
And How?
- 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
- Obtain 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.
Do I need a Social Security number on an F1 visa?
Social Security Numbers are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States but only if they have an employment offer. If you’re in the US on an F1 Visa and you have a job, then you’ll likely need to obtain a SSN.
What is an SSN number for an F-1 student?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, permanent identification number used for income tax reporting. F-1 students are not eligible for a social security number unless they have received a job offer and will be participating in authorized employment on-campus, CPT, or OPT.
What is a Social Security number and how do I get one?
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.
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.

Can F-1 visa students get Social Security number?
The answer is that you can definitely apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F-1 or M-1 visa student. The process of applying for an SSN may sound complicated and tedious; however, if you read this carefully, you can apply and get your SSN without wasting time and energy.
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 international students get SSN in USA?
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.
Can international 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.
How long does it take to get SSN after applying?
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.
How long does it take to get a SSN for international students?
The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. It can take 2-4 weeks or more.
Who can apply for SSN in USA?
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.
Can an international student open a bank account in USA?
Each bank has different requirements, but generally speaking, international students studying in the United States will need some or all of the following documentation to open a bank account: Your passport with visa. Your I-20. Proof of residency, such as an official letter or bill addressed to you with your US address.
Do international students have Itin?
As an international student either on an F1, J1, or M1 visa you are eligible to obtain an ITIN - Individual Tax Identification Number, which is needed for tax-related purposes. This document is provided by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What is a F-1 student's social security number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, permanent identification number used for income tax reporting. F-1 students are not eligible for a social security number unless they have received a job offer and will be participating in authorized employment on-campus, CPT, or OPT.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card?
You will receive a Social Security Card in the mail approximately one to two weeks after applying for it.
What do you need to show on a student visa?
Since you have a student visa, you also must present a letter from your designated school official that identifies you, confirms your school status, and identifies your employer and the type of work you will be doing . You must also show evidence of employment, like a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer that describes your job, your employment start date, the number of hours you will be working,
Do I have to give SSA my I-20?
If you are authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must give SSA your Form I-20 with the employment page filled out and signed by your designated school official.
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.
