How to Get a Social Security Number on a Work Visa

If you’ve recently arrived in the U.S. on a work visa, one of the first practical things you’ll likely need is a Social Security Number (SSN).

Your SSN is used by your employer to report your wages and is commonly requested for things like opening financial accounts, applying for credit, and handling other everyday matters in the U.S. But the process of getting one can be confusing, especially when you’ve just entered the country.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Get a Social Security Number?

Generally, non-U.S. citizens who have authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States can obtain an SSN.

This includes many people coming to the U.S. in employment-based visa classifications, such as O-1, H-1B, L-1, P-1, and TN status.

Importantly, your SSN does not give you authorization to work in the United States. Your authorization to work comes from your immigration status or, where applicable, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

When Should You Apply?

If you did not already request an SSN through a USCIS application (and you can only do this for very limited cases), you will need to apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA recommends waiting at least 10 days after you arrive in the United States before applying.

Why wait? It gives the government time to update its systems with your entry information, which makes it easier for SSA to verify your immigration status and can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Before applying, we also recommend pulling up your most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (which you can do here) and checking that all of the information is correct, including:

• Your name

• Your passport information

• Your immigration status

• Your “Admit Until Date”

If anything on your I-94 appears incorrect, contact your immigration attorney before applying for your SSN.

How Do You Apply?

You can start the application through the Social Security Administration’s website (linked here).

If you are lawfully present in the U.S., SSA allows you to begin an application for your first SSN online. You will then need to complete the process with a Social Security office or Social Security Card Center and present the required original documents.

Once you start the online process, SSA currently requires you to complete the in-person portion within 45 days.

You may be able to schedule your appointment online. Otherwise, you can call SSA to make an appointment with your local office.

And good news: there is no fee to apply for a Social Security Number.

What Documents Should You Bring?

For most foreign workers, you should be prepared to bring your original immigration documents with you.

Depending on your particular immigration status, this may include:

• Your valid, unexpired passport

• Your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

• Your admission stamp, if applicable

• Your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), if your status requires one

• Your Form I-797 Approval Notice, if applicable

SSA requires evidence of your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status. All documents generally must be originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies and notarized copies are generally not accepted.

Your passport can often serve as evidence of your age, although SSA may request a birth certificate if you have one or can obtain one within the required timeframe.

Do You Need an Employment Authorization Document in addition to your visa?

Not necessarily.

This is a common point of confusion for visa holders.

Some immigration statuses/visas authorize you to work incident to status, which means you do not need a separate Employment Authorization Document before you can work.

For many foreign workers, SSA can use your I-94 or admission stamp showing a work-authorized immigration classification, together with your passport, to establish your eligibility.

Other immigration categories require an EAD before employment is authorized. In those cases, you will generally need to provide your EAD when applying for your SSN.

What About F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors?

Students and exchange visitors have some additional requirements.

For example, an F-1 or M-1 student may need to provide a Form I-20 and documentation from their school showing that they are authorized for employment.

J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors may need to provide a Form DS-2019 or an EAD. Certain J-1 participants may also need a letter from their program sponsor authorizing their employment.

Because these requirements vary depending on the type of employment authorization, students and exchange visitors should check with their school, program sponsor, or immigration attorney before applying.

Can You Start Working Before Your SSN Arrives?

Your Social Security Number is not what gives you permission to work.

If your immigration status or EAD already authorizes you to work, the fact that you are still waiting for your Social Security card does not, by itself, take away that employment authorization.

Your employer may have separate procedures for payroll or onboarding while your SSN application is pending, so you should let them know that you have applied and are waiting for your number.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your SSN?

After SSA receives everything it needs and verifies your documents, your Social Security card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided.

SSA advises that Social Security cards are generally mailed within about 14 business days, although it can take longer if SSA needs additional time to verify your immigration documents.

Make sure you provide an address where you can reliably receive mail.

What If You Already Have a Social Security Number?

If you previously lived, studied, or worked in the United States and were issued an SSN, you do not need a new one.

Your Social Security Number generally stays with you for life, even if you leave the U.S., change employers, or later return in a different immigration status.

If you have lost your card, you can apply for a replacement rather than applying for a new number.

What If You Requested an SSN Through USCIS?

As mentioned, some (but very few) USCIS applications allow you to request an SSN as part of the immigration application process.

For example, applicants filing Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document or Form I-485 for permanent residence may be able to request an SSN directly on the USCIS form.

If you already requested an SSN this way, you generally do not need to file a separate application with SSA.

If you requested an SSN through USCIS and do not receive your Social Security card within 14 days after receiving your EAD or Green Card, SSA recommends contacting your local Social Security office.

Conclusion

Getting your Social Security Number is usually one of the first administrative steps you’ll take after arriving in the U.S. to work.

For most work visa holders, the process is fairly straightforward: wait about 10 days after entering the U.S., check your I-94, start your SSN application, and bring your original immigration documents to SSA.

Most importantly, remember that your SSN and your immigration status are two different things. Your SSN is used for identification and wage reporting, while your immigration status or EAD determines whether you are authorized to work.

If you have questions about your immigration status, employment authorization, or what documents you should use when applying for an SSN, check in with an experienced immigration attorney.

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