Applying for an SSN as an F-1 Student or H-1B Worker

New arrivals on U.S. campuses and in tech and research hubs are lining up at Social Security Administration offices this month, drawn by a routine but essential step: getting a Social Security Number (SSN). The number — a nine-digit identifier used for wages, taxes, and access to services — is a must for any legally employed worker. That includes an F-1 student with on‑campus or practical training work and an H-1B worker hired by a U.S. employer.

Federal guidance emphasizes that applicants should wait for their Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records to update after entry before filing the paperwork. That timing can affect how quickly the SSN card arrives.

Why the SSN matters

• The SSN connects employment history, tax records, and credit profiles, which is why newcomers prioritize getting one.
• Without an SSN:
  • Payroll systems stall
  • Bank onboarding may slow
  • Tax reporting becomes more complicated

For F-1 students, eligibility depends on having authorization to work (on‑campus jobs or approved training programs like CPT and OPT). Simply studying does not qualify. H-1B workers, being hired to work, require the SSN for salary payments and tax withholding.

The application basics

Both F-1 students and H-1B workers use the same federal form to start the process:

• Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
• Present original identity and immigration documents in person at a local Social Security office.
• The application is free, and the SSN issued is permanent.

Important operational detail:
– The Social Security Administration verifies noncitizen records electronically with DHS before printing the card. Applying too soon after arrival can cause delays because the verification system may not yet show the new admission.

Document checklist and typical preparations

For F-1 students:
– Schools usually require securing a specific job or practical training first.
– Work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm eligibility.
– Typical documents to bring:
– Passport
– F-1 visa
– Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)
– Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) — printable from the official CBP portal: I‑94 website
– Employment verification letter from the university
– Employer’s job offer letter

For CPT or OPT, training authorization appears on the I-20 or on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Social Security officers look for that notation.

For H-1B workers:
– Bring proof of approved H-1B status:
– Passport with H-1B visa (if issued abroad)
– Most recent Form I‑94
– Form I‑797 approval notice from USCIS
– Employer letter confirming hire and payroll start date

Timing and processing recommendations

• Campus advisers and SSA staff generally advise waiting at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before submitting the SSN application. This allows government databases (SAVE/SYSTEMS/DHS) to refresh with the latest entry information.
• For H-1B workers, the recommended wait is at least 10 business days after entry.
• Keep the SEVIS record active (for students); mismatches can hold up verification.
• Processing times reported by recent applicants:
  • F-1 students: about 2 to 4 weeks
  • H-1B workers: about 2 to 3 weeks
• Note: the number is what matters for payroll; the physical card typically arrives later by mail.

What will be printed on the card

• Cards for F-1 students often include: “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” — reminding holders that employment depends on immigration authorization.

Security and usage guidance

• Do not carry the physical card daily to reduce identity theft risk.
• Store the card in a safe place and give the number only to parties with a legal need, such as:
  • Employer
  • Bank
  • Tax preparer

Tax questions and alternatives

• Students without employment authorization cannot obtain an SSN.
• They may meet tax duties by applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the IRS.
• Key distinction:
  • SSN: supports lawful work, access to benefits, and building credit history.
  • ITIN: for tax reporting only.
• When students move to paid internships or post‑completion training, the shift to paid employment triggers the SSN requirement.

Changing status and reapplications

• The SSN is valid for life.
• Someone who received an SSN as an F-1 student keeps the same number after switching to H-1B or becoming a permanent resident.
• Correct steps after status change:
  • Inform your employer of your SSN.
  • If needed, update records with the SSA so the agency has current immigration class and address.
• Do not file a new application if you already had an SSN — duplicate filings slow processing and do not create a new number. Instead, request a replacement card if needed.

Common application pitfalls and tips

• Bring original documents (not photocopies) to the counter and ensure names and dates match across forms.
• Incomplete employer/campus letters or missing DSO signatures can cause rejection.
• Some schools provide templates for verification letters to reduce errors.
• The SSA may ask basic questions about job start dates or training authorization, but the application is straightforward: identity, birth details, current U.S. address, and parent information.
• For many applicants, the most time‑consuming step is simply finding an appointment and waiting to be called.

“Apply too soon after arrival and the verification system may not find your record. Apply without the right letter and a clerk may send you back to campus or your employer. Apply once, correctly, and the card arrives by mail and stays with you for life.”

Peak periods and common mistakes

• Attention rises each fall and at the start of the federal fiscal year when many students and new H-1B hires arrive.
• VisaVerge.com reports that backlogs tend to ease when applicants follow the 10‑day wait and bring exact documents listed in agency checklists.
• A common mistake is trying to obtain a second SSN when one was previously issued. People who previously had an SSN should request a replacement card, not a new number. Duplicate attempts increase foot traffic and can delay first‑time applicants.

Official forms and links

• Official Social Security card application — Form SS‑5: Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS‑5)
• Print the I‑94 from DHS portal: I‑94: Official U.S. Entry Record

Agencies advise printing and filling the SS‑5 before visiting the office and bringing originals rather than photocopies.

Real-world impact

• A research assistant from India on an F‑1 visa said her department could not add her to payroll until she provided the number, and her bank held off on issuing a secured credit card.
• A software engineer entering on H‑1B described HR scheduling onboarding around the expected card delivery date to avoid redoing tax forms.
• Both found the process manageable once immigration records had time to refresh.

Final takeaway

• The rules are straightforward: apply with the right documents after waiting for DHS records to sync.
• Errors in timing or paperwork cause delays; a single correct application typically results in the card arriving by mail within weeks.
• In a system where the SSN is central to work and tax life, observing the timing and documentation guidance can make the first weeks less stressful for F‑1 students and H‑1B workers settling into a new lab, classroom, or office.