Can international students get a Social Security Number?

F-1 students can get an SSN only if they have authorized employment (on-campus job, CPT, or OPT). J-1 exchange visitors can get an SSN with or without a job offer, as long as they are in valid J-1 status and enrolled full-time.

What documents do I need to apply for an SSN?

You need: your passport, F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, Form I-94, Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), your employment authorization document (EAD for OPT/STEM OPT, or CPT I-20), an employer letter confirming your job offer, and a support letter from your DSO (international student office).

How long does it take to get an SSN?

After submitting your application at the SSA office, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10–14 days.

What can I use instead of an SSN if I'm not eligible?

If you cannot get an SSN, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS using Form W-7. An ITIN is accepted by some banks and credit card issuers. You can also open a US bank account with just your passport at many banks, and some credit cards (like Zolve or FirstCard) accept international students without an SSN.

When should I apply for an SSN after arriving in the US?

Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before applying, and make sure your SEVIS record has been active for at least 2 days. Applying too early means your records won't show up in the SSA system yet, which will result in denial.

Do I need an SSN to open a US bank account?

No. Many US banks — including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo — allow international students to open accounts with just a passport and proof of student status. You do not need an SSN or credit history to open a basic checking account.

How to Get an SSN as an International Student

The Social Security Number is one of the first things people ask you for in the US — for banking, taxes, employment, and more. Here's who can get one, when to apply, and what to do if you're not eligible yet.

What is an SSN and why do you need it?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Originally created for tracking Social Security benefits, it has become the de facto national ID for almost everything financial in the US — your employer needs it to pay you, the IRS uses it to process your taxes, and most banks and credit card issuers ask for it when you apply.

That said, you do not need an SSN to arrive, study, open a bank account, or get a SIM card. It becomes necessary primarily when you start earning US income.

Quick answer by visa type

F-1 students: You can get an SSN only if you have authorized employment (on-campus job, CPT, or OPT). Without employment, you are not eligible.

J-1 exchange visitors: You are eligible to apply for an SSN regardless of whether you have a job offer, as long as you are in valid J-1 status and registered full-time.

F-1 students: when are you eligible?

The SSA will only issue an SSN to F-1 students who have employment authorization. The three situations that make you eligible are:

On-campus employment — working at your university library, dining hall, research lab, or any job physically on your campus. No additional authorization needed beyond your I-20 and a letter from your employer.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) — internships or work directly tied to your degree and authorized by your DSO. Your CPT-endorsed I-20 serves as your work authorization.
OPT or STEM OPT — post-completion practical training. You'll need your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card from USCIS before applying for an SSN.

Important

If you don't have a job yet but want an SSN "for future use," the SSA will deny your application. You must have an active job offer or existing authorized employment to apply as an F-1 student.

Documents to bring to the SSA office

Gather all of these before visiting. The SSA will want to see originals — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Passport Valid, with your visa stamp inside

Form I-94 Print your current record from i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Form I-20 or DS-2019 F-1 students bring I-20; J-1 bring DS-2019

Employment authorization EAD card, CPT I-20, or on-campus employer letter

DSO support letter From your international student office

Employer offer letter On company letterhead with your name, position, and hours

You'll also fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office. It's a one-page form and takes about five minutes.

Step-by-step: how to apply

Wait 10 days after arriving

The SSA checks your records against DHS and SEVIS databases. If you apply too early, your arrival won't appear in their system and your application will be denied. Also make sure your SEVIS record has been active for at least 2 days.

Get your DSO support letter

Visit your international student office and ask for a letter confirming your valid F-1/J-1 status, your program end date, and your authorization to work. Most offices issue this within 1–3 business days.

Print your I-94 record

Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov and download your most recent travel history. The SSA needs a printed copy showing your last entry date and class of admission.

Find your local SSA office and go in person

Use the SSA office locator at ssa.gov/locator. SSN applications for international students must be done in person — there is no online option. Bring all documents and arrive early; wait times can be long.

Wait 10–14 days for your card

Once your application is approved, your SSN card arrives by mail within about two weeks. Store it somewhere safe — you rarely need the physical card but will use the number often.

Pro tip

Some employers will ask for your SSN before your card arrives. This is fine — tell them your SSN is in process and give them the number once you receive it. Your employer can start the hiring paperwork in the meantime.

What to do if you're not eligible for an SSN

If you just arrived and don't have authorized employment, you still have options for the most common situations where an SSN is typically required.

Banking

Most US banks — including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo — allow international students to open a checking account with just a passport and proof of student status (I-20 or DS-2019). No SSN required.

Credit cards

Several issuers accept international students without an SSN: Zolve and FirstCard are built specifically for newcomers. American Express and Bank of America also accept an ITIN (see below) in place of an SSN on many applications.

Taxes (ITIN)

If you receive any US income (like a scholarship stipend or fellowship) but can't get an SSN, apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) using IRS Form W-7. An ITIN is accepted by the IRS for tax purposes and by some financial institutions in place of an SSN.

Driver's license

Most states do not require an SSN to get a driver's license if you're on a student visa. Bring your passport, I-94, and I-20 to the DMV. Check your specific state's requirements beforehand.

Common questions

My employer is asking for my SSN but I'm still waiting for my card — what do I do?

Tell your employer your SSN is in process. If you've already submitted your application at the SSA office, you can ask them to provide you with a confirmation receipt. Most US employers are familiar with this situation for international students and will wait a few weeks.

Can I use my passport number instead of an SSN?

For banking purposes, yes — many banks accept your passport. For employment and taxes, no. Your employer is legally required to collect your SSN for payroll and tax withholding once you have one.

What if my SSN application is denied?

Common reasons are applying too soon after arrival (your records aren't in the system yet), missing documents, or not having active employment authorization. Ask the SSA officer what specifically was missing, fix it, and reapply. There's no waiting period to reapply after a denial.

Do I keep my SSN after my student visa expires?

Yes. Your SSN is permanent and does not expire with your visa. If you change visa status, get a green card, or become a US citizen, your SSN stays the same.

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