Getting SSN As an International Student 

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Social Security numbers (SSN) are 9 digit tax identification numbers needed to report an individual’s wages to the U.S. government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. This tax document is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which has offices in most US cities. 

Can a Foreigner Get a Social Security Number?

As a foreign individual on a US student visa, you might be wondering if foreigners are eligible to receive a social security number.

There are 2 prerequisites, either of which must be met in order to get an SSN as an international student.

Receive Authorization for Employment from School Official

You can get an SSN as an international student on an F1, or J1 after you have received an authorization to work in the United States.

For international students on an F1 or M1 visa, this authorization to work in the United States is given by your Designated School Official (DSO). You can find the name of your DSO on page 1 of your Form I-20.

To get an SSN as an international student on a J1 visa, you would need to get an authorization to work from your Responsible Officer (RO), whose name you can find on Page 1 of your Form DS-2019. 

This type of authorization for employment usually occurs before an F1 or J1 international student engages in on-campus employment, or off-campus employment in the form of CPT, or Academic Training.

Receive Authorization for Employment from USCIS

This option is exclusive to F1 international students and occurs when an F1 student applies and is approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This authorization for employment comes in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (called an EAD card). 

When applying for the OPT EAD card using the Form I-765 application, you can simultaneously apply for your SSN.

If your OPT EAD application is approved by USCIS, you will also receive an approval of your SSN, and the Social Security Administration office will mail you your SSN card. 

So if you are an F1 international student who never applied for an SSN until you were applying for OPT, this is an option you can pursue when requesting pre-completion or post completion OPT.

Benefits of SSN for International Students

As an international student on an F1, J1 or M1 visa, an SSN allows you to 

1. Receive income and pay taxes on a job
2. File a tax return during tax season
3. Receive government benefits, if you meet certain criteria
4. Apply for a driver’s license or a state ID in some states
5. Open financial accounts, such as credit card accounts, and online banking accounts
6. Apply for loans such as student loans, or car loans
7. Conduct a background check when renting an apartment

How to Apply for SSN

Applying for your SSN is absolutely free. If you’ve met any of the prerequisites discussed previously, you may contact your local social security administration office to schedule an appointment as a first time applicant. 

You will need to complete an application for a social security card.

Documents Required for SSN for F1 and J1 Visa Students

You will also need to present original documents proving your age, identity, work eligibility and your immigration status.

It’s best to bring these documents with you when applying for your SSN in person at your local SSA office;

Documents to prove your age and/or identity

1. An unexpired foreign passport - which could be used to prove your identity and your age
2. A foreign birth certificate (optional) used to prove your age 

Documents to prove your work eligibility

1. For F1 students, a letter from your Designated School Official authorizing you for on-campus or off-campus employment is required. While for J1 students a letter from your Responsible Officer is required. 
2. F1 students who plan to work on CPT, must present an I-20 endorsed for CPT by your DSO, while F1 students who plan to work on OPT, must present a valid EAD card if applying for SSN in person. 
3. Evidence of employment from your on-campus or off-campus employer. This could be in the form of a pay-slip or a letter of employment.

Documents to prove your immigration status

1. Your most recent admission stamp in your foreign passport
2. Your electronic Form I-94 which you can obtain from the US Customs and Border Patrol website 
3. Form I-20 (if you are an F1 student) or a Form DS-2019 (if you are a J1 student). 
4. F1 students who plan to work on-campus should also bring a letter from their Designated School Official, as well as evidence of employment from their on-campus employer. This could be in the form of a pay-slip or a letter of employment.
5. F1 students who plan to work on CPT, must present an I-20 endorsed for CPT by your DSO, while F1 students who plan to work on OPT, must present a valid EAD card. 
6. J1 students must also provide a letter from their sponsor authorizing them for employment.

Keep in mind that your on-campus or CPT work must begin within 30 days from the date of your application, in order for your SSN application to be processed.

How long does it take to get an SSN for an international student?

Once your application has been approved by the SSA, your social security card containing the 9-digit number would be mailed to your address on file within 2 - 4 weeks.

When you receive your social security card, you would observe an annotation on this card stating "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization".

This is an important note to your future employers. It informs them to check your authorization to work in the US before employing you.

Does SSN Expire for International Students?

The SSN given to international students never expires. However, the annotation "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization" could be removed from the SSN card when an international student changes to a permanent resident status.

International Students Applying for SSN with No Work Authorization - Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility

F1 and J1 students who have not obtained work authorization and do not plan to work in the US can request a denial letter or letter of social security number ineligibility ( SSA-L676) by visiting an SSA office.

The letter will simply state that the individual is not eligible for a Social Security Number. This letter does not affect your ability to request a Social Security Number in the future.

In some states, this letter can be accepted in place of an SSN card in order to obtain a state ID or state driver’s license. 

Can International Students File Taxes without SSN?

International students who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number may apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

Unlike the SSN, an international student is not required to have received an authorization for employment to apply for an ITIN. 

International students can apply for the ITIN at the time of filing their federal tax return, or at any other time in the future.

For assistance with applying for your ITIN and filing your tax return, you can get started with Sprintax. Sprintax offers an online self-preparation software providing an all-in-one solution for non-resident aliens filing US federal and state taxes.