Can f 1 visa students get social security number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit Social Security numbers (SSNs) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits and for other identification purposes. Every F and M student who U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants employment authorization to needs an SSN.

Table of Contents Show

Steps for Obtaining a Social Security Number
Social Security Numbers and Driver’s Licenses
The Application Procedure
Social Security Number (SSN) Information
Eligibility For a Social Security Number

Please note: If an F or M student (or dependent) is ineligible to receive an SSN, but receives non-wage income while in the United States (e.g., scholarships, grants, interest on stocks, gambling/lottery winnings), they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For more information, please visit our What is an ITIN? resource page.

If you want to receive an SSN while studying in the United States, follow these steps:

1. Talk with your DSO about working and training in the United States.

Your DSO will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F and M students, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN.

2. Verify you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. If you have a record in any other status, you will not be successful in applying for an SSN.

3. Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.

SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine if you are eligible for an SSN. You can use the SAVE Case Check to follow the progress of your SAVE verification check online; visit our Checking Your SAVE Case Status for more information.

4. Visit your local SSA office.

You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.

For more information on the types of documents you need to apply for an SSN, refer to the SSA website.

Many states require that you or your dependent have an SSN or have already applied for one before you apply for a driver's license. In these states, if you or your dependents are not eligible to work but want to apply for a driver's license, you must first apply for an SSN at the local SSA office and receive a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." To learn more, visit our Driving in the States page and talk with your DSO.

Social Security Numbers (SSN) identify participants in the federal government’s social security program, which provides retirement and disability benefits to workers and their families. Learn more about getting a social security number for F1 Visa students.

F-1 Visa students are eligible for a Social Security Number only if one of the following apply:

Student has been issued an Employment Authorization Document / EAD by the USCIS
Student has an I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training
Student is currently employed on campus or has a job offer to do so.

The Application Procedure

F-1 students must submit in person to the SSA the following documents in order to be considered for a Social Security Number:

A completed Form SS-5, Social Security Card Application.
At least two documents that establish your age, identity and alien status.
Passport that has been issued at least one year prior to the date that you apply for the SSN. If it has not, your birth certificate may also be required or your previous passport.
I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 student status).
A current I-94 card, also known as the “arrival / departure card.” (This I-94 card should be stamped with the correct notation “F-1 D/S”.)
Evidence of SSN eligibility, which must be one of the following:
- EAD
- I-20 showing unexpired CPT endorsement
- For on campus employment, two letters are needed:
  - A letter from the on-campus employer addressed to the SSA.
  - A letter issued by our office confirming your F-1 student status.

Find Social Security contact info and office locations

You are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number unless you are authorized for employment in the United States.

Student Employment Options