SNN application steps

How to apply: Go to the Social Security Online official website to download and fill out the Social Security Card Application Form SS-5, prepare the relevant required documents, and then line up at the nearest SSA office Take the number and proceed with the delivery.

Required fees: You do not need to pay any fees for the entire application process. If your SNN is lost, you can apply for free.

Time required: You will receive the SSN card mailed to the designated address approximately 1-2 weeks after delivery.

Note: All relevant supporting documents prepared must be originals or legal copies. SSA does not accept photocopies. Keep the receipt provided by SSA and ask the staff if you have any questions.

Introduction to SNN types There are three types of SSN cards, as follows:

1. Regular Cards with names and numbers printed on them are mainly issued to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. People with this kind of Social Security card are not restricted from working in the United States.

2. Printed with name, number and the words Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization. It is mainly issued to foreigners who have work authorization cards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can work in the United States for a short period of time. It is mainly issued to people who legally enter the United States for temporary stay and have a Department of Homeland Security work permit. For example, Optional Practical Training (OPT) or international students who need to intern in a well-known multinational company. The SSA will carefully review the applicant's submitted documents to confirm that there is indeed employment and clearance documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security before issuing this card.

3. Printed with name, number and the words Not Valid for Employment, it is mainly issued to foreigners who have legal status to reside in the United States but cannot work legally, such as international students and people entering with non-work visas. It is mainly issued to people who have entered the United States legally from other countries and do not have a Department of Homeland Security work permit, but who need an SSN for other legitimate reasons other than work. For example, people who are required by federal, state, or local law to provide an SSN to receive certain benefits or services (such as food stamps, Medicaid, or SNAP, etc.).

The SNN application and required documents are carefully explained on the SSA official website. After clicking on this webpage, there will be 3 questions and several options on the left (details are as follows). Select according to your identity status, and the relevant data you need to prepare will be displayed. (The following will also sort out the documents required for several common identities when applying for SNN.)

Question 1: Who is the card for: (This SSN card is for) (a ) An Adult (b) A Child

Question 2. Type of card: (SSN card type) (a) Original (first application) (b) Replacement ( c) Corrected.(Correction)

Question 3. Citizenship of the person the card is for: (applicant’s identity) (a) U.S. Born Citizen (b) Foreign Born U.S. Citizen (foreign-born U.S. citizen) (c) Noncitizen. (Non-U.S. citizen)

International students’ application for SNN

Eligibility: Temporarily studying in the United States for college, language, vocational or non-U.S. Non-immigrant F1, M1 or J1 student categories at academic schools, dependents of J2 students, etc.

Why you need SNN? If you work on campus, you must apply to declare your salary to the government and determine eligibility for social security benefits.

Required information 1. Valid passport and visa. 2. Complete SS-5. 3. I-94, click to download. 4. F1 and M1 visa holders must prepare: I-20. 5. J1 visa holders must prepare: DS-2019. 6. Proof of work permit: If you are an F1 student and are eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter of employment certification from the school. The certification letter will list the nature of your work, start date, working hours, supervisor’s name and contact, etc. information. Proof of work qualifications can be obtained from the school's International Student Office. If you are an F1 student who is approved for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT), you must provide an I-20 and have the designated person in charge of your school fill out the signed employment page (the third page). If you are an F1 or M1 student and have an employment authorization (I-766) from the Department of Homeland Security, you must present your EAD card. If you are a J1, J2, intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter of guarantee from your guarantor, which must be printed on the guarantor’s letterhead and have the original signature approving your employment. 7. Those entering the country holding a J2 exchange visitor dependent visa must prepare an English version of the marriage certificate with the J1 visa holder. 8. Other auxiliary data.

Other notes: If your actual on-campus or course training work starts 30 days after the application date, or the legal work date on the EAD is in the future, you cannot apply for SSN. After preparing the above data, go to the nearest Social Security Administration office to apply for an SSN. You will receive an SSN card in about 1-2 weeks.

Other ways for non-U.S. citizens to apply Generally, non-U.S. citizens can obtain a Social Security number only if they are approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States. The purpose of a Social Security number is to report an individual's wages to the government and determine an individual's eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to work, receive Social Security benefits, and receive other government services.

Application preparation data 1. Valid passport and relevant visa (such as L1, L2, etc. visa). 2. Complete SS-5. 3. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, click here to download. 4. EAD work card (if any). 5. Those entering the country with an L2 visa must prepare an English version of their marriage certificate with the L1 visa holder. 6. Other auxiliary data. After preparing the above data, go to the nearest Social Security Administration office to apply for an SSN. You will receive an SSN card in about 1-2 weeks.