Apply for social security number international student

Table of Contents Show

Social Security Number (SSN) Information
Eligibility For a Social Security Number
Steps for Obtaining a Social Security Number
Social Security Numbers and Driver’s Licenses
Obtain proof of eligibility
Apply for an SSN

You are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number unless you are authorized for employment in the United States.

Student Employment Options

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.

Many 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.

Obtain proof of eligibility

Immigration Status	Documents Needed
F-1/J1 Students	Obtain a letter of employment from your on-campus employer and have it endorsed by the ISSS. See the information online for more instructions regarding the letter. Once you have a letter from your on-campus employer, you will need to bring the letter to ISSS during office hours for a signature.
F-1 Students on OPT	EAD card
F-1 Students on CPT	CPT authorization on I-20 and job offer letter
J-1 Research Scholars, Professors and Short-term Scholars	Offer/invitation letter from your academic department
J-2 Dependents	Obtain an Employment Authorization Document issued from USCIS

Apply for an SSN

Apply at the Social Security Administration office located at 2 Court Street in downtown Binghamton. You will need the following documents:

Your passport
Your SEVIS I-20/DS 2019
Your I-94 form
A completed Social Security application
Proof of employment eligibility

All the documents have to be originals. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.

Average processing times for a Social Security card is two to four weeks. The card will be mailed to you, so you will need to make sure that your name is on your mailbox as it will not be delivered otherwise. For more information regarding work authorization, on or off campus, visit our employment page.