Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
Does a noncitizen need a Social Security number (SSN)?
Unless you are a noncitizen who wants to work in the United States, you probably don’t need an SSN. Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the
United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. SSNs are used to report a person’s wages to the government and to determine
that person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need an SSN to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without an SSN. You don’t need a number to get a driver’s license, register for school, get private
health insurance, or apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing. Some organizations use SSNs to identify you in their records. Most, however, will identify you by some other means if you request it. We can’t assign an SSN solely for you to get a driver’s license or access a service that requires a credit check. Although many companies, such as banks and credit companies, may ask for your SSN, you generally aren’t required to provide one if you don’t have on
How can I get an SSN and card?
If you are an immigrant, you can apply two ways:
• You can apply in your home country before coming to the United States when filing an application for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. In
most cases, if you apply for an SSN and card with your immigrant visa application, you don’t have to visit a Social Security office in the United States. (For more information, see www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa).
• If you are lawfully present in the United States, you must contact your local Social Security office. See the section below for what you need to submit to the
Social Security office. If you are a nonimmigrant, you can apply two ways, depending on your visa status:
• If lawfully present in the United States and applying for work authorization or permanent resident status from DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can apply for your SSN or replacement card. This can be done on the same USCIS application Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), or via Form I-485 (Application for Lawful Permanent Residency or to Adjust Status). (For more information, see www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html).
• If lawfully present in the United States and your visa status allows you to work, then you must contact your local Social Security office to apply.
What do I need to submit to the Social Security office?
You need to prove your identity and workauthorized immigration status. To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport.
Acceptable immigration documents include your:
• Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa).
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD).
• Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work.
Exchange visitors: If you’re a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, we also need to see your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status or EAD. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
International students: If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student, we need to see your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or Designated School Official (DSO) letter. For information on other documents that students must provide, read International Students and Social Security Numbers
(Publication No. 05-10181).
You need to prove your age.
You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 business days. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your unexpired passport or a document issued by DHS, as evidence of your age.
You need to complete an application. You will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). Important: All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your DHS EAD as proof of both your identity and work-authorized immigration status. Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.
When should I apply?
If you cannot apply using one of the forms noted above, we recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for an SSN. This will make it easier for us to verify your DHS documents online. This will speed up the processing of your SSN application. We will mail your SSN card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents with the issuing offices.
How much does applying for an SSN and card cost?
Applying for an SSN and card is free.
What if I need an SSN for reasons other than work?
You may not be authorized by DHS to work in the United States. If so, you can get an SSN only if you can prove you need it for a valid non-work reason.
Government benefits or services: If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for an SSN only if one of the following applies:
• A federal law requires you to provide your SSN to get a particular benefit or service.
• A state or local law requires you to provide your SSN to get general assistance benefits for which you already have qualified.
If you need an SSN to meet state or local requirements, you must submit a letter from the government agency. It must be on letterhea stationery (no form letters or photocopies) and:
• Specifically identify you as the applicant.
• Specifically state the network reason the SSN is required.
• Cite the law requiring you to have an SSN.
• Indicate that you meet all agency’s requirements, except having the SSN.
• Contain an agency contact name, signature, and telephone number.
Do you need a number for tax purposes?
You may need an SSN for tax purposes, but aren’tauthorized to work in the United States. If so, youcan apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit the IRS in person, or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request
Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
A business or government agency may ask you for an SSN. If you are not authorized to work in the United States, ask if they can identify you in some other way. In most cases, you’ll be able to get the service or license you need without an SSN.
If you are assigned an SSN for non-work purposes, you cannot use it to work.
