• Main Partners Site
  • About Partners
  • International Orientation
  • Contact PIPS

Partners HealthCare®

  • Coming Here
    • J-1 Research Visa
    • J-1 Clinical (ECFMG) Visa
    • H-1B Visa
    • Other Visa Types
    • International Orientation
    • Types of J-1 Visa
    • J-1 Versus H-1B Visa Comparison Chart
    • Unmarried Partners
    • Social Security Numbers
  • Maintaining Your Visa Status
    • J-1 Research Visa
    • J-1 Clinical (ECFMG) Visa
    • H-1B Visa
    • Other Visa Types
    • Green Cards
  • Living in Boston
    • Map of Boston Neighborhoods and Surrounding Area
    • Transportation
    • Finding an Apartment
    • Furnishing Your Home
    • Shopping
    • Childcare & School
    • Identification & Driver's Licenses
    • Telephone & Internet Services
    • Harvard Privileges
  • U.S. & American Culture
    • American Culture
    • Cultural Adjustment
    • Banking & Taxes
    • Health Care
    • Safety & Security
    • Postal Service
    • American Holidays
    • Learning English
  • About GPS
    • About Mass General Brigham
    • Contact Us
    • Career Development
    • Immigration Updates

Home > Coming Here > Social Security Numbers

Coming Here

  • J-1 Research Visa
    • Timeline
    • Required Checklist
    • Health Insurance Requirements
    • Visa Rules & Regulations
    • Entering the United States
    • Change Arrival Date Form
    • Error on DS-2019
    • Transfer In
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • J-1 Clinical (ECFMG) Visa
  • H-1B Visa
    • Change H1-B Employer
    • Change to H-1B in the United States
    • Obtain H-1B Outside the United States
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • J-1 Student Intern Visa
    • TN Visa
  • Other Visa Types
    • B-1/Visa Waiver
    • E-3 Visa
    • F-1 Visa
    • H-1B1 Visa
    • J-1 Student Intern Visa
    • O-1 Visa
    • TN Visa
  • International Orientation
    • Register for International Orientation
  • Types of J-1 Visa
  • J-1 Versus H-1B Visa Comparison Chart
  • Unmarried Partners
  • Social Security Numbers

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.
  • Site Map
  • Ethics at Partners
  • Privacy and Terms of Use
  • Contact Partners HealthCare
  • Website Disclaimer

Partners Healthcare®

©Partners HealthCare