Obtaining a Social Security Number

In order to obtain a Social Security number/card, you must be gainfully employed in the United States. The Social Security Administration considers an individual to be employed if he/she receives a wage or stipend from a U.S. source.

The following documents will be needed in order to obtain a Social Security number:

• Valid passport
• Form I-94
• Form IAP-66 or Form I-20
• An original letter verifying that the wage, assistantship, or stipend you are receiving is being paid by a U.S. source

You will be required to complete an application form and submit it with the aforementioned documentation to a clerk in the Social Security Administration office. Be sure to tell the clerk that you are only applying for a Social Security number and that you do not have any other business with the agency. This will assist the clerk in expediting your application and will help to avoid any confusion.

Please remember that only individuals who meet the aforementioned criteria will be issued a Social Security number. The following is a general guide of visa statuses which may or may not necessitate the issuance of a Social Security number:

Please be aware that this guide represents the current interpretation and practice of the Social Security Administration and is subject to change without notice. Furthermore, implementation of these guidelines may vary from one Social Security Administration office to another.

Finally, please note that if you are NOT eligible for a Social Security Number, you are required to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

All foreign nationals present in the United States who have received income from a U.S. source are required by law to file Federal income tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). When filing tax returns, most individuals use a Social Security Number (SSN) as the primary means of identification. For foreign nationals, however, who are not eligible for a SSN, an alternate identification number must be used in order to file their tax returns. This alternate identification number is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

It is important to note that a foreign national who initially receives an ITIN but later becomes eligible for a SSN based on receipt of U.S.-source income must have his/her ITIN rescinded and apply for a SSN instead. Individuals without a valid SSN may NOT be paid U.S.-source wages.