Social Security Number and
Social Security Card

A social security number is a mandatory requirement for every person who works and receives pay in the U.S. It is a 9-digit number which uniquely identifies you in the U.S. SSN might be needed for activities such as banking, utilities, phones, etc., but not a mandatory. You can apply for the SSN card in person at a local Social Security Administration office. It usually takes about 1 to 2 months to receive an SSN Card.

Eligibility to obtain a Social Security Number | Card

Foreign nationals who have got the permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number.
Finally, take or mail the documentation to the nearest SS Administration office. Use the SSN Office Locator to find the nearest SSN office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the Form.

Documents required to get a Social Security Card

• Application form, Form SS-5
• Original documents proving your
  • Immigration status
  • Work eligibility
  • Age and
  • Identity.

Finally, take or mail the documentation to the nearest Social Security Administration office. Use the SSN Office Locator to find the nearest SSN office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the Form SS-5 to any SSN office.

Individuals Not Eligible For A Social Security Number

Individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number are Non-Resident Aliens with the following visa types:

Visa Status	Comments
B1	Visitor for business
B1	Visitor for business
B2	Visitor for pleasure
F2	Spouse or dependent of F-1
H4	Spouse or dependent of H-1
J2	Spouse or dependent of J-1 (unless the individual has an I-688B card)
O3	Spouse or dependent of O-1
WB	Visitor for business
WT	Visitor for pleasure

Individuals holding the above non-immigrant visas may be issued an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which can be used as an alternate to SSN, by providing the following documents to Internal Revenue Services (IRS).

Documents required to obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• A foreign passport
• A valid document issued by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), establishing the non-immigrant status and residence of the applicant, or
• A foreign birth record along with one of the following documents:
  • driver’s license
  • identity card
  • voter’s registration card
  • school record
  • medical record
  • marriage record
  • military registration card
• Application for ITIN, Form W-7

The document(s) described above may be relied upon if it has a photograph of the individual, an address in a foreign country, has not expired, and is not older than three years regardless of validity.
If the document is lacking a photograph or is older than three years, the document may only be used as supporting evidence of alien status and residency.
If it appears that the individual is residing in the United States, evidence supporting the reasons for the applicant’s ineligibility for a Social Security number must be obtained from the applicant.
The IRS will issue an ITIN on a Form 9844, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card and mail the form to you. [ 1 ] [ 2 ]