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Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
Does a noncitizen need a Social Security
number (SSN)?
Unless you are a noncitizen who wants to work in the United
States, you probably don’t need an SSN.
Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United
States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can
get an SSN. SSNs are used to report a person’s wages to the
government and to determine that person’s eligibility for Social
Security benets. You need an SSN to work, collect Social
Security benets, and receive other government services.
Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benets and
services without an SSN. You don’t need an SSN to get a
driver’s license, register for school, get private health insurance,
or apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing.
Some organizations use SSNs to identify you in their records.
Most, however, will identify you by some other means if you
request it.
We can’t assign an SSN solely for you to get a driver’s license
or access a service that requires a credit check.
Although many companies, such as banks and credit
companies, may ask for your SSN, you generally aren’t
required to provide one if you don’t have one.
How can I get an SSN and card?
If you are an immigrant, you can apply two ways:
• You can apply in your home country before coming to the
United States when ling an application for an immigrant
visa with the U.S. Department of State. In most cases,
if you apply for an SSN and card with your immigrant
visa application, you don’t have to visit a Social Security
ofce in the United States. (For more information, see
www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa).
• If you are lawfully present in the United States, you must
contact your local Social Security ofce. See the section
below for what you need to submit to the Social Security
ofce.
If you are a nonimmigrant, there are two ways that you can
apply, depending on your visa status:
• If lawfully present in the United States and applying
for work authorization or permanent resident status
from DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS), you can apply for your SSN or replacement
card. This can be done on the same USCIS application
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization),
or via Form I-485 (Application for Lawful Permanent
Residency or to Adjust Status). (For more information, see
www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html).
• If lawfully present in the United States and your visa status
allows you to work, then you must contact your local Social
Security ofce to apply.
What do I need to submit to the Social
Security oce?
You need to prove your identity and work-
authorized immigration status.
To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration
status, show us your current U.S. immigration documents
and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration
documents include your:
• Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine-
Readable Immigrant Visa).
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD).
• Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting
work.
Exchange visitors: If you’re a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor,
we also need to see your DS-2019, Certicate of Eligibility
for Exchange Visitor Status or EAD. If you are a J-1 student,
student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter
from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead
with an original signature that authorizes your employment.
International students: If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student,
we need to see your Form I-20, Certicate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant Student Status or Designated School Ofcial
(DSO) letter. For information on other documents that students
must provide, read International Students and Social Security
Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181).
You need to prove your age.
You must present your foreign birth certicate if you have it
or can get it within 10 business days. If not, we can consider
other documents, such as your unexpired passport or a
document issued by DHS, as evidence of your age.
You need to complete an application.
You will need to complete an Application for a Social Security
Card (Form SS-5).
Important: All documents must be either originals or copies
certied by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies
or notarized copies of documents. We also cannot accept a
receipt showing you applied for the document.
SSA.gov
Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens