Social Security will not assign an F-1 International student a number just to enroll in a college or school. If you are currently in F-1 status and have found an on-campus job or have been authorized to work off-campus (such as CPT, OPT, or Economic Hardship), you should be eligible to apply for a SSN.

Can I apply for SSN without a job?

We don’t require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from us stating you applied for a number, and your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States.

Can you get SSN for unpaid internship?

Unpaid internships are not legal. They still have to verify your identity which is why they are requesting your SSN.

How do I check if my SSN is valid?

If you want to verify SSNs for other than wage reporting purposes you must use our Consent Based SSN Verification Service (CBSV) which you can access from our website at If you want to verify your own SSN, you must have proof of identity and visit your local Social Security Field Office.

Can I work while waiting for SSN?

You are allowed to work while you are waiting for your card. If you need to apply for a first-time Social Security card, you will apply in person at a local Social Security office. Use the Social Security Office Locator, to find the closest office.

Can you get a Social Security number as an international student?

The question “How to get a social security number as an international student?” is often asked across different international student groups. The answer is that you can definitely apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F-1 or M-1 visa student.

Can a foreign student file for Social Security?

As discussed above, this means that foreign students in F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States less than 5 calendar years are still NONRESIDENT ALIENS and are still exempt from social security/Medicare taxes.

Who is eligible for a Social Security number if you are a student?

Eligibility for a Social Security Number is based upon a person’s eligibility to work in the United States. Those eligible for a Social Security Number include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals — including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1 or J-1 student status.

Can a F-1 visa student get a SSN?

The answer is that you can definitely apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F-1 or M-1 visa student. The process of applying for an SSN may sound complicated and tedious; however, if you read this carefully, you can apply and get your SSN without wasting time and energy. Of course, you need to get a job in order to apply for an SSN.