SSN for international students in the USA is necessary only if the students seek paid work opportunities. A Social Security Number (SSN) card allows a student for employment opportunities with conditional approval. However, most international students in the USA are on F1 visas which means these students can only accept job offers within the campus until they are parmanent residents of the USA.

What is an SSN?

The SSN is a short form of the Social Security Number (SSN). It is a unique nine-digit number used to identify permanent and temporary residents working under section 205©(2) of the Social Security Act. International students must obtain this SSN card to access numerous paid work opportunities and legal support in the USA.

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How can International Students get SSNs?

For SSN approval, students have some steps to follow. A job offer mostly on-campus is a primary requirement. Secondly, contact the regional or international office at your campus or nearby to endorse the job offer letter.  Once the paper is approved, students precisely are ready for application. Students may not receive their payment even though they already started serving until their employers approve their SSN processed and issued.

According to the website of the University of Mississippi, students on an F-1 visa are eligible for an SSN card if they manage to hold a job offer on campus. On the other hand, students with J-1 visas must submit a letter of support or affiliation from their program advisor. A process about how this works is explained here: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf

Documents required or SSN for international students:

To begin with, fill out this application (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf) online.  While taking out the printed copy to the nearest Social Security office, these supporting documents must be included.

1. A passport that contains a DHS entry stamp and an F1/J-1 visa.
2. Printed copy of the student’s most recent I-94 form to show the entry and exit records of the student to the USA.
3. A printed copy of the I-20 form that shows confirmation of your status and enrollment from your academic institution.
4. Status verification letter from IS
5. Employment contract letter endorsed by the school officials.

Besides these documents, supporting papers proving your age, identity, work eligibility, and immigration status are essential documents to present to the officers. The documents must be original and endorsed by the respective authority. Usually, the process takes two weeks. Upon approval, the SSA office will mail the SSN card to the applicant. The card is called “Work Authorization by DHS”.  Visit www.ssa.gov for information.

• Three key requirements for international students to receive SSN in the USA

• Eligible for Employment

• Mandatory documentation

• Proper application process

SSN for International Students Without Job Offer

Though SSN is mostly for job opportunities, international students can also get an SSN even without a job offer. This is only applicable under certain conditions. For example, if international students need to apply for federal student loans, driver’s licenses, or any other clauses approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Circumstantially, students need to demonstrate the non-work reasons strongly in the application process to establish the need for SSNs in front of the officials.SSA officials ask to check the below-mentioned documents in this case:

1. DS-2019 or I-20 form
2. Passport and Visa
3. I-94 form.

Does SSN for International Students Expire?

Although the status of SSN does not expire for international students, the note “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” is removed from the SSN card if the student becomes a permanent resident of the USA.

Benefits of SSN for International Students

• Employment: Students can receive legal payment on campus jobs and after completing education, anywhere in the USA as well.
• Government benefits are available upon fulfilling certain criteria.
• Tax returns: Tax return is a mandatory requirement for a resident earning in the USA. SSN allows international students to pay taxes and follow governmental rules.
• Drivers’ license: Allows students to apply for driver’s licenses or IDs in other states.
• Loan support: Students can apply for education and other loans in the USA.
• Healthcare: International students can seek medical facilities depending on their job nature with SSN card.
• Building financial profile: Students can open bank accounts and other credit card or financial accounts enlisted for students in the USA. That facilitates opening up a financial profile for a student beneficial for future planning.

A few challenges international students may encounter

1. Documentation error:  Students sometimes present confusing documents or   incomplete documents
2. Delays in the SSN process: The data uploading process or review documentation is slow due to the rush.
3. Language barriers: Challenging to understand the application form requirements, officer’s queries

Validation for SSN

International students can validate their card by running the number through the Search bug’s SSN validation once they have the SSN car approved. The validation process confirms the number accuracy and it also provides information regarding the person. Moreover, international students can check the activation status of their SSN anytime through this. This helps avoid any feud with banks, taxes, or their employers.

Concluding Remarks,

How to get an SSN for international students may not be a hard process yet many struggle to get relevant information. That is why, we tried to gather all the information in one place to serve the queries international students may have. Before going through the application process, be prepared with documents and information as well as possible. Thus, it will save a lot of time and help one to avoid troubles. Above all, an SSN card will make abroad life for international students much easier and merrier.