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Foreign Workers And Social Security NumbersSSA Publication No. 05-10107, August 2009, View English .pdf , (En Español) |
Social Security numbers are used to report an individual’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. |
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What do I have to do to work in the United States?First, you must have documents showing your U.S. immigration status and authorization to work in the United States. Then, you should apply for a Social Security number and card from the Social Security Administration. We do, however, recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number. This will ensure Social Security can verify your documents.
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How do I apply for a Social Security number and card?Applying for a Social Security number and card is free. To apply:
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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Identity and work-authorized immigration statusTo prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration documents include your:
Exchange visitors: A J-1 visitor also must show us a DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Additionally, J-1 students, student interns and international visitors must show a sponsor letter to prove employment. |
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AgeTo prove your age, present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport or a document issued by DHS. |
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IdentitySocial Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable immigration documents include your:
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your DHS work permit as proof of both work eligibility and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents. |
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How long will it take to get a Social Security number?We must verify your documents with DHS before we assign you a Social Security number. After receiving verification from DHS, we will mail your Social Security card. Most of the time, we can verify your documents quickly with DHS online. If your documents cannot be verified online, it may take DHS several weeks to respond to our request. We are working closely with DHS to reduce these delays.
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Do I need to have my number before I start working?We do not require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use your Social Security number to report your wages.
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Contacting Social SecurityOur website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are a number of things you can do online. In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. We treat all calls confidentially. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.
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