Immigration (En español)

Social Security and entering the United States of America

Whether you are a student or a teacher, a farm worker, a businessperson, or an immigrant and you need to do business with Social Security, you have come to the right place.

Important: You must be lawfully present in the United States, with supporting evidence, to obtain a Social Security number.

If English is not easy for you

We can help you in two ways:

  • You can learn more about the Social Security program by reading information in one of the 14 languages offered on our Multilanguage Gateway; and
  • We can provide an interpreter for you when you call or visit Social Security. Read If You Need An Interpreter to find out how we can help you when you contact us.

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) Card

Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. SSNs are used to report a person’s wages to the government, to determine that person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits, to work, collect Social Security benefit, and receive other government services.

You can find information on how noncitizens can get an SSN card in our online publication, Social Security Numbers For Non-Citizens, including required documentation.

There are several easy and automated ways to get a Social Security card, without having to visit your local Social Security office:

  • For noncitizens applying for lawful permanent residence using the U.S. Department of State’s application for an immigrant visa (using DS-260 or DS-230) For information on how to use this process, read Social Security Numbers And Immigrant Visas.
  • For noncitizens applying for work authorization (using DHS Form I-765), lawful permanent residency (using DHS Form I-485), or U.S. naturalization (using DHS Form N-400) – complete the questions regarding requesting an SSN card. Once DoS/DHS approves your application, you should receive your SSN card within 14 days.
  • If you’re unable to use any of the automated processes or did not receive your SSN card you requested as part of the immigration process, you can use our online service to begin the application process and make an appointment at your local Social Security office.

We are with those who need a helping hand...

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a program that provides income support to people with disabilities and people who are age 65 or older, or blind, who have low income and resources. U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust funds, pay for SSI.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for SSI, visit SSI Benefits to learn more and apply.

Social Security information for special groups

Please read additional information for the groups mentioned below.

Workers

It's important to make sure your earnings have been reported correctly. Unless your earnings are correctly reported under your name and Social Security number, you won't get credit for them.

Students

  • International Students And Social Security Numbers
  • Wages earned by foreign students

    • If a student has an F-1, J-1, or M-1 Visa and is working on campus or by special arrangement with the school, his/her earnings are generally not covered or taxable for Social Security purposes. Other work generally is covered and taxable. You may want to access the Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) publications 515 and 519 for details about employment taxes payable on the earnings of noncitizens. These publications are available on the Internet at: http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs. IRS is the authority on all tax matters including the collection and refund of Social Security taxes. You can direct your questions to the IRS by:

    • Calling their toll-free telephone number, 1-800-829-1040; or
    • Calling or visiting any local IRS office; or
    • Writing to the national address of the IRS which is: Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20024; or
    • Accessing their website at: http://www.irs.gov.

Adopted Children