Who can get a Social Security number as an immigrant

Yes, immigrants can get a Social Security number (SSN), but the rules depend on your immigration status and work authorization. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues numbers to people who are authorized to work in the United States, regardless of citizenship. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain visa holders.

If you are in the U.S. without authorization, you cannot get an SSN through the normal process. Some states have issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead, which allow people to file taxes and open bank accounts, but an ITIN is not the same as an SSN and does not provide Social Security benefits or work authorization.

The key requirement is that SSA must verify you have a valid immigration status that permits work. You do not need to be a citizen, but you do need documentation showing the government has authorized you to be here and to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Immigrants with work authorization—including green card holders, refugees, and certain visa holders—can get a Social Security number from the SSA.
  • You will need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and immigration status to a local SSA office.
  • The SSA verifies your immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security before issuing a number, which can take several weeks.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is not a Social Security number and does not provide work authorization or Social Security benefits.

What documents you need to bring

When you go to a Social Security office, bring original documents or certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency. You will need proof of three things: identity, age, and immigration status.

For identity, bring a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. For age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued document with your date of birth. For immigration status, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), I-94 arrival/departure record, or refugee/asylee approval notice. The exact documents SSA will accept depend on your specific status, so call your local office before you go to confirm what to bring.

You will also need to fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) before or when you arrive. You can read this form from ssa.gov or pick one up at the office. Bring it completed and signed.

How long it takes and what happens next

After you submit your process, SSA sends your information to the Department of Homeland Security to verify your immigration status. This verification step usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if there are questions about your documents.

Once SSA confirms your status, they will mail your Social Security card to the address you provided. The card itself usually arrives within one to two weeks after verification is complete. In total, expect the process to take four to six weeks from the day you explore, though some cases move faster.

You do not need to wait for the card to arrive to start using your number. SSA will give you a receipt when you explore that shows your new number. Some employers will accept this receipt as proof of your SSN while you wait for the physical card.

Refugees and asylees

If you entered the U.S. as a refugee or were granted asylum, you are authorized to work and can get an SSN. Bring your refugee travel document, asylee travel document, or approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You do not need to wait for a green card—your refugee or asylee status is enough.

Many refugees and asylees are unaware they can explore right away. You can explore at any Social Security office as soon as you have your approval documents in hand. Some resettlement agencies will help you with this process, so ask if your agency offers this service.

Visa holders and temporary workers

If you are on an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or other work visa, you may be able to get an SSN. The rules vary by visa type. H-1B workers, for example, can get an SSN if their employer has filed an I-129 petition with USCIS and it has been approved or is pending. Bring your passport, visa, and approval notice or receipt notice from USCIS.

Some visa categories do not allow SSNs. F-1 student visa holders, for instance, cannot get an SSN unless they have been authorized to work on-campus or through Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you are unsure whether your visa type allows an SSN, call SSA before you go to the office.

What to do if you are denied

If SSA denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, documents that do not match your process, or SSA's inability to verify your immigration status with Homeland Security.

If you believe the denial was wrong, you can request a new review. Contact your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring any additional documents that support your case. If the issue is a document mismatch—for example, your name spelled differently on different papers—you may need to get a corrected document from the issuing agency first.

If you are still denied and believe it is an error, you can file a complaint with SSA's Office of Inspector General or contact a legal aid organization in your area that helps immigrants.

How an SSN affects your immigration status

Getting an SSN does not change your immigration status and does not make you a citizen. It is straightforward a number that lets you work, pay taxes, and build a Social Security record. You remain in whatever status you had before—whether that is a green card holder, visa holder, refugee, or asylee.

If your immigration status changes—for example, if your visa expires or you are no longer authorized to work—your SSN itself does not expire. However, you will no longer be authorized to work in the U.S., and employers will not be able to verify your work authorization through E-Verify or other systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an SSN if I am waiting for my green card?

It depends on your situation. If you have an approved I-485 (green card process) and are in the U.S. waiting for your green card to arrive, you may be able to get an SSN with your approval notice. If you are still in the early stages of the green card process, you likely cannot get an SSN yet. Call SSA to ask about your specific case.

What if my documents are in another language?

SSA requires documents to be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. You can hire a professional translator or contact your local SSA office to ask which translators they accept. Do not use a family member to translate official documents—SSA typically requires a certified translator.

Do I need a lawyer to get an SSN?

No, you do not need a lawyer to explore for an SSN. The process is straightforward and you can do it yourself by bringing the right documents to your local Social Security office. However, if SSA denies your process and you believe it is wrong, a lawyer or legal aid organization can help you appeal.

Can my family members get SSNs too?

Yes, if they also have work authorization. Each family member must explore separately with their own documents proving identity, age, and immigration status. Children can get SSNs if they have valid immigration status, even if they are not yet old enough to work.

What is the difference between an SSN and an ITIN?

An SSN is issued to people authorized to work in the U.S. and provides access to Social Security benefits. An ITIN is issued by the IRS for tax purposes only and does not provide work authorization or benefits. If you have work authorization, you should get an SSN, not an ITIN.