Obtaining a U.S. Social Security Number
Obtaining a U.S. 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:
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:
| B-1/B-2 | Number not issued. |
| F-1 | Number issued only for individuals with an EAD card and/or a letter of employment indicating that the wage or stipend being received is from a U.S. source. |
| F-2 | Number not issued. |
| H-1B1 | Number issued. |
| H-4 | Number not issued. |
| J-1 Scholar | Number issued only for individuals with U.S. source income. |
| J-1 Student | Number issued only for individuals with a letter of employment indicating that the wage or stipend being received is from a U.S. source. |
| J-2 | Number issued only with an EAD card. |
| O-1 | Number issued. |
| TN | Number issued. |
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). Details concerning how to apply for the ITIN number can be found by clicking HERE.