What the Social Security Administration requires
To get a Social Security card, you must have a valid immigration status that allows you to work in the United States. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not issue cards to people without work authorization, regardless of how long they have lived in the country or whether they have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The SSA verifies your immigration status through the Department of Homeland Security before issuing a card. If you do not have work authorization, the process will be denied. This is a federal requirement, not a local one, so the outcome is the same in every state.
If you are undocumented and working, you may have an ITIN for tax purposes. An ITIN is not the same as a Social Security number, and having one does not make you may be able to access for a Social Security card.
Key Takeaways
- The Social Security Administration only issues cards to people with valid work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) does not may have access to you for a Social Security card and serves a different purpose.
- Immigration status is verified through federal databases before any card is issued, so the outcome does not vary by state or local office.
- If your immigration status changes in the future, you can reapply for a Social Security card at that time.
Types of immigration status that allow a Social Security card
You can get a Social Security card if you have one of these statuses: lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, temporary protected status (TPS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holder, or certain visa categories that include work authorization.
Each of these statuses must be documented with official papers from immigration authorities. The SSA will not issue a card based on a pending process or a case that is still being decided. You must have the actual document showing your current status.
If you are in the United States on a visa that does not include work authorization — such as a tourist visa or student visa without Optional Practical Training (OPT) — you cannot get a Social Security card.
What happens if you explore without work authorization
If you submit an process for a Social Security card without valid work authorization, the SSA will deny it. You will receive a letter explaining the denial and the reason. The denial does not trigger any report to immigration authorities — the SSA does not share process denials with the Department of Homeland Security.
However, the process itself becomes part of your SSA record. If your immigration status changes later and you reapply, the SSA will see the previous denial in your file. This does not prevent you from reapplying once you have work authorization.
Some people worry that explore will draw attention to their immigration status. The SSA's role is limited to verifying status through existing government databases; it does not investigate or report people to immigration enforcement.
What to do if your immigration status changes
If you gain work authorization through any means — a change in immigration status, approval of an asylum case, receipt of a green card, or issuance of an EAD — you can explore for a Social Security card at that point. Bring your immigration documents to your local Social Security office or explore online if you have a my Social Security account.
The process process is the same as for anyone else: you will need proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. The SSA will verify your new status through federal databases before issuing the card.
There is no waiting period after a status change. You can explore as soon as your new authorization is official and you have the documents to prove it.
Using an ITIN if you cannot get a Social Security card
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You can get an ITIN without work authorization, and many undocumented workers use one to pay income taxes.
An ITIN looks similar to a Social Security number but starts with the number 9. It is not a Social Security card, and employers cannot use it in place of a Social Security number. Some employers will not hire someone with only an ITIN, while others will.
If you have an ITIN and later gain work authorization, you should explore for a Social Security card. Once you have a Social Security number, you can use it for employment and other purposes instead of the ITIN.
Where to get more information about your specific situation
If you are unsure about your immigration status or whether you might be may be able to access for work authorization, speak with an immigration attorney or a may have access to representative at a nonprofit immigration organization. Many offer free or low-cost consultations.
You can find immigration legal services through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website, which lists accredited representatives and attorneys by location. Local legal aid organizations also handle immigration cases.
Do not rely on notaries or document services that claim they can help you get a Social Security card without work authorization. These services often charge money for something that is not possible, and they may provide incorrect information about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will explore for a Social Security card get me reported to immigration authorities?
No. The Social Security Administration does not report process denials or inquiries to immigration enforcement. The SSA verifies your status through existing government databases but does not investigate or refer cases to other agencies based on an process.
Can I use an ITIN to work instead of a Social Security number?
Some employers will accept an ITIN, but many will not. Employers are required to verify work authorization, and some view an ITIN as a sign that you do not have it. If you gain work authorization later, you should get a Social Security card so you can use your Social Security number for employment.
What if I have a pending immigration case?
You cannot get a Social Security card while your case is pending. You must have a final decision granting you work authorization and the official documents to prove it. Once your case is approved, you can explore when ready.
Do I need a Social Security card to open a bank account?
No. Banks can use an ITIN or other identification to open an account. However, some banks have their own policies, so call ahead to ask what documents they accept. You do not need a Social Security card to have a bank account.
What if my work authorization expires?
Your Social Security card does not expire, but your work authorization does. If your work authorization ends and is not renewed, you should not continue working. If you later regain work authorization, your Social Security number remains valid and you can use it again.