Foreign Workers and Social
Security Numbers
A Social Security number (SSN) is used to report a USCIS collects information on behalf of Social Security
person’s wages to the government and to determine a to process the SSN card. It is important for you to
person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need provide all information requested on the form. We may
an SSN to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and be unable to fully process your request for the SSN card
receive certain government services. if we do not receive the necessary information. While
some information is not required for processing the
Your employer will ask for your SSN to report your
immigration document, we use the name, date of birth,
wages. Although many other businesses, such as banks
parents names, country of birth, and sex (i.e., male/
and credit companies, also ask for your number, you
female) to process the SSN card.
aren’t required to provide it. You can get many services
without an SSN, including obtaining a driver’s license. The SSN card is mailed to the address
provided on the USCIS application. Please visit
What do I have to do to work in the [Link]/ssnvisa/[Link] for more information.
United States? If you don’t receive your SSN card within 14 days after
receiving your immigration document, please contact
To work in the United States, you must be authorized your local Social Security office.
to work. Work authorization can be a result of your
immigration status, or you may need to apply for work If you are unable or choose not to file for an SSN using
authorization separately through the United States EAE or EBE to apply for a work-authorized SSN, visit
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). After our Request a Social Security number for the first time
receiving work authorization, you will need a work page at [Link]/number-card. You will need to:
authorized SSN that your employer will use to report • Start the application online.
your wages. • Self-schedule an appointment to visit a local Social
Security office or Card Center.
What noncitizens can apply for a Social
If you are age 12 or older an in-person interview is
Security number? required unless you file using EAE or EBE.
In general, only noncitizens authorized by the USCIS to To complete the application, bring us original documents
work in the United States can get an SSN. (we cannot accept notarized copies) proving your:
• Identity.
How do I apply for a Social Security
• Age.
number and card?
• Work-authorized immigration status.
Applying for an SSN card is free. If you are outside the
U.S. you should apply for an SSN through Enumeration You must provide at least 2 separate documents.
At Entry (EAE) on your immigrant visa application (Form We may be able to use one document for two purposes.
DS-230 or DS-260). If you are lawfully present in the For example, we may use your DHS work authorization
U.S., you may apply through our Enumeration Beyond document as proof of both your identity and work-
Entry (EBE) program. Under EBE, you answer the SSN authorized immigration status. Your birth certificate or
specific questions on the USCIS Form I-765 (Application passport may serve as proof of age.
for Employment Authorization) or the Form I-485 All documents must be either originals or copies
(Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust certified by the issuing agency. We can’t accept
Status). photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We
You may also update your citizenship records at also can’t accept a receipt showing you applied for the
Social Security, change your name if needed, and document. If you cannot start the application online,
request an updated replacement card. You can do you must contact a local Social Security office or Card
all of these things by completing the “Social Security Center to complete the application and show us your
Update” questions on the Form N-400 (Application for documents.
Naturalization).
(over)
[Link] Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
Identity and work-authorized online. If your documents can’t be verified online, DHS
may take several weeks to respond to our request. We’re
immigration status working with DHS to reduce these delays.
To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration
status, you will need to show us your current U.S. Do I need to have my number before
immigration documents and your unexpired foreign I start working?
passport. Acceptable U.S. immigration documents
We don’t require you to have an SSN before you
include:
start working. However, the Internal Revenue Service
• Unexpired foreign passport with a current admission requires employers to use your SSN to report your
stamp showing a class of admission permitting work. wages.
• Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. While you wait for your SSN, your immigration
• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record showing DHS documents can prove your authorization to work in the
work authorization. United States.
• Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, Employers can find more information online at
(EAD, work permit from DHS). [Link]/employer/[Link].
Exchange visitors: J-1 visitors must also show us a
DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Contacting Us
Status. Additionally, J-1 students, student interns, and The most convenient way to do business with us is
international visitors must show a sponsor letter to to visit [Link] to get information and use our
prove employment. The letter should be on sponsor online services. There are several things you can do
letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your online: apply for benefits; start or complete your request
employment. for an original or replacement Social Security card;
find publications; and get answers to frequently asked
International students: F-1 or M-1 students must questions.
also show us a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant Student Status. Additional documentation Or, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at
1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
proving work eligibility may be required. For more
We can answer your call from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays.
information, ask for International Students and Social We provide free interpreter services upon request. For
Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181). quicker access to a representative, try calling early in the
day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the
Age day. We are less busy later in the week (Wednesday
to Friday) and later in the month. You can also use our
You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have
automated services via telephone, 24 hours a day, so you
it or can get it within 10 business days. If not, we can do not need to speak with a representative. If you need to
consider other documents, such as your passport or a visit an office, you must have an appointment.
document issued by DHS, as evidence of your age.
How long will it take to get a
Social Security number?
If you file using EAE or EBE you should receive your
SSN card within 14 days after receiving your EAD,
I-551 Permanent Resident Card, or your Certification of
Naturalization.
If you file an application with Social Security, we must
verify your documents with DHS before assigning you
an SSN. After receiving verification from DHS, you will
receive your Social Security card in the mail. Most of the
time, we can verify your documents quickly with DHS
Social Security Administration
Publication No. 05-10107
January 2025 (Recycle prior editions)
Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
Produced and published at U.S. taxpayer expense