Temporary workers and those in non-immigrant visa status who are authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number (SSN).
Social Security numbers are used to report wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. A Social Security number is needed to work and to collect Social Security benefits.
Only non-citizens authorized to work in the US are eligible for a Social Security number.
Those on non-employment based temporary visas (like ESTA) without work authorization are not permitted to apply for social security number.
How to Get a Social Security Number (SSN)
There are two ways that you can get a social security number and card:
- If you are age 18 or older, you can apply for a social security number in your home country when you apply for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. government will use the same information that you give to apply for an immigrant visa to apply for an SSN.
Your social security card will arrive at your mailing address about three weeks after you arrive in the US. If you apply for the Social Security number outside of the U.S., you do not have to visit an American Social Security office after entry into the United States.
- If you are not an immigrant or did not apply for a Social Security number when you applied for an immigrant visa, you must bring your petition and approval notices showing your legal immigration status and approved authorization to work in the United States. Then you should apply for a Social Security number and card by visiting a Social Security office in the U.S.
The Social Security Administration recommends that you wait ten days after arriving in the country to “make it easier for us to verify your Department of Homeland Security documents online, which will speed processing of your Social Security number application.” Applying for a Social Security number is free.
Information Required to Get a Social Security Card
- Application for A Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- Two original documents proving your identity, immigration status, work eligibility, and age.
As far as documentation, for example, a work permit can be used as proof of both your identity and work-authorized immigration status. Some other acceptable documents to prove your work authorization can include your immigrant visa, an employment-based admission stamp, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and any work permits or Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. However, you need two separate documents to prove eligibility for a social security number.
Temporary workers and those in non-immigrant visa status who are authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number (SSN).
Social Security numbers are used to report wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. A Social Security number is needed to work and to collect Social Security benefits.
Only non-citizens authorized to work in the US are eligible for a Social Security number.
Those on non-employment based temporary visas (like ESTA) without work authorization are not permitted to apply for social security numbers.
How to Get a Social Security Number (SSN)
There are two ways that you can get a social security number and card:
- If you are age 18 or older, you can apply for a social security number in your home country when you apply for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. government will use the same information that you give to apply for an immigrant visa to apply for an SSN.
Your social security card will arrive at your mailing address about three weeks after you arrive in the US. If you apply for the Social Security number outside of the U.S., you do not have to visit an American Social Security office after entry into the United States.
- If you are not an immigrant or did not apply for a Social Security number when you applied for an immigrant visa, you must bring your petition and approval notices showing your legal immigration status and approved authorization to work in the United States. Then you should apply for a Social Security number and card by visiting a Social Security office in the U.S.
The Social Security Administration recommends that you wait ten days after arriving in the country to “make it easier for us to verify your Department of Homeland Security documents online, which will speed processing of your Social Security number application.” Applying for a Social Security number is free.
Information Required to Get a Social Security Card
- Application for A Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- Two original documents proving your identity, immigration status, work eligibility, and age.
As far as documentation, for example, a work permit can be used as proof of both your identity and work-authorized immigration status. Some other acceptable documents to prove your work authorization can include your immigrant visa, an employment-based admission stamp, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and any work permits or Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. However, you need two separate documents to prove eligibility for a social security number. See https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
By: Alison Doyle posted 09/03/2019 at on www.balancecareer.com