How long does it take to get an ssn

If entering as a nonimmigrant, you may submit an application for a social security number (SSN) at a social security administration (SSA) office. You must take the following documents with you to present to the social security official: a valid passport, a printout of your I-94 Arrival/Departure record, a completed form SS-5, application for a social security card and a second form of identification, such as an international driver’s license. Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm recommends that you wait at least 10 calendar days after your entry into the United States to make your appointment for an SSN so that your nonimmigrant status will be updated in the appropriate database. Currently, it takes the SSA approximately two weeks to assign a social security number. However, the SSA has recently instituted a verification system whereby the SSA must verify the individual’s immigration documents with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before it will issue a social security card. The SSA reports that it usually issues the card within two days of receiving the verification from USCIS. However, if the SSA cannot verify the immigration documents online, it may take several weeks or months to obtain the verification response from USCIS.

The Firm recommends that when you submit your SSN application, you request a copy of the uncertified SSN application for your records. You can also provide the SSA with a telephone number and the SSA will notify you telephonically of the SSN issuance before you receive your card in the mail. Another alternative is to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for your SSN. The teleservice representative would be able to locate and provide the SSN (after verifying your identity) when the number has been issued.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm by phone at 704-442-8000 or

Eligibility | How To Apply | F-1 On-Campus | F-1 CPT | F-1 OPT | J-1 On-Campus|J-1 Academic Training| Helpful Websites | FAQ

Overview

A Social Security number (SSN) is issued to track earnings over a worker’s lifetime. The Social Security number itself is not a work permit. When you obtain a Social Security Number, you can use that number for your lifetime. You would not need to apply for a new Social Security Number if you change schools or get a new I-20.

Students holding F-1 and J-1 status who are employed in the U.S. must apply for a Social Security number. Dependents in F-2 status are not eligible for a Social Security number. (Students who will not work on campus but who receive a taxable scholarship should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes).

The Social Security Administration office nearest the UW is located downtown at 915 Second Avenue, Suite 901, Seattle, WA, 98104.

Eligibility

In order to issue a Social Security number, the Social Security Administration requires evidence that you:

• Are eligible to work in the U.S.
• Are a full-time student
• Have received a formal offer of on-campus employment, OR
• Have been authorized for off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Academic Training.

A Social Security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other “non-work” reasons. The Social Security Administration must also verify your immigration documents and status with Immigration before issuing the Social Security number.

How to Apply

F-1 Students With On-Campus Employment

New students: complete all steps in the “New Student Post-Arrival Checklist.” Wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the U.S. to apply for the SSN.

To apply for a Social Security Number, you will need two letters from UW before you visit the Social Security Administration Office:

1. A campus employment letter from your UW hiring department
2. An SSN support letter from ISS

Follow these instructions to request the required letters and then apply for an SSN.

Step 1: Campus Employment Letter

Ask your UW campus hiring department for a campus employment letter.

Give them this letter template provided by the Social Security Administration.

The letter must:

• Be on hiring department or UW letterhead
• Have an original signature from a hiring official

Note: this is a different process than what your UW hiring departments might be familiar with. There used to be a form to print and complete. Please advise your hiring supervisor this is a new process being requested by ISS; it matches guidance from the Social Security Administration.

Step 2: ISS Support Letter

After you receive your on-campus employment letter, scan or take a photo of the letter.

Complete this webform to request a separate ISS support letter for your SSN:
Request SSN Support Letter

Step 3: ISS Processing Time

Allow time for ISS processing. ISS will verify your full-time status as well as on-campus employment eligibility; ISS will issue a support letter for your SSN application.

Step 4: Receive SSN Support Letter

ISS will email you the completed SSN support letter.

Step 5: Apply for Social Security Number and Card

Complete the social security number application online.

Step 6: Visit your local Social Security Office

When you visit the SSA Office, you will finish the process and share your documents. You must visit the Social Security Administration office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application.

Bring with you:

• Original on-campus employment letter
• Scanned SSN Support Letter signed by an ISS DSO (if you encounter problems at the SSA office using the scanned letter, please notify ISS)
• Form I-20
• Valid passport (along with old passport if it contains your F-1 visa)
• I-94 card; or, a copy of your F-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
• Form SS-5

F-1 Students Authorized for Curricular Practical Training

Complete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date. Bring with you:

• Form I-20 (updated and endorsed for practical training)
• Passport
• I-94 card; or, a copy of your F-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
• Form SS-5

F-1 Students Authorized for Optional Practical Training

If you did not request an SSN as part of your OPT application, complete the social security application online. Then, visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person. Apply on or after the start date on your EAD card. Bring with you:

• Form I-20 (updated and endorsed for practical training)
• Passport
• I-94 card; or, a copy of your F-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
• EAD card
• Form SS-5

J-1 Students With On-Campus Employment

Go to our “J-1 On-Campus Employment” webpage and follow the instructions to apply for on-campus employment permission for students needing an SSN.

J-1 Students Authorized for Academic Training

1. Obtain documentation for employment authorization from your ISS adviser or your sponsoring agency.
2. Complete the social security application online.
3. Visit your local SSA office to show them your documents in person.
   Bring with you:
   • Form DS-2019 with Academic Training notation
   • Passport
   • I-94 card; or, a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
   • Form SS-5

   Note: J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to bring the above documents plus their EAD card in order to apply for an Social Security number.

Helpful Websites

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no charge for a Social Security number and card.

The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. It can take 2-4 weeks or more.

You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in nonimmigrant status that require card updates may not count toward these limits.

To request a replacement card:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
• Present recently issued photo identification to show your identity (passport, Washington state identification card)
• Show evidence of your current lawful nonimmigrant status (visa, I-20/ DS-2019, I-94)
• Complete a new Social Security Verification form (if you are employed on campus)

Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card.

If your immigration status changes or you become a legal permanent resident (LPR), you should inform the Social Security Administration office so that your records can be updated. You will need to present documents that prove your new status.

As a student in F-1 or J-1 status your earnings from authorized employment are generally not taxable for social security purposes.

Please review the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publications 515 and 519 for details about employment taxes payable on the earnings of a nonresident aliens.

As long as you have authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT), yes: you can start working without an SSN. Be sure your employer follows the correct instructions for allowing you to begin work without the SSN. The Social Security Administration’s publication, “Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers,” has additional information.

Apply for the SSN as soon as possible after getting your job offer. If you forget to apply, this will cause problems later with tax filing.

How fast can I get a Social Security?

How long does it take to verify SSN?