Non-immigrants, here’s how you apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
New to the US? Getting an identification number - whether the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - should be at the top of your priority list. It's basically the key to accessing everything from WIFI to banking to filing taxes a.k.a., you need it pronto.
If you're a non-immigrant, know that the SSN/ITIN isn't automatically issued the moment you land on US shores. You need to apply for it.
1. How to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
Not everyone qualifies for an SSN; generally only those who qualify to work are issued one. If you’re an O3 visa holder like I was, you do not qualify for an SSN- skip to the part about applying for an ITIN.
Step 1: Check if you can apply, then get started
3 things you need to know beforehand:
1. You can apply online (takes 5 minutes), but only if you have a US mailing address.
If you do not, you'll be stuck at the 2nd question:
2. Online, it says "Generally, you must provide at least two documents", but really, don't go thinking that you could bring a passport and an I-94 travel history print out and call it a day. Check your applicable category and bring the required documents:
Noncitizens (PDF)
International students (PDF)
Foreign workers (PDF)
Citizen children (PDF)
3. Take a look at types of documents needed and prepare to bring originals for submission.
FYI here’s where you go to obtain your I-94 (travel history).
Step 2: Visit your local Social Security Office to submit the required documents
You must do so within 45 calendar days, but you could basically go the next day. Just show up and take a number (and prepare to wait an hour for your turn).
Step 3: Receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.
“Card”. It’s actually a piece of paper that contains your SSN within a shape of a card that you could remove from its perforated edges.
Do not lose it or you’ll deeply regret finding yourself in the midst of a social security scam.
Honestly, just memorize the number and don’t even carry that card with you.
2. HOT TIP🔥: Don’t wait around for your SSN card issuance - visit the SSA and take down your number!
Did you read Step 3 where I wrote that you shouldn’t even carry your Social Security card with you? Indeed, no organization would ever ask that you bring the original card to prove your identification - the number is all they need!
So, you don’t have to wait around for the actual issuance of the physical card in the mail.
If you need your SSN urgently (you need it to sign up for wifi, so that counts as urgent), ask the officer during your first appointment (at Step 2) if you could come back the next day and be allowed to read and take down your SSN.
Shoutout to my friend Jefri for this hack! He arrived in Boston on a Wednesday, signed up for his SSN on Thursday AM, dropped off his documents on Thursday PM and went back to the office to take down his SSN on Friday.
3. How to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Individuals who are required to have a US taxpayer identification number but do not have, or are ineligible to obtain an SSN are issued ITINs by the IRS.
An ITIN is required for federal tax reporting, and in practical day-to-day living having one would serve to open bank accounts and set up wifi etc.
There are 3 options to apply for an ITIN, all of which are laid out clearly in the IRS’ website here.
You’d file for your ITIN at the time that you file your first federal tax return, so yes, depending on when you first got into the US, you might have to wait for some time before you could even initiate an ITIN request and have it issued.
That also unfortunately, means that you’d have to put some regular things like opening a bank account and building credit on hold until you get an ITIN. If this is you, I’m sending you an e-hug… I’ve experienced the same sense of limbo and I’m sorry that you’re going through the same.
