Social Security Numbers

Process

  1. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) online by going to https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time. This can be done before you go to the SSA office

  2. Once you enter your personal information, you will be asked to select all the documents you will bring to your appointment upon arrival in the US. You must bring at least two documents that verify age, identity, and immigration status. Below is a list of acceptable documents. We often see that applicants bring their original birth certificate, foreign passport, and their I-94 with an unexpired foreign passport.

    • Foreign Passport

    • I-551 Permanent Resident Card

    • I-94 with No Foreign Passport

    • I-94 with Unexpired Foreign Passport

    • I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card

    • Admit (ADM) Stamp in Unexpired Foreign Passport

    • I-551 Stamp (Temporary)

    • Current, Valid U.S. Drivers License

    • I-551 Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV)

    • U.S. State Identity Card

    • Birth Certificate - Foreign

    • DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility

    • I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

    • Other Evidence to prove age, identity, and immigration status

  3. Go to the closest Social Security office with all the required documents.

    • H-1B1 holders - this visa type is uncommon, so sometimes employees at the SS office do not recognize it. It is important to be persistent and ask for a supervisor if the person is giving you trouble. In some cases, some have had to leave that window, get back in line, and speak with a new representative.

  4. You should get your card in the mail within 10-14 business days. If you do not, please go to the Social Security office and speak with a representative.