How To: The Social Security Card

Preliminary remark: The Social Security Card (SSN) is a vitally important document that is needed almost every day as an identification in dealings with authorities, employers, banks, insurances etc. The Social Security Card will usually only be issued to holders of an employment-based non-immigration visa or green card holders. That's why the SSN is NOT to be used as a substitute for such a residence permit. This also means that a previously issued SSN may not be valid for taking up employment, even if it is still valid. So we recommend to first of all obtain a residence permit. In some states, you may also obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number or an Employer Identification Number instead.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

The Social Security administration issues cards to US citizens and foreign nationals holding a permanent or temporary residence and work permit for the US.

WHO MAY APPLY WHILE TRYING TO OBTAIN A PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT?
Foreign nationals who are in the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit for the US may parallel to that apply for a Social Security Number, on the condition that, at the time of application they are 18 years or older and have been determined to be eligible for immigration. On the immigration application form for immigrant visas and alien registration DS-230 the applicant has to answer "yes" to questions 33 a and b. Question 33a says that the applicant asks the Social Security Administration to be issued a Social Security Number and card. Question 33b authorizes US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration and other government offices to acquire information about the applicant necessary for issuing a Social Security Number.

According to the SSA the card will be delivered to the applicant's US address within three weeks of his or her arrival in the US. If the applicant's address changes in the meantime, the SSA has to be immediately informed.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE THE APPLICANT DOES NOT APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD ON HIS IMMIGRATION APPLICATION?
In case the applicant does not apply for a Social Security card on the DS-230, he may also do so directly at the local SSA office. In order to fin your local SSA office, you may use the Office Locator on the official website (www.ssa.gov/locator) or call the free hotline 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm Eastern time. For your appointment at your local office you will need the following documents for yourself and all eligible family members: your valid (machine-readable) passport, your valid "Resident Alien Card" (green card, provided you already have one, otherwise your I-551 stamps and your birth certificate.

The staff there will help you fill out the forms. After submitting your application, it shouldn't take more than two weeks until you receive your card. In case your documents have to be checked, e.g. at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, there might be delays, of course.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED A CARD WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT AND HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED A WORK PERMIT?
In case USCIS has granted you a work permit, you have to reapply for a new card without the comment "not valid for employment." The number on your old card will also be the number on your new one. The application form for this is called SS-5 and can be downloaded here: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html. You may also order it via telephone under 1-800-772-1213 or get it at your local SSA office. The only documents required are identification documents, e.g. your passport or your work permit. You have to present a copy of the documents together with the originals or a copy notarized by the office that has issued them. A simple copy will not be sufficient. The SSA will forward your documents to USCIS for a security check and after their approval, your card will be issued within two working days.

WHAT DOES A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD COST?
No fees are being raised for initial applications, loss of card or re-application.

DO FOREIGN STUDENTS NEED A CARD AT ALL?
Foreign students don't usually have their own Social Security Card. Educational institutions in the US may not ask for this card as a requirement fro enrolment. So if the student doesn't have his or her own card or doesn't want to present it to the university, he or she will receive a separate internal number from the institution. Please note that students will need a Social Security Card in order to work on campus.

DO STUDENTS HAVE TO PAY A FEE TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION?
Social security regulations do not apply to the employment of non-immigrants who are only staying in the US for a limited period of time, i.e. there is no social security tax. So the tax law does not apply to F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor) and M-1 (vocational school) visa holders who are working in the US while receiving training/education. That means no taxes for Social Security or Medicare will be taken out of your salary. Employment options are very limited for these visa categories anyway and usually only include work on campus, internships and work permits in the case of exceptions based on economic necessity.