Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the United States who are working or intend to work are required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card. The SSN is used for tax purposes and to enable employers to pay their employees. International students can apply for an SSN by submitting an application to the Social Security Administration, either in person or online, and providing the necessary documentation. The time it takes to receive an SSN varies, with some sources stating it can take 2-4 weeks, while others state it can take up to 30-60 days. It's important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, and students must obtain separate work permission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should apply for an SSN? | International students with on-campus jobs or off-campus training authorization |
| Who is not eligible for an SSN? | Dependents in F-1 status, students without on-campus jobs or off-campus training authorization |
| When to apply for an SSN? | No earlier than 30 days before the start of employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of the EAD card |
| How to apply for an SSN? | Submit an application to the Social Security Administration |
| What documents are required? | Valid immigration documents (passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card), evidence of lawful F-1 employment (on-campus job, CPT authorization, OPT authorization) |
| How long does it take to receive an SSN? | 2-4 weeks or more |
| What to do if you don't receive your SSN? | Contact the Social Security Administration via telephone at 800-772-1213 or visit their website |
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What You'll Learn
Application process
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have been granted legal authorization to work in the US. The application process is as follows:
- Complete the social security application online: The first step is to fill out the Online Social Security Number Application. This can be done by visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
- Gather required documents: The specific documents required may vary depending on the student's visa status and employment authorization. However, some common documents that may be needed include:
- Unexpired foreign passport with US admission stamp or I-94 card (or printout of electronic I-94 information)
- Employment authorization or proof of employment offer
- Valid immigration documents, including passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 card with appropriate notations
- Evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter or authorization for practical training
- Visit a local SSA office: Within 45 calendar days of completing the online application, applicants must visit their local SSA office in person to present their documents. It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before initiating the application process.
- Application review: Once the application and documents are submitted, they will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. The SSA may take some time to verify the applicant's immigration status before issuing a Social Security Card.
- Receive Social Security Card: Typically, the Social Security Card should be mailed to the address provided on the application form within 14 business days. However, processing times may vary, and it can take up to 4-6 weeks to receive the card. If you have not received your card within 30-60 days, it is recommended to contact the SSA to check the status of your application.
- Inform employer: If you have already started working before receiving your SSN, you must inform your employer as soon as you receive your Social Security Card so that they can update your payroll information.
- Report SSN to school: Students should report their SSN in person to their school registrar or the designated employee service center. It is important not to share your SSN via email, phone, or text message to protect against identity theft.
It is important to note that the specific application process and requirements may vary depending on the student's visa type, employment status, and the state or institution they are studying in. Therefore, international students should refer to the official SSA website and their educational institution's guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Eligibility requirements
International students in the United States are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they have authorization to work in the country. This includes students with on-campus jobs, off-campus work authorization, or those who have already begun working at an on-campus job. Students in F-1 and J-1 status are only eligible for an SSN if they have a job.
To apply for an SSN, international students must provide valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S". F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to have the above documents, plus their EAD card, in order to apply for an SSN.
It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of their on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of their EAD card. The Social Security Administration has rejected applications submitted more than 30 days before the start of employment as too early. Students should also be aware that the SSN application process can take 2-4 weeks or longer, and they will need to visit a local Social Security office in person to present the appropriate documentation within 45 calendar days of submitting their application.
International students who are not eligible for an SSN but need to file a U.S. tax return can obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This includes students who do not have an on-campus job and do not plan to apply for OPT or CPT soon.
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Time taken to receive a card
International students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) only after securing a job or internship in the U.S. and obtaining an employment verification letter from their institution. They must also 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." 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) or optional practical training (OPT).
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S. However, if you have been authorized to work and are employed, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN. International students need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. An SSN is also often used for convenience for other purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank accounts.
The time taken to receive an SSN can vary, but it typically takes around two to four weeks to process and issue one. It is recommended that students initiate the application process well before their intended job start date to ensure timely receipt. The Social Security Administration will mail the SSN and card as soon as all immigration information has been verified. Students can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
Students can apply for an SSN by completing an online application at www.ssa.gov/number-card or www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. They must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any required letters, to their local SSA office within 45 days of the online submission. After 45 days, the entered information will be purged. Alternatively, students can apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
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Documents required
International students seeking a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States must provide certain documents to the Social Security Administration. The SSN is used for tax purposes and to receive pay from a US employer. It is not required for obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.
To be eligible for an SSN, international students must have authorization to work in the US. Students in F-1 and J-1 status are only eligible for an SSN if they have a job. Dependents in F-1 status are not eligible for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, international students must submit a completed application form and provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. These documents must be unexpired and show the applicant's name, date of birth, or age. The specific documents required may vary depending on the student's visa status and other factors.
For F-1 students, valid immigration documents are required, including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S." Additionally, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job offer or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).
For J-1 students, similar immigration documents may be required, and those under the sponsorship of an exchange visitor program may need to submit additional letters to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
It is recommended to apply for an SSN after arriving in the US, and students should allow for processing time, which can vary. Students should also be cautious about sharing their SSN and only provide it to trusted entities, such as employers, banks, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Importance of SSN for international students
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are essential for international students in the United States for a variety of reasons. While it is not required for admission to an academic institution, an SSN is crucial for setting up certain accounts and services, and is necessary for tax and employment purposes.
One of the primary reasons international students may need an SSN is for employment. If an international student has been granted legal authorization to work in the US, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN. This includes students working on-campus or off-campus, and those with CPT or OPT authorization. To apply for an SSN, students must provide valid employment authorization, which can include a letter from their hiring department confirming their job offer. It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work.
Another important aspect of having an SSN for international students is tax reporting. While earnings from authorized employment for students in F-1 or J-1 status may not be taxable for Social Security purposes, an SSN is still necessary for tax reporting and compliance. Additionally, if an international student receives a taxable scholarship, they may need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
Beyond employment and tax purposes, an SSN can be useful for opening various accounts and services in the US. For example, an SSN may be required to set up phone, utility, or bank accounts. Without an SSN, international students may face challenges in accessing these services and may need to seek guidance from the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Obtaining an SSN as an international student in the US involves a specific application process. Students can begin the process online and must provide original proof of identity, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any relevant employment authorization documents. The Social Security Administration reviews applications, and students can typically expect to receive their SSN within a few weeks if all requirements are met.
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Frequently asked questions
A Social Security Number is an identifying number that allows you to be paid for a U.S. job and lets your employer deduct the appropriate taxes on behalf of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
No, an SSN is not required to open a bank account, buy a cell phone, obtain a driver's license, get insurance, or rent an apartment. However, an SSN may be requested for these transactions as it is commonly used to check U.S. financial credit history.
To obtain an SSN, an international student must be eligible to work in the U.S. and have the appropriate immigration documents. You can then submit a Social Security Number application online and provide your documents to the Social Security Administration office in person.
It can take 2-4 weeks to receive your SSN, but processing times vary. You should receive your SSN within 30-60 days.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to international students and scholars who are not eligible for an SSN. You will need either an SSN or an ITIN to file your U.S. tax returns.
