Visa and More

How can I apply for a Social Security Number? The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Social Security Cards to US citizens and foreign citizens who have a permanent residence or a temporary work and residence permit for the US.

Who can apply while trying to obtain long-term residence status? Foreign citizens who are trying to obtain a long-term residence status for the US can apply for a Social Security Card during the immigration process. The condition is that they are 18 years or older at the time of application suitable for immigration. On form DS-230 of the application for immigration visas or alien registration, the applicant has to mark "yes" for questions 33 a and b. Questions 33 a states that the applicant wants the Social Security Administration to issue him or her a Social Security Number and a Card. Question 33 b allows US Citizenship and Immigration Services to ask the Social Security Administration and other government departments for information about the applicant that make the assignment of a number possible.

According to the SSA, the card will be sent to the applicant's US address within two or three weeks after admission into the country. Should the applicant's address change in the meantime, he has to inform SSA immediately.

What happens if the immigrant does not apply for a Social Security Card on the immigration application?

In case the applicant does not apply for a Social Security Card on the immigration application, he may still do so at the local SSA office. To find the next SSA office, you can use their website and the integrated office locator, (www.ssa.gov/locator) or call the service number 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm (Eastern time). If you visit the local office, you will need the following documents for yourself and all family members who apply: your valid (machine-readable) passport, the valid Resident Alien Card (green card) in case you already have one, otherwise your admission stamp (I-551) and your birth certificate.

An staff member there will help you fill out the application. After applying it shouldn't take more than two weeks until you have your card. If your documents need to be checked (e.g. by immigration services), it might of course take a little longer.

What happens if I have already received a card without a work permit but have now obtained one? In case immigration services has granted you a work permit, you have to apply to have your card renewed without the remark "not valid for employment." The number on your old card will also be the number on your new one. The application for that is called SS-5, and you can find it under following web address: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html. However, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. The only documentation you need will be a form of ID, so your passport, and your work permit. You have to have copies of the documents plus the originals or have copies notarized by the issuing authority. Copies alone are not sufficient. The SSA will give the documents to immigration services for a security check and after confirmation by them issue your new card within two working days.

What does such a card cost? There are no fees for new applications, loss or renewal of the card.

Do foreign students need a Social Security Card at all? Usually, foreign students do not have their own Social Security Cards. Education institutes in the US are not permitted to use the card for their study programs. So in case the student does not have his own card or doesn't want to use it, he will get an internal number by the educational institute. Please note that foreign students do need a card to work on campus.

Do you have to pay social security contributions? The work of non-immigrants who are in the US only for a limited period of time do not fall under the social security regulations and are thus not subject of taxation of social security contributions. Holders of F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange) and M-1 (vocational school) visas who are working in the US during their time as students are not subject to the current tax law. This means that no taxes on social security or Medicare will be deducted from their payment. The options for earning money are limited by law anyway and usually only include work on campus, internships and work permits in cases of economical emergencies.