Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Social Security Numbers (SSN) are widely used in the United States by citizens and other eligible immigrants and non-immigrants as “unique identifiers” for a variety of purposes, including:

• U.S. salary, wages, or payment
• bank account or investment
• credit card or loan
• identification
• Massachusetts driver's license
• tax returns

Eligibility

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows only non-immigrant visa holders who are “work authorized or work eligible” to obtain a SSN.

Eligible for a SSN:

• J-1 Exchange Visitors
• H-1B Temporary Specialty Workers
• E-3 Temporary Specialty Workers
• O-1 Extraordinary Ability
• TN Trade Nafta workers

Eligible for a SSN with valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS:

• J-2
• E-3D spouse

Not eligible for a SSN:

• H-4
• TD

Required SSN Application Documents

• Passport
• I-94 record
• Visa status document (DS-2019, I-797)
• If you are a J-2 or E-3D spouse, you will need to have received Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.  EAD processing time is usually 2-3 months.  Bring the approved EAD card with you in order to obtain a Social Security Number.

How to Obtain a SSN

• You must apply for the SSN in person.  Go to www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to find the SSA office nearest to you.
• If you are eligible to obtain a SSN, the U.S. government advises that you apply at least 5 days after your arrival in the U.S. If you are in J-1 visa status, you should not apply until at least 5 days after you register with PIPS.  Waiting 5 days ensures that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can electronically verify your immigration information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Your Social Security Number application may be significantly delayed if you do not wait at least 5 days. 
  
• If your application is accepted, you will be issued a SSN "receipt" confirming your application.  If you will be paid by the U.S. hospital, you can present the SSN "receipt" at your hospital orientation to sign on to payroll.
• Your Social Security card will be mailed to you, usually in 2-6 weeks.  The 9-digit number on the card is your personal SSN.   Learn more about SSN and identity theft.
• If you apply and you do not receive your Social Security card in the mail within 8 weeks, contact or re-visit the Social Security Office where you originally applied for the SSN.  If the SSA office explains that your card has not been issued for a specific reason, contact us for help. If the SSA does not explain a particular reason for not issuing the card, your card may have been lost in the mail and you should ask for the card to be replaced.