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT)
- A hiring department's support letter
- OIE's on-campus employment letter (if applicable)
- A work permit (I-766)
J-1 Visa Holders
If you are a J-1 visa holder, you must provide:
- A completed SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card
- A valid passport
- DS-2019
- An I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "J-1 D/S"
- A letter from your sponsor on sponsor letterhead with an original signature authorizing your employment
- A hiring department's invitation letter
- OIE's on-campus employment letter (if applicable)
It is important to note that you must have a job to apply for an SSN as an international student. Additionally, simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid foreign passport, and at least one of the following:
- I-20
- DS-2019
- I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card
- Machine Readable Immigrant Visa
- A letter from your sponsor (if you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- I-766 work permit
- I-94 card
Yes, you will need a job to apply for an SSN as an international student. You will also need to be eligible to work in the US.
You will need to apply in person at a Social Security Administration office.
