SSN and ITIN
What are SSN and ITIN, and why should you get one?
If you’re a student or worker from another US country and need help getting an SSN or ITIN, this video will help you. An SSN is a vital document. You should get an ITIN if you’re ineligible to get an SSN. Understanding how to get these can be hard, but we’ll make it easy for you. We’ll show you how to get an SSN and what papers you need. If you’re ineligible to get an SSN, you should get an ITIN.
Remember, if you already have an SSN, don’t try to get a new one. Your SSN stays the same. If you forget your number or lose your card, call the SSA, who will help you.
Steps to get an SSN
To get an SSN, you need to follow these four steps:
- Please fill out the SS-5 form online or print it.
- Get your required documents ready (we’ll talk about this later).
- Make an appointment at your local SSA office.
- Go to your interview with your form and documents.
After your interview, you’ll get a letter. Show it to your school and job so you can start working. You need to get your Social Security card to get paid, and it takes 7 to 14 days to get it.
Now, let’s see what papers you need based on your situation:
Full-Time International Student with an F1 Visa
You need an on-campus job to get an SSN. Wait 10 days after arriving in the US and 48 hours after going to your school to apply. Bring these papers to the SSA office:
- Form SS-5
- Form I-20
- Your valid passport, along with your old passport if it contains your F1 visa.
- Your arrival/departure record, also known as Form I-94
- Your on-campus employment letter
- An SSN Support Letter signed by your Designated School Official, commonly known as DSO.
Full-Time International Student with approved CPT
Ensure you have CPT approval and are 30 days from starting. Bring these papers:
- Form SS-5
- Form I-20 with CPT authorization on page 2, signed by your DSO
- Your valid passport, along with your old passport, if it contains your F1 visa
- Your arrival/departure record, also known as Form I-94
Full-Time International Student with approved OPT
Make sure you didn’t apply for SSN with OPT, have your EAD card, and apply after the EAD start date. Bring these papers:
- Form SS-5
- Form I-20 with OPT authorization on page 2, signed by your DSO
- Your valid passport, along with your old passport, if it contains your F1 visa
- Your arrival/departure record, also known as Form I-94
- Your EAD Card
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you should get an ITIN.
You have to file taxes if you make money in the US. Could you talk to your school or a tax professional to learn if you need to file taxes?
To get an ITIN, you need these papers:
- W-7 form, passport
- I-20 form
- Visa stamp
- Scholarship or Grant papers, if applicable
- DSO letter
- W-8BEN form if claiming tax treaty benefits
- Other needed papers as needed
You can send your ITIN application by mail, go to an IRS-Certified Acceptance Agent, or go to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. It takes seven weeks to get your ITIN.
We hope this helps you get your SSN and ITIN. Watch our next video to learn what to do after you get them. Visit our website for more information, and leave questions or comments below. Thanks for watching!
