Purpose

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique individual U.S. tax identification number. Once issued, the number is held for life and does not change. While SSNs are used in many situations (e.g., to obtain a driver's license, phone service, credit card, etc.) it is issued specifically for persons who are eligible to work in the U.S. (or otherwise eligible for Social Security benefits). Having a SSN, however, does NOT provide work authorization by itself.

Eligibility

International students and scholars are eligible for SSNs only if they are eligible to work in the U.S. 

• Nonimmigrants ineligible for a Social Security Card are still able to receive a Rhode Island Driver License.
• If you have only just arrived in the U.S. to begin your academic program/or employment, please wait at least two weeks from the time of your entry to the U.S. and completion of F-1/J-1 registration, before applying for a Social Security card.
• Typically it takes the Social Security Administration up to two weeks to access your U.S entry records.
• Applying earlier or prior to completion of F-1/J-1 registration will not speed up the process, but may result in a notification from Social Security that your records could not be verified.

The Social Security card application and additional information is available online at the Social Security Administration.

To obtain a Social Security card, first you must complete the Social Security card application online and schedule an appointment to apply. Once the SSN application is completed online, applicants will receive a confirmation number starting with an "O" which can be given to a worker at the Social Security Administration at the time of your appointment. Along with your confirmation number, you must present the following documents listed below, in person to a Social Security representative. All documents submitted to the Social Security Office must match EXACTLY with the spelling of all names, date of birth, etc. of Department of Homeland Security’s records.