Foreign Workers And Social Security Numbers

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:

• Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
• Show us original documents proving your:
• Identity;
• Work-authorized immigration status; and
• Age.
• Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office.

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 your identity and work-authorized immigration status. Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. You must provide at least two separate documents.

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Identity and work-authorized immigration status

To 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:

• Form I-551;
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) showing DHS work authorization; or
• Forms I-766 or I-688B (work permit card).

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.
International students: An F-1 or M-1 student also must show us a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Additional documentation proving work eligibility may be required. For more information, ask for International Students And Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181).

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Age

To 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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Identity

Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable immigration documents include your:

• Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired
  foreign passport);
• I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
• Work permit card from DHS (I-766 or I-688B).

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.

While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from us stating you applied for a number, and your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States.

Employers can find more information on the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm.

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