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. Every F and M student who U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
grants employment authorization to needs an SSN. Please note: If an F or M student (or dependent) is ineligible to receive an SSN, but receives non-wage income while in the United States (e.g., scholarships, grants, interest on stocks, gambling/lottery winnings), they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For more information, please visit our
What is an ITIN? resource page. If you want to receive an SSN while studying in the United States, follow these steps: 1. Talk with your DSO about working and training in the United States. Your DSO will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F and M
students, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN. 2. Verify you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. If you have a record in any other status, you will not be successful in applying for an SSN. 3. Wait
10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems. SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine if you are eligible for an SSN. You can use the SAVE Case Check to follow the progress of your SAVE verification check online; visit our Checking Your SAVE Case Status for more information. 4. Visit your local SSA office. You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. For more information on the types of documents you need to apply for an SSN, refer to the SSA website. Social Security Numbers and Driver’s LicensesMany states require that you or your dependent have an SSN or have already applied for one before you apply for a driver's license. In these states, if you or your dependents are not eligible to work but want to apply for a driver's license, you must first apply for an SSN at the local SSA office and receive a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." To learn more, visit our Driving in the States page and talk with your DSO. Social Security Number (SSN) InformationEligibility For a Social Security NumberYou are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number unless you are authorized for employment in the United States. Student Employment Options As an international student, you might want to work. However, to work in the United States, you need to have a Social Security number. That’s how the government tracks wages and figures taxes. So, can international students get a Social Security number? The short answer is that, yes, it’s possible for some international students to get a Social Security number. Here’s what you need to know about getting a Social Security number when you’re an international student. Who can get a Social Security number as an international student?First of all, not all international students can get a Social Security number. In some cases, your school might ask for one to use for identification purposes. However, the school can simply issue you a different number to use on its records. In order to get a Social Security number, international students must first have a job. Even a part-time job is acceptable to qualify for a Social Security number. Additionally, students must be on a nonimmigrant student visa with a designation of F-1, M-1 or J-1. Once you have a job and are on one of those student visas, you can apply for a Social Security number — and probably get it. How to apply for a Social Security number as an international studentAfter establishing your eligibility for a Social Security number as an international student, you can submit your application. Consider getting help from a school official, especially if you’re working on campus. They can help you figure out exactly what you need in addition to helping you determine whether you truly are eligible to work. You might be eligible to work only on campus as an international student, although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might authorize you to work off campus. Make sure you find out whether you have permission to work off campus before you accept a job. After finding out from your school whether you can work and then checking your status with DHS, you can submit your application for a Social Security number as an international student. Documentation needed includes proof of:
Let’s take a look at how to use these documents to apply for a Social Security number as an international student. IdentityGather the documentation that proves your identity. The documentation should have your name, other identifying information and a photograph. It should be current and unexpired. In many cases, your passport should work to establish your identity. Work eligibility based on immigration statusFirst off all, you should be on an M-1, F-1 or J-1 visa seeking nonimmigrant status. You can show that by using your admission stamp in your passport. You also need to use your Form I-94, which is called the Arrival/Departure Record. M-1 and F-1 visa holders need to also show a Form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Those on a J-1 visa must show the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, which is the Form DS-2019. These documents establish that you’re in the country legally and that you’re eligible as a student and not planning to permanently remain in the United States. Other documents required to establish your work eligibility include:
It’s a good idea to gather your documentation before you attempt to apply for a Social Security number so that you can verify you have what you need. AgeFinally, you need proof of your age to get a Social Security number as an international student. If you have your foreign birth certificate or you can obtain it within 10 business days, that’s the preferred way of establishing your age. If that isn’t possible, your passport can be used as a way to establish your age. Paperwork issued by DHS might also be accepted if it indicates when you were born. Tips for international students getting a Social Security numberIf you’re planning to apply for a Social Security number as an international student, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Bottom lineCan international students get a Social Security number? As long as you’re authorized to work in the United States, you should be able to apply for and get a Social Security number after you start your job. And if you need a student loan to help you pay for your education, remember that Juno has deals for international students. |