How to get a Social Security number as a newcomer

Step 1 — Understand what a Social Security number is

A Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number that is unique to you (SSA). It is assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency (USCIS).

According to SSA, you may need your number to file taxes, start a job, open a bank account, apply for a loan, get a passport or claim government benefits (SSA). Employers use it to report your wages to the government (SSA — Publication 05-10096).

You will see it asked for often. SSA also notes that if you don’t have a number, you can ask a business or agency whether they can identify you in another way — in most cases, SSA says, you can still get the service you need (SSA — Publication 05-10096).

Step 2 — Read who can get a number, in SSA’s own words

This guide can’t tell you whether you qualify. Here is what SSA says in general:

• “Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN” (SSA — Publication 05-10096).
• Some noncitizens may be able to request a number if they work or attend school, or if they have a valid nonwork reason (SSA).
• Without permission to work, SSA lists only limited reasons: a federal law requires you to have an SSN to get a benefit or service, or a state or local law requires it for public assistance benefits. In that case you also bring a letter from the government agency, on its letterhead, that names you and cites the law (SSA — documents; SSA — Publication 05-10096).
• SSA does not give a number only so you can get a driver’s license (SSA — documents).
• A number given for a nonwork reason can’t be used to work. SSA says that if you use it to work, it will inform DHS (SSA — documents).

SSA’s request page links to separate leaflets for noncitizens, international students and foreign workers. If you have questions about your immigration status or your permission to work, ask an authorized legal provider — see free immigration legal help.

Step 3 — Choose the way you’ll apply

SSA describes three ways for newcomers.

A. With your immigrant visa, before you travel. When you apply for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can ask for a Social Security card in the same application (SSA — Immigrant Visas). SSA says this is for people who will be lawfully admitted permanent residents; refugees can’t apply this way from their country of origin (SSA — Who Can Use This?). In most cases you don’t have to visit a Social Security office in the U.S. — the card is mailed to the address you gave in your visa application (SSA — Publication 05-10096). If you change your mailing address after you arrive and before the card comes, call SSA (SSA — FAQ).

B. Together with a USCIS application, if you are already in the U.S. SSA calls this Enumeration Beyond Entry. SSA’s page says that if you apply for a work permit (Form I-765) or for permanent residence (Form I-485) and fill in the section that requests a Social Security card, USCIS sends SSA the information it needs, and you don’t have to contact a Social Security office (SSA — EBE). Check the form you actually file: the edition of Form I-765 that USCIS accepts now (08/21/25) and its instructions no longer include a section for requesting a Social Security card (USCIS — Form I-765; USCIS — I-765 instructions). If your form has no such section, use option C below. The card is mailed separately, and SSA says it should arrive no later than 14 days after you receive your work permit or Green Card (SSA — EBE). Answer every question in that section: SSA uses your name, date of birth, parents’ names, country of birth and sex to make the card, and may not be able to finish your request without them (SSA — EBE). If you didn’t ask for a card on your USCIS form, you can apply at a Social Security office after you receive your work permit or Green Card (SSA — EBE).

C. Online, then in person. If you’re in the U.S., you can start your application online on SSA’s Request a Social Security number page, then go to a local Social Security office or Card Center with your documents (SSA). You must make that visit within 45 days of starting online (SSA — Publication 05-10096). You may be able to book the appointment yourself; if not, call to make one before you go. If you can’t start online, you fill in Form SS-5 and call for an appointment (SSA — Publication 05-10096).

A timing tip from SSA: if you can’t or don’t apply with your immigrant visa or your Green Card application, SSA recommends waiting 10 days after you arrive before you apply. That makes it easier for SSA to verify your DHS documents online and speeds up your application (SSA — Publication 05-10096).

Step 4 — Gather your documents, as SSA lists them

The exact list depends on your situation, so check SSA’s documents page (choose: adult, original card, noncitizen). In general, SSA asks for (SSA — documents; SSA — Publication 05-10096):

• Immigration status and permission to work: your current U.S. immigration document, such as Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card, or machine-readable immigrant visa) with your unexpired foreign passport; Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, the “work permit”); or Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or the admission stamp in your unexpired foreign passport.
• Students and exchange visitors: F-1 and M-1 students also show Form I-20. J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors also show Form DS-2019. SSA asks some students and J-1 visitors for extra letters about their work — the documents page lists them.
• Age: your foreign birth certificate, if you have it or can get it soon. If not, SSA may consider other documents, such as your passport or a document issued by DHS.
• Identity: a current DHS document, such as those listed above.

SSA’s rules for documents:

• Bring originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them. SSA does not accept photocopies, notarized copies or a receipt showing you applied for a document.
• Documents must be current (not expired).
• One document can count for two things, but you must bring at least two separate documents.

SSA interviews everyone aged 12 or older who asks for a first number, and may ask for proof that you don’t already have one — for example, a passport or school or work records showing you lived outside the U.S. (SSA — documents).

If you came with an immigrant visa but didn’t ask for a card in your visa application, SSA’s list for the office visit is: your passport with the machine-readable immigrant visa, your Permanent Resident Card if you’ve received it, and your birth record (SSA — FAQ).

Step 5 — Wait for your card, and follow up if it doesn’t arrive

• Online or at an office: SSA says the card comes by mail in 5 to 10 business days after your application is approved (SSA). SSA first verifies your immigration document with USCIS; if it can’t do that right away, it may take about two more weeks (SSA — documents).
• With an immigrant visa: contact SSA if your card hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks of your arrival (SSA — FAQ).
• With Form I-765 or I-485: contact your local Social Security office if the card hasn’t arrived 14 days after you receive your work permit or Green Card (SSA — EBE).

How to reach SSA: call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (SSA — Publication 05-10096), or find your nearest office by address, city or ZIP code with the Field Office Locator. SSA suggests making an appointment before you visit an office (SSA — Field Office Locator).

Step 6 — If you can’t get a Social Security number

Not everyone can get an SSN. If you need a number for tax purposes and are not authorized to work, SSA points to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS (SSA — Publication 05-10096).

An ITIN is not a replacement for an SSN. The IRS says it is a 9-digit number for federal tax purposes only, for people who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but aren’t eligible for an SSN. It doesn’t authorize you to work, doesn’t give or change immigration status, doesn’t qualify you for Social Security benefits and doesn’t serve as identification outside the federal tax system (IRS). Read more in our ITIN guide.

Step 7 — Protect your number from the first day

SSA’s advice (SSA — Publication 05-10064):

• Keep your card, and any document that shows your number, in a safe place. Don’t carry your card with you every day.
• Give your number to your employer (and check that they have it right) and to your bank for tax reporting.
• Before you give your number to anyone else, ask why they need it, how it will be used and what happens if you say no.
• Scammers may pretend to be an employer, a landlord or a government agency to get your number — by phone, email, text or social media.

SSA also says that creating a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount helps stop identity thieves from opening an account in your name (SSA — Scams).

If someone misuses your number, SSA points you to IdentityTheft.gov (or 1-877-438-4338) to report it and get a recovery plan, and suggests checking your credit reports regularly (SSA — Publication 05-10064). If you think someone is using your number to work, report it to SSA (SSA — Publication 05-10064).