Social Secuity Card Request for Non-Citizen

[Jason+Joanna]

For your reading enjoyment:

 

To apply for a Social Security number:

 

Call or visit one of our local offices;

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and

Provide original documents showing your age, identity and lawful noncitizen status (including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the U.S.).

You may apply for a Social Security number if you do not have permission to work:

 

If a federal law requires that you show your Social Security number to get a particular benefit or service; or

If a state or local law requires you to show your Social Security number to get general assistance benefits.

To get a number to meet a state or local government requirement, you must provide a letter, on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies), from the government agency requiring you to get a number. The letter must:

 

Specifically identify you as the applicant;

Cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number;

Indicate that you meet all the agency’s requirements, except having the number; and

Contain an agency contact name and telephone number.

If you are assigned a number for nonwork purposes, you cannot use it to work. If you use it to work, we may inform DHS.

 

You will receive your number and card as soon as we verify your immigration status with DHS. Your employer can use your immigration documents as proof of your authorization to work in the U.S.

 

What can you do if you need a number for tax purposes?

If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

 

Do you need a number for other government services?

Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without having a Social Security number. You do not need a number to purchase savings bonds, conduct business with a bank, register for school or apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing.

 

Contacting Social Security

For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions and provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.

 

We treat all calls confidentially. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.

[skibum]

But don't expect that the people at your area office have read this.

[Dan R]

As I posted in another thread a couple days ago, the SSA policy manual is clear that a K-1 can have a SS# for work for the 90 days of the visa. This means getting the number 14 days after arrival should not be a problem. Bring with you another ID such as the birth certificate w/ translation from the P-4. They may ask for something besides passport and I-94. We had no trouble. In fact almost no words were said. I passed the SS5 and passport to the clerk. She put in the info. Asked for another ID. I gave the birth cert and she finished typing, handed us the receipt and said the card would come in two weeks and we can use the receipt for DMV. All finished. A girl in front of us was told to try back in two more weeks because USCIS had not entered her in the computer yet. That is the reason for waiting 14 days from entry to try.