Resources |

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number (SSN) issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security numbers are used to report a person’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services.

Noncitizens (or temporary workers) may only apply for a SSN after he/she has been admitted to the United States in a status that is authorized for employment in the United States.

In order to apply for a SSN, the beneficiary must complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. The Form SS-5 can be found at: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf.
  2. Gather appropriate documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s identity and work-authorized immigration status to present with the Form SS-5 application at the local SSA office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

a. Completed Form SS-5;

b. Original, valid and unexpired foreign passport;

c. Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): You may print this from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website found at this link: (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home). A printout copy is acceptable.

i. Please note that it can take up to three (3) weeks after entry into the US for the beneficiary’s information to appear in the automated I-94 system;

d. Other acceptable immigration documents demonstrating work-authorized status may include:

i. Form I-797, Notice of Approval with attached Form I-94

ii. Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work;

iii. Employment Authorization Document, (EAD, work permit).

iv. Permanent Resident Card or immigrant visa

v. Endorsed Form DS-2019 vi. Endorsed Form I-20

3. Submit the application in person with the beneficiary’s local SSA office. The nearest SSA office may be located by entering the applicant’s 5-digit US zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.

Dependents of principal beneficiaries:

A dependent spouse with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) may apply for a limited SSN since they are authorized to accept employment in the United States. In this instance, the spouse with a valid EAD must also take their original and unexpired EAD card with them to the SSA office to apply for a SSN, in addition to the items outlined above.

Otherwise, without specific work authorization granted by USCIS, dependents of temporary workers, including dependent children, are normally NOT eligible for a Social Security Number.

When to File:

It is recommended that applicants wait approximately ten (10) days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number to allow sufficient time for records to be updated and verified online.

Approximate Processing Time:

After submitting a complete application to the local SSA office, and once all information has been verified, the applicant should receive their Social Security card by U.S. mail within approximately 10-15 business days.

*****

Additional details and information regarding the Social Security Card application and process can be found online at the Social Security Administration’s website: http://ssa.gov/ssnumber/.



You might also like