It is issued by US Social security Administration (SSA). To acquire this number is dependent on a person’s eligibility to work in the United States. In other to be eligible for this (SSN) you must be a US citizen, have a permanent resident, and be a qualified foreign national that includes, including a student in F-1 or J-1 student status and certain circumstances. Application for social security number differs, if you are an F-1 or J-1 student and you desire to get a social security number, it also depends on your immigration status. SSN is used to report an employee’s earnings or a student’s taxable scholarship benefits. It is also used for a variety of purposes. In order to get a social security number (SSN) International student, you will need a job. But that would not be a problem, working part-time on campus make you eligible. Once you find a job, you will need to gather your document to verify your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility to the SSA for your SSN card to be obtained. This article will explain in detail the information you need to acquire this SSN International student. What are the requirements to obtain SSN, how can International students apply SSN.

What are the requirements to obtain SSN

Prove of identity

A valid passport is certainly a must document when you apply for an SSN as a foreigner. In addition, in some circumstances, you may need to provide the following documents:

Permanent Resident Card; orEmployment Authorization Document a work permit) from the Department of Homeland Security; orArrival/Departure Record

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Prove your immigration status.

An F-1 or M-1 student must bring their I-20.A J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor must bring their DS-2020.They will also need one of the following documents to prove their immigration status:Lawful Permanent Resident Card or Machine Readable Immigrant Visa; orEmployment Authorization Document; orArrival/Departure Record

Prove your work eligibility

As a foreign worker, you will need your valid foreign passport with one of the following documents:

Arrival/Departure Record; orEmployment Authorization Document or work permit

An F-1 student who is eligible to work on campus must have:

Unexpired I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status; andEmployment evidence such as a letter including:

How can International students apply for SSN?

To apply for an SSN, you are to apply in person at a Social Security Administration office. The original documents prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.

What is the SSN application procedure for f-1 students?

Acquire evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization. Before applying for an SSN, you must acquire first valid employment authorization. Authorization may be established on one of the following. Make sure that you complete the eligibility requirements for F-1 student employment.

On-Campus Employment: 

Acquire a letter from a TC or Columbia department confirming that you have been given an on-campus job. The employment letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed in the original by your hiring department, and include the following information:The job title (e.g., research assistant, library assistant, proofreader, etc.)The estimated or actual start dateEstimated or actual number of hours per week you are expected to workYour supervisor’s title and phone number

Curricular Practical Training: 

Acquire an updated Form I-20 from TC showing that you are authorized to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training (employment-based in an academic internship/fieldwork/practicum)

Optional Practical Training or other off-campus employment: 

Acquire a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing you to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

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Submit a request to the OIS for an SSN letter. 

If you request Social Security Number established on on-campus employment, you must offer your TC or CU department letter to the OISS. The OISS will issue a second letter to ensure that you have secured on-campus employment and you are a full-time student in good standing.

An OISS letter is not necessary if your employment is on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Visit a Social Security Office (see below) to apply for an SSN. 

Social Security forms are available at SSA offices. No fee is required. Some documents are you will submit include; required.

Form I-20Valid, unexpired passportI-94 card or electronic I-94An employment letter from your on-campus employer and the OIS. If you are working on-campus.If you are employed in CPT: your I-20 must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the formEmployed in OPT: you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card.

As an f-1 j-1 student, what are SSA eligibility requirements for SSN

How long does it take to get an SSN for an international student

After verifying and approving your application by the SSA, your social security number card which contains a 9-digit number will be mailed to the address on file within 2 – 4 weeks. If you receive the social security card, you have to observe an annotation on the card stating “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization See Also: How To Get A Replacement Social Security Card

Does International Student SSN expire?

The SSN issued to international students doesn’t expire. The annotation “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” could be removed from the SSN card once an international student changes to permanent resident status.

What is the benefit of SSN for international students?

Do I have to wait for my SSN before starting work

To answer, no. You can start work while your application is processed since you have authorization for on-campus work, CPT, or OPT, but your employer must guarantee that they follow the correct procedures when doing so.

SSN application procedure for j-1 students.

1) Request SSN letter. 

You will have evidence of authorized on-campus or authorized off-campus employment, to apply for an SSN also required to apply for an SSN if you have valid J-1 employment, including on-campus employment, unforeseen economic hardship employment, or J-1 Academic TrainingIf you are sponsored by an external organization such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST, you must obtain a Social Security authorization letter from your sponsor in addition to the OIS’s letter.

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2)Visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. 

Social Security application forms are available at all Social Security offices. No fee is required. Only your:

Form DS-2019Valid, unexpired passportI-94 card or electronic I-94Letter from the OIS (and your external J-1 sponsor, if applicable).

Conclusion

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the SSA examiners. Immediately, if verified and approved, you may expect to receive your SSN within 2-4 weeks as the processing time vary.

References

tc.columbia.edu/internationalstudentmpowerfinancing.cominternationalstudentloan

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