SSN is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and U.S. temporary workers. The SSN is issued through the Social Security Administration. The primary purpose of SSN is to monitor tax revenues. Over time, it also became a National Identification Number. Students, participants in the Work & Travel USA program, must apply for SSN upon arrival in the United States.
To obtain an SSN, you will apply at the local social security office – SSN administration office.
Investigate after receiving a job offer where your nearest SSN administration office is: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Since SSN is received only after 15-20 days and the card with the number after 1-3 months, you will receive a confirmation that you have submitted the documents for SSN and you are free to work with it until your card is ready. SSN cannot be obtained only by students who are not confirmed in the SSN system or those who do not show up for work on the first working day.
When applying, you must submit the following original documents:
- Passport
- DS – 2019 form
- J-1 visa
- I-94 form
- Confirmation that you have received a job – job offer (official letter from the employer that is signed and certified).
What if I don’t get an SSN?
If you do not receive an SSN after 6 weeks, call the Social Security Administration at toll-free 1-800-772-1213. Have ready, at hand, your certificate of application for SSN – Social Security Receipt.
If you applied for SSN and did not receive it, you have the right to work and receive a salary.
If you have more questions contact the sponsoring agency.
