For anyone living or working in the US, a Social Security Number (SSN) is important. It is more like a gateway to employment taxes and assessing most social services. But does this apply to immigrants? Do immigrants have Social Security Numbers? Do they even qualify for it? If you want to know the connection between immigrants and Social Security Numbers, then you should pay attention. We'll give a breakdown of what the Social Security Number is about and how to apply for one.
What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number issued by the US government. The primary goal of this nine-digit number is to determine the income of people living in the US while determining if they are eligible for social security benefits. It's also for tax purposes and benefit programs. These benefits include retirement, disability, and survivor payments. SSN is also important in filing taxes, working legally, and accessing beneficial programs.
Aside from government use, SSN plays a major role in the everyday life of every US resident, from opening bank accounts to applying for loans, renting an apartment, and even getting a driver's license. It doesn't matter if you're a US citizen or a legal immigrant; having an SSN is an important path to contributing to the US economy and living a comfortable life in the US.
Importance of a Social Security Number
Social security number (SSN) is an identity and it plays a lot of roles in your financial, legal, and personal affairs. There's a wide range of reasons you need the Social Security Number is important, but here are some of them:
1. Employment and Earnings
As a foreign national with employment authorization in the US, you need a social security card for many things. You need it to verify your lawful status in the US, eligibility to work, and earnings report. It's also essential for tracking your contribution to social security, giving you access to social security benefits.
2. Tax Purposes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a US government agency, uses your SSN to track your income and ensure you comply with tax laws. Aside from that, you need an SSN to file for federal and state tax returns. If you happen to be self-employed, your SSN is the only way your taxes can be linked to your records.
3. Access to Government Benefits
Your SSN is key and one of the easiest ways to access a wide range of federal and state benefits. Programs like Social Security retirement, disability benefits, Medicare, and unemployment assistance require an SSN to determine eligibility and process applications.
4. Financial Identity
For immigrants, having Social Security Numbers is important for doing anything financial in the US. You need it to open bank accounts, rent an apartment, and even buy a home or property in the US. In addition, you need an SSN to take out loans and build your credit history.
5. Identification
While not a legal form of ID like a passport or driver's license, an SSN often serves as a unique identifier. It's commonly used for:
- Verifying your identity when opening financial accounts.
- Enrolling in educational programs or healthcare plans.
- Completing background checks for jobs or housing.
6. Social Security Benefits
The SSN is your connection to the social security system. Over your working years, your earnings and contributions are tracked through this number. When you retire, face disability, or pass away, the benefits you or your dependents receive are calculated based on your contributions, which are tied to your SSN.
Do Immigrants Qualify For a Social Security Number?
Yes, immigrants can qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN). However, it depends on their immigration status because not all immigrants can have an SSN. It's all about being authorized to work in the US and some other factors. Since the SSN involves finance, it is more accessible to immigrants who are authorized to work.
For foreign nationals without permission to work in the US, the SSN is usually not an option but can be in special cases where you need to do something government-based. International students also can apply for a social security number since some schools ask for it. It all depends on the school's requirements.
As an immigrant with a legal job in the US, you can apply for a social security number. This includes the following people:Â
- Permanent Residents or Green Card Holders: If you have a green card, you're automatically eligible because you have unlimited work authorization.
- Work Visa Holders: People on visas like H-1B, L-1, or O-1 can apply for an SSN.
- Refugees and Asylum seekers: Refugees and individuals granted asylum are issued an SSN soon after arrival and approval to help them integrate into society.
- Member of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with work authorization.
Documents Required
Note that all of this should be original documents.
- Job offer letter/ Sponsor letter
- Employment authorization letter
- Permanent residence card for permanent residents
- SSN application form
- Valid passport
Is the SSN Needed to Work In the US?
Not having a Social Security Number right away won't stop you from working or affect your employment eligibility, but you need to get one in the long run. The Internal Revenue Service requires it to track your wages. While you apply and wait for your SSN, your immigration documents can serve as proof of your legal working authorization in the US.
Common Immigrant Issues With SSN
We've established how important Social Security Numbers are to immigrants and how to can access lots of benefits with them. However, immigrants often face some challenges with obtaining and using SSNs, which affects their work and access to essential services. Here are the common issues immigrants have with the SSNs:
1. Delayed Processing Time
When it comes to anything immigration, delays in processing time are one of the frequent problems that are based on the rate of immigration. Processing delays might be a result of administrative issues, verification procedures, time errors, and mismatches of documents on the path of the applicant. Irrespective of what the case is, applicants are urged to be patient with delays and follow up with the Social Security Administration if it is taking longer than expected. Also, checking your documents before submitting them while ensuring your details are complete, accurate, and up-to-date is important.
2. Lack of Awareness and Guidance
The SSN application is something you want to pay detailed attention to when applying. The process in itself is confusing, as immigrants might be uncertain about how or where to apply. Also, misunderstanding that the process is tied to their immigration status is a common thing among immigrants. The best thing is to reach out to immigration advisers, legal aid organizations, or even immigrant support groups for guidance in navigating the system.
3. Misuse or Identity Theft
Since immigrants are not familiar with the system, they are often vulnerable to people who might take advantage of them. You should know that your SSN is unique to you, and you will need it to access things like your bank account, tax information, and credit report, so you have to be careful with it. Don't keep your SSN in a place that is accessible to people, not in your car or wallet.
How to Apply For a Social Security Number as an Immigrant
As an immigrant, you can either apply in your home country during your immigration process or in the United States at the local social security office. Applying for an SSN is totally free; you just have to go through the proper procedure. If you're applying in your home country, you can visit the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) website to apply likewise If you're adjusting your status as an immigrant. For instance, green card holders can request an SSN during their immigration application, which will save time and stress.
Here is the general application procedure:
1. Confirm and Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
As we mentioned earlier, not all immigrants need a social security number, so you must ensure that you fit into the category of people you qualify for an SSN. This includes immigrants with resident, worker, student, or refugee status. If you're not authorized to work but need an SSN for legal or government purposes, you may still be eligible with proper documentation.
2. Gather Required Documents
You must have the following valid and original documents to prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.
- Form I-94 (Arrival or Departure Record): This shows your legal entry into the US.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): For nonimmigrants and DACA recipients, this confirms your work eligibility.
- Passport and Visa: These establish your identity and legal status.
- Form I-551 (Green Card): For permanent residents.
- Immigration Status Approval Notice: For refugees and asylees, this is proof of status.
3. Fill and Complete Application
It is important to fill out the application for an SSN card. People applying during their visa process can apply via their I-765 Application form, which can be done on the SSA website. Immigrants present in the United States, on the other hand, can apply at the local security office.
4. Submit Your Application and Wait for Your SSN
Once you're done collating your documents and filling out your form, you can submit it at the closest SSA office or online for those applying outside the US. Processing time usually takes between 2-4 weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and your case. However, once it is successfully processed, it will be mailed to you. You can also get your SSN card in person at the Social Security office if that's what you prefer. Also, if you are applying in the United States, it is recommended to have at least stayed in the country for about 10 days. This is to verify your documents and legality.
What Happens If You Don't Qualify for an SSN?
Not all immigrants qualify for social security numbers. So what happens in the case where you do not qualify for an SSN as an immigrant? In this case, you can opt for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can do this by submitting Form W-7, which is an ITIN application form, to the Internal Review Service (IRS). Issued by the IRS, an ITIN allows non-working immigrants with temporary visas to file taxes and meet legal obligations. However, it doesn't authorize work or provide the same benefits as an SSN.
Conclusion
So, do immigrants have social security numbers? Yes, they do. As a foreign national, having an SSN allows you to pay taxes, access government services, and even plan for your financial future with Social Security and public benefits. Beyond that, it helps you build credit, apply for loans, and open doors to opportunities like housing and education.
