Learn how to apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F1 visa or J1 visa international student and why you need one to work in the U.S.. You will also learn how to obtain an SSN Letter of Ineligibility if you’re unable to obtain an SSN as an F1 or J1 visa non-immigrant.
SNs are 9 digit numbers primarily used to report an individual’s wages to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and also to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits.
As an F1 or J1 visa student, you will experience that you need a US social security number to do the following;
1. Receiving income and paying taxes on a job
2. Receiving government benefits, if you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes
3. Applying for a driver’s license or a state ID
4. Opening financial accounts, such as credit card accounts, and online banking accounts
5. Applying for loans, such as student loans, or car loans
F1 and J1 visa international students can get an SSN if they have been approved for work authorization from their DSO (F1)/Sponsor (J1) OR have received work authorization from Department of Homeland Security (USCIS).
You may apply for your SSN at your local social security administration office and in some cases, you F1 visa student can apply for an SSN when completing their I-765 application for the OPT EAD.
If you decide to visit a local social security administration office, you will need to provide original documents proving your age, identity, work-authorized immigrant status, and work eligibility as an F1 visa or J1 visa student. These document include; an unexpired foreign passport, foreign birth certificate, I-94 arrival/departure record, Form I-20 (F1 students), DS-2019 (J1 students), letters of work authorization from your DSO or Sponsor, evidence of employment from your employer, and a valid EAD card.
Once your application has been approved your card containing the 9-digit SSN would be mailed to the address you listed on your application. If you look at your SSN card, you would see an annotation on this card stating “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization”. This ensures that your future employer verifies that you have received the legal authorization to work in the US before employing you.
F1 and J1 visa student who don’t have any work authorization nor intend to work in the US may still apply for an SSN resulting in a denial. You will receive a denial letter also known as an SSN Letter of Ineligibility (Form SSA-L676). This letter may then be used to apply for a driver’s license or a state ID in some states that accept this letter in place of a social security card.
