
You cannot legally work in B-1/B-2 status, and it is extremely unlikely that any Social Security Office will give you an SSN. You normally need to show that your immigration status allows you to work before you can get an SSN. I advise you to try to get a status that allows work rather than work here in visitor status.
Do H1B visa holders need a Social Security number?
Apart from this, the SSN is also needed if you want to access services from banks or financial institutions, pay taxes and be eligible for tax returns, social security benefitsand other federal government welfare services. As soon as you enter the US on an H1Bwork visa, you must start the process of obtaining a Social Security Number.
Can an immigrant get a Social Security number?
Social Security Numbers and Immigrant Visas - Information. Introduction. We have a way for noncitizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the immigration process. When you apply for your immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can also apply for an SSN card at the same time.
How to get a Social Security number on a work visa?
Immediately after arriving in the United States on a work visa, follow the steps given below to get your social security number: Visit the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Fill Form SS-5 to apply for a social security card.
Can noncitizens get a Social Security Number (SSN)?
We have a way for noncitizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the immigration process. When you apply for your immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can also apply for an SSN card at the same time. Who Can Use This? Find out who can get a Social Security number card through this new process.

Can you apply for SSN with a tourist visa?
If you are a nonimmigrant, you can apply two ways, depending on your visa status: If you are lawfully present in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status from DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can apply for your SSN or replacement card.
Does a visa give you a Social Security number?
If You Requested an SSN When You Applied for Your Visa We will assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card after you arrive in the United States. If you already have an SSN, we will issue you a replacement SSN card.
Who can get a US SSN?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit Social Security numbers (SSNs) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits and for other identification purposes.
What makes you not eligible for a SSN?
With few exceptions, the only non-U.S. citizens who can get a Social Security number are those who are authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to work in the United States. Visitors to the United States, for business or pleasure, are not eligible for Social Security numbers.
Can I start working without SSN?
Do I need to have my number before I start working? We don't require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use your Social Security number to report your wages.
How does a foreigner get a Social Security number?
Eligibility for a Social Security Number Only non-citizens authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for a Social Security number. Those with a non-employment based temporary visa without authorization to work in the U.S. are not permitted to apply for a social security number.
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
You can apply:Online; or.By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. ... If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
What documents do I need to apply for Social Security?
Social SecurityYour Social Security card or a record of your number.Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ... If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.More items...
How long does it take to get Social Security card?
You should usually receive it within 7-10 business days from that time. Because we are experiencing slight delays in processing mail-in Social Security card applications, it may take us between 2-4 weeks to process a mail-in application and return the evidence.
How long does it take to get SSN after entering us?
If you are applying for a new or replacement Social Security card using Form I-765 and/or Form I-485, we will issue your card within 7-10 business days after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves your work authorization or Permanent Residence application.
Do H1B visa holders have a Social Security number?
When it comes to H1B visa holders, your employer or your H1B sponsor has to deliver information regarding your wages to the IRS. In other words, you are eligible to get an SSN.
Can you get your SSN number before the card is mailed to you?
Your Social Security number may even be available to you prior to your card being mailed out. If you have any questions, please call the Social Security Administration's toll-free number: 1.800. 772.1213.
Do immigrants get Social Security?
Under current Social Security rules, workers who have immigrated to the United States are likely to receive lower benefits than natives. Because Social Security requires 40 quarters of covered earnings before an individual is eligible to receive any benefits, many immigrants may not meet eligibility requirements.
Social Security Numbers and Immigrant Visas - Information
We have a way for noncitizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the immigration process. When you apply for your immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can also apply for an SSN card at the same time.
Introduction
We have a way for noncitizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the immigration process. When you apply for your immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can also apply for an SSN card at the same time.
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor
You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to:
Application Process
For information on applying for a B-1 visa, see the “Department of State” link.
Family of B-1 Visa Holders
Your spouse and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa.
Why does my visa say B1/B2 visa?
You may, for example, have applied for a B-1, but the visa you were issued says ‘B1/B2 visa’. This isn’t an error and shouldn’t be any cause for concern.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
B visas are issued for a period of up to six months. It may be possible to apply to extend this for a further six months, up to a maximum of 12 month period.
How do I apply for a B visa?
To apply for your B visa, you will need to complete the form DS-160. As part of the online application, you will be required to upload a photo – note that the US photo requirements differ to European standards. Ensure your image complies with US specifications or application processing will be delayed.
What happens at the visa interview?
You will need to prepare for your interview by compiling the documents that will support and evidence your application. Documentation will vary according to your circumstances, duration and purpose of your visit (business, tourism or medical treatment), immigration history among many other factors, but should generally include:
Why is my visa application delayed?
Visa processing may be delayed or your application denied if there are issues with your application. Common application errors to avoid include: Insufficient supporting documents and evidence are provided. The purposes of your visit are not eligible for the category of visa you have applied for.
How to apply for a machine readable visa?
Visit the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website to create an account, pay the machine-readable visa (MRV) application fee and arrange your interview.
How many types of B visas are there?
There are two different types of B visa available, catering for different permissible activities while in the US:
Who is Eligible for a Social Security Number?
People with a non-immigrant visa status, who are allowed to work and live in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security can apply for an SSN.
How to apply for a social security card in the US?
Visit the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Fill Form SS-5 to apply for a social security card. Show the original documents, which are certified by the issuing authority, to prove your immigration status. You will get a receipt, acknowledging the submission of SS-5 form. Keep it safe.
What to do after receiving your SSN?
After receiving your SSN, keep it in a safe place and do not share it with anyone, except authorized government agencies. This is because the SSN might be misused to carry out identity fraud and cause you a lot of damage. Download FREE Guide : How to Get US Visa. Newcomers to USA SSN.
How to get a work visa in the US?
Immediately after arriving in the United States on a work visa, follow the steps given below to get your social security number: 1 Visit the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office. 2 Fill Form SS-5 to apply for a social security card. 3 Show the original documents, which are certified by the issuing authority, to prove your immigration status. 4 You will get a receipt, acknowledging the submission of SS-5 form. Keep it safe. 5 After this, you will receive your social security number via post, at the residential address you had provided on the form.
