
- Prove your identity A valid passport is definitely the must-have document when you apply for an SSN as a foreigner. ...
- Prove your immigration status If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must bring your I-20. ...
- Prove your work eligibility
Can a F-1 student get a Social Security number?
Have an employment/offer of employment: Students in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for a Social Security number unless they have an offer of employment. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Be in the United States. New students should wait until they've entered the U.S before trying to apply for a Social Security Number.
How do I apply for a Social Security number?
To apply for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office: • Complete an Application for a Social Security card (SS-5); and • Show us documents proving your: —Work-authorized immigration status; —Age; and —Identity. Immigration status
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 do international students get a Social Security number?
Another way an international student can apply for the Social Security Number for the first time, is when an F1 student is applying for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) on the I-765 application form used to apply for the OPT EAD. You can choose the option to apply for your Social Security Number.

How can I apply for F-1 SSN?
SSN APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR F-1 STUDENTSObtain evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization. To apply for a SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. ... Submit a Request to the OISS for a SSN Letter. ... Visit a Social Security Office (see below) to apply for a SSN.
Can you apply for SSN on F-1 visa?
The question “How to get a social security number as an international student?” is often asked across different international student groups. The answer is that you can definitely apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F-1 or M-1 visa student.
How long does it take to get SSN for F-1 visa?
How long does after applying for the SSN will the SSA issue the SSN card? An SSN card will be issued within about two weeks of receiving certification from DHS.
Can F-1 students get SSN without job?
F-1 students are not eligible for an Social Security Number (SSN) without an employment offer. Students are required to submit a job offer letter when applying for a SSN letter from OIP.
Can SSN be applied online?
You can start your Social Security number (SSN) card application online. Once you've submitted your request, visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application.
How long does it take to receive SSN?
You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS.
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...
Can international students get temporary SSN?
In general, only noncitizens who have DHS' permission to work can apply for a Social Security number. We suggest you wait 48 hours after reporting to your school before you apply for a Social Security number. This waiting will help ensure we can verify your immigration status with the DHS.
Can I apply for SSN with offer letter?
To apply for the SSN, students must (in order): Submit job offer letter on departmental letterhead from employing department or letter of affiliation/support from J-1 Program Advisor to the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) The sample job offer letter may be copied onto letterhead.
What is a social security number?
Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security will not assign a number to you just to enroll in a college or school.
How to prove immigration status?
To prove your immigration status, you must show us a current admission stamp in your unexpired foreign passport and
How long does it take to get a foreign birth certificate?
You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 business days. If you can’t present your foreign birth certificate, we can consider other documents, such as your passport or a document issued by the DHS, as evidence of your age.
Do you need a work permit for F-1?
If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student and have a work permit (Form I-766) from the DHS, you must present it .
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.
How to apply for a Social Security card?
When you visit an SSA office to apply for a Social Security card, please bring the following original documents with you (we do not accept photocopies or notarized documents): 1 Your Form I-766 to prove your immigration status and that you can work in the U.S. 2 Your birth certificate to prove your age. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain it in 10 business days, we may accept your foreign passport, U.S. military record, or religious record showing your age or date of birth.
How to find SSA office?
How to Locate an SSA Office. To locate an SSA office you may visit our website: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp, or call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an SSA office near you.
What is the EAD for USCIS?
If USCIS approves your application, you will receive two documents – your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the “USCIS I-766 card” or “work permit”, and in another envelope your SSN card.
What to do if you didn't request an SSN?
If You Did Not Request an SSN While Completing Your I-765 or I-485 – Call a Social Security Office.
Is a SSN a voluntary number?
to assign you a Social Security number (SSN) and issue you a Social Security card. The information you furnish is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information may prevent us from issuing you an SSN and Social Security card. The information you provide us is confidential.
What is an SSN?
An SSN will help you to work in the United States, to conduct business with a bank or financial institution, to pay your taxes or to be listed as a dependent on a tax return, and for other purposes.
What is the number to call for Social Security?
In the United States, you may call the telephone number listed for the Social Security office in the local telephone directory under "United States Government" or Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card?
You should receive your Social Security card within 3 weeks after you arrive. IMPORTANT: Call us if you do not receive your Social Security card after 3 weeks or if you change your mailing address after arrival in the United States. If you call us, please have this letter with you. It will help us answer your questions.
Is my SSN private?
The information you give us for getting an SSN is confidential. This means that we do not share your information except as provided for under the law. For example, we may share information with other government agencies as permitted under the Privacy Act. For more information about this, please contact us.
Do I need a birth certificate to get a replacement social security card?
If you are applying for a replacement card you will only need your passport with your MRIV or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), if you have received it.
