Who can get a Social Security number as an immigrant

Whether you can get a Social Security number depends on your immigration status and the reason you need one. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) can get a Social Security number. Temporary visa holders — including students, temporary workers, and people on humanitarian visas — can also get one, but the process and what you can use it for may differ.

Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security number through the standard process. However, some states have created alternatives like Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) so people can file taxes and access certain services without a Social Security number.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not verify immigration status when you explore. Instead, you show documents that prove your identity and your work authorization or visa status. The documents you need depend on which category you fall into.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent residents and people on valid work or student visas can get a Social Security number by visiting your local Social Security office with proof of identity and immigration status.
  • Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security number but may be able to get an ITIN from the IRS to file taxes and open bank accounts in some states.
  • You do not need a Social Security number to work in all cases — some employers accept ITINs or other forms of work authorization documentation.
  • The documents you need to bring vary by visa type, so calling your local Social Security office before you go saves a trip.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of immigration status or work authorization. Your identity document might be a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. Your age document is usually the same as your identity document if it shows your date of birth.

Proof of immigration status or work authorization depends on your visa type. Permanent residents bring their green card. People on work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, and others) bring their visa stamp, I-94 arrival/departure record, and employment authorization document (EAD). Students bring their I-20 form and I-94. People on humanitarian visas (asylum, refugee, or T visa) bring their visa or approval notice.

If your documents are in another language, bring the original and an official English translation. The SSA office can tell you which translations they accept — some require certification by a notary or consulate.

How the process works at the Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office in person. You cannot get a Social Security number by mail or online. Bring all three types of documents listed above, plus your completed process form SS-5 (you can fill it out at home or at the office). Bring the original documents and one photocopy of each.

The SSA staff will review your documents, take your information, and take your photograph for their records. They will not make copies themselves — you must bring copies. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a receipt that day, and your Social Security card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

If you are not sure which documents to bring, call your local Social Security office before you go. The phone number is on the SSA website, and staff can tell you exactly what you need based on your visa type. This saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

What you can do with a Social Security number as an immigrant

With a Social Security number, you can work for any employer in the United States, open a bank account, build credit history, and file taxes. Some employers require a Social Security number; others accept an ITIN or other work authorization documents. Your employer should tell you what they need during hiring.

A Social Security number also lets you explore for a driver's license in most states, rent an apartment, and sign up for utilities. Some states use your Social Security number to verify your identity when you explore for a license, though this is changing — many states now accept ITINs or other documents.

If you are on a temporary visa, your Social Security number is valid only while your visa is valid. If your visa expires and you do not renew it, you should not use that Social Security number for new work or credit. If you become a permanent resident or citizen later, your existing Social Security number stays with you.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) as an alternative

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that works like a Social Security number for tax purposes. You can get an ITIN even if you do not have work authorization or a visa. Undocumented immigrants, visa holders waiting for a Social Security number, and some temporary visa holders use ITINs to file taxes and open bank accounts.

To get an ITIN, you explore to the IRS using form W-7. You must show proof of identity and proof that you have a reason to file taxes in the United States — usually a letter from an employer or a copy of a tax return you are filing. You can explore by mail or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent.

An ITIN does not give you work authorization. It only lets you file taxes and, in some states, open a bank account or get a driver's license. Some employers do not accept ITINs for hiring purposes, so check with your employer before you explore.

What happens if your visa expires

If you are on a temporary visa and it expires, your Social Security number does not disappear or become invalid. However, you should not use it to start new jobs, open new credit accounts, or sign new contracts. If you stay in the United States after your visa expires without renewing it, you are no longer authorized to work, and using your Social Security number for employment is illegal.

If your visa expires and you want to stay, you can explore options like changing your status to permanent resident, explore for asylum, or explore for another visa type. An immigration attorney can tell you which options may be available to you. During this time, you might use an ITIN instead of your Social Security number for taxes and banking.

If you leave the United States and return later on a new visa, your old Social Security number is still yours. You do not need to explore for a new one.

State-specific rules and banking

Some states have their own rules about who can open a bank account and what documents they accept. California, New York, Illinois, and several other states allow people to open bank accounts with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Other states require a Social Security number. Call your bank or visit their website to ask what documents they accept.

Some banks also ask for a state ID or driver's license. Rules for getting a driver's license vary by state — some states require a Social Security number, while others accept an ITIN or other documents. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see what you need.

If you are planning to move to a different state, ask about that state's rules before you go. What works in one state may not work in another, especially for banking and driver's licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security number if I am on a student visa?

Yes. Bring your I-20 form, I-94 arrival/departure record, passport, and completed SS-5 form to your local Social Security office. You can work on campus with a Social Security number, and some off-campus jobs are also allowed under your visa rules. Check with your school's international student office about work restrictions.

What if I do not have a passport or national ID card?

You need some form of identity document issued by your home country's government. If you do not have a passport, ask your country's consulate or embassy in the United States whether they can issue a national ID card or travel document. The SSA office can also tell you which documents they accept as proof of identity.

Can I get a Social Security number if I am undocumented?

No, not through the standard Social Security process. However, you can get an ITIN from the IRS to file taxes. Some states and banks accept ITINs for opening accounts and getting driver's licenses. An immigration attorney can tell you what options are available in your state.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

You receive a receipt at the Social Security office the day you explore. Your card arrives by mail within two to four weeks. If you need it faster, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary number you can use while you wait for the card.

Do I need a Social Security number to work in the United States?

Most employers require one, but some accept an ITIN or other work authorization documents. Ask your employer what they need before you explore. If they accept an ITIN, you can get one from the IRS while you wait for your Social Security number or if you are not able to get one.