Getting a Social Security number (SSN) or an ITIN

Before you start

• Permission to work in the United States, through your visa status or an Employment Authorization Document
• Your I-94 record available online, or the immigration documents listed below

Documents you need

• Unexpired foreign passport

  required

• I-94 arrival/departure record (or an admission stamp showing a class of admission that permits work)

  required

• Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), if your work permission comes from an EAD

  optional

• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) or machine-readable immigrant visa, if you are a green card holder

  optional

• Form I-20 (F-1, M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), plus the school or sponsor letter that authorises your work

  optional

• Foreign birth certificate, if you have it or can get it within 10 business days

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check whether you can skip the office visit

   Many newcomers can ask for an SSN without visiting the SSA:

   • Immigrant visa holders can request an SSN on their immigrant visa application with the Department of State (Enumeration at Entry). The card is mailed to the US address on the application, usually without an office visit.
   • People applying to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) or a green card (Form I-485) can answer the SSN questions on that form (Enumeration Beyond Entry). The SSA then mails the card.

   If you used one of these routes, contact your local Social Security office if the card has not arrived within 14 days after you receive your EAD or green card.

2. 2

   Step 2: Wait until your arrival can be verified

   If you apply directly with the SSA, the agency recommends waiting 10 days after arriving in the United States so that it can verify your Department of Homeland Security documents online, which also speeds up processing. F-1, M-1 and J-1 students should wait 48 hours after reporting to their school. Before you apply, check your I-94 record on the CBP I-94 website.

3. 3

   Step 3: Start the application online

   If you are lawfully present in the United States, start on the SSA page Request Social Security number for the first time. You must then visit a Social Security office or Card Center with your documents within 45 days of starting online. You may be able to self-schedule the appointment; otherwise call the SSA on 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778, weekdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Free interpreters are available on request.

   If you cannot start online, complete Form SS-5 and call to make an appointment. People aged 12 or older need an in-person interview unless they applied through their visa or USCIS application.

4. 4

   Step 4: Bring original documents to your appointment

   You must prove your identity, age and work-authorised immigration status with at least two separate documents:

   • your unexpired foreign passport together with your current US immigration documents, such as an I-94, a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), an Employment Authorization Document (I-766) or an admission stamp showing a class of admission that permits work;
   • J-1 exchange visitors: your DS-2019, and for J-1 students, interns and international visitors a signed sponsor letter on letterhead that authorises your work;
   • F-1 and M-1 students: your Form I-20, plus a letter from your designated school official about your on-campus job and proof of that job, or the CPT page of your I-20 or your EAD for OPT;
   • your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 business days; otherwise the SSA can consider your passport or a DHS document as proof of age.

   The SSA accepts only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, never photocopies, notarised copies or receipts showing that you applied for a document.

5. 5

   Step 5: Wait for your card and give the number to your employer

   The SSA verifies your documents with DHS and then mails the card. Once approved, the card usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days; if DHS cannot verify your documents online it may take several weeks. If your employer needs proof while you wait, ask the SSA for a letter confirming that you applied. Keep the card at home in a safe place.

When you need an ITIN instead

If you are not authorised to work

Children born in the United States

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Applying the day after arrival, before DHS records can be verified.
• Bringing photocopies or notarised copies instead of original documents.
• Missing the 45-day window to complete an application started online.
• Applying for an ITIN while being eligible for an SSN, or continuing to use an ITIN after receiving an SSN.

Tips

• Ask your employer or school about the SSN route before you travel; immigrant visa holders and EAD applicants can often get the number without visiting an office.
• Call the SSA early in the day, later in the week or later in the month, when lines are less busy.
• Create a my Social Security account once you have your number to check your earnings record over the years.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Apply for your Social Security numberAdd to plan
• Apply for an ITIN for family members who cannot get an SSNAdd to plan
• Check your I-94 record onlineAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.