Where and How to Obtain an SSN (Social Security Number) in the USA

Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is required for legal work, opening a bank account, filing tax returns, and many other formalities in the USA.

Who Can Get an SSN

• U.S. citizens (at birth or through naturalization)
• Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents)
• Individuals with a work visa (H-1B, H-2B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-2, etc.)
• Spouses of workers and individuals with work authorization status
• Students with an F-1 or J-1 visa with work authorization (CPT, OPT, on-campus job)
• EAD (Employment Authorization Document) holders

Individuals on a tourist visa (B1/B2, ESTA) CANNOT obtain an SSN.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Wait 10 days after entering the USA — this allows immigration systems to synchronize with the SSA
2. Find the nearest Social Security Office — search tool at secure.ssa.gov/ICON
3. Schedule an appointment by phone or walk in without a reservation (most offices accept walk-ins)
4. Complete Form SS-5 — can be downloaded in advance or obtained on-site
5. Bring the required documents (originals, not copies)
6. Submit your application and wait 2–4 weeks for your card

Required Documents

For Green Card Holders

• Passport with an immigration visa OR Green Card (if already received)
• I-94 (Arrival/Departure record) — download from i94.cbp.dhs.gov

For Individuals with a Work Visa

• Passport with a visa
• I-94
• I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B, L-1, etc.)
• Letter from the employer confirming employment (for H-2B visas)

For F-1 Students

• Passport with an F-1 visa
• I-94
• I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)
• Letter from the International Student Office
• Letter from the employer (for on-campus employment)

Costs

Obtaining an SSN is FREE. Anyone who asks for payment to obtain an SSN is a scammer.

What If I Did Not Receive an SSN with My Immigration Visa

Since 2017, Green Card applicants from consular processing can indicate on the DS-260 their desire to automatically obtain an SSN — in this case, the card arrives by mail about 3 weeks after arriving in the USA. If you missed this option, you must go in person to the SSA.

Can I Work Before Receiving My SSN Card?

Yes — you can start working by showing your employer the application receipt and your visa. The employer can write "applied for" on the I-9 form and correct the SSN number once received.

Common Issues

• Name does not match documents — spelling must be identical to that in the passport and visas
• Application submitted too soon after entry — wait at least 10 days
• Missing I-94 — download online from the CBP website
• Card theft — you can request a free duplicate (limit: 3 replacements/year, 10/lifetime)