Guide

Social Security for Non-Citizens

Can Non-Citizens Get a Social Security Number and Benefits?

Social Security for non-citizens starts with permission to work: in general, only noncitizens authorized to work by the Department of Homeland Security can get a Social Security number, and many can request it on their USCIS or visa forms without visiting an office. Lawfully present noncitizens who meet the eligibility rules can also qualify for Social Security benefits, while SSI has stricter immigration rules. If you need an office, use the office finder.

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Who Can Get a Social Security Number

The rule is short. In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number. That covers green card holders, people with a DHS work permit, and visa holders whose class of admission allows work.

Without work permission, you can get a number only in narrow cases:

  • A federal law requires you to give a Social Security number to receive a particular benefit or service.
  • A state or local law requires one for general assistance benefits you already qualify for. You’ll need a letter from that agency, on its letterhead, that names you, cites the law and confirms you meet every requirement except the number.

You can’t get a number just to get a driver’s license. And you may not need one at all: lawfully admitted noncitizens can open bank accounts, register for school, take educational tests, buy private health insurance and apply for school lunch or subsidized housing without a number.

If you need a number only for taxes, the IRS issues an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through Form W-7.

Three Ways to Apply

Many people never need to set foot in a Social Security office, because SSA works with DHS and the State Department to issue numbers as part of the immigration process.

Route Who it fits How you apply When the card arrives
Enumeration at Entry New immigrants getting an immigrant visa abroad Ask for a number on the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260 or DS-230) No later than 7 to 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S.
Enumeration Beyond Entry People applying to USCIS for a work permit or green card Ask for a number on Form I-765 or Form I-485 After USCIS approves; contact SSA if it hasn’t come within 14 days of receiving your immigration document
Office application Everyone else, including students and many visa workers Bring original documents to a local office Within 14 days after SSA has everything, plus up to two weeks if USCIS verification is slow

With the visa or USCIS routes, fill in every field the form asks about you. SSA uses your name, date of birth, parents’ names, country of birth and sex to make the card, and missing details can stop it.

The Documents SSA Accepts From Noncitizens

At an office, every document must be an original or a copy certified by the agency that issued it. SSA turns away photocopies, notarized copies, expired documents and receipts for documents you’ve applied for. You need at least two separate documents, although one can do two jobs.

What you prove Documents SSA accepts
Immigration status and identity Form I-551 green card with your unexpired foreign passport; Form I-766 work permit (EAD); or Form I-94 or an admission stamp in your unexpired foreign passport
Work permission An I-94 or admission stamp showing a class of admission that allows work; some workers must show an I-766
Age Your foreign birth certificate, if you have it or can get it within 10 days; otherwise your passport or a DHS document
Student status F-1 and M-1 students: Form I-20. J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors: Form DS-2019

Anyone 12 or older applying for a first number is interviewed in person, and SSA may ask for evidence that you never had a number, such as old passports or school records showing long residence abroad.

Rules for International Students and Exchange Visitors

Students need extra proof that they’re allowed to work:

  • F-1 on-campus job. A letter from your designated school official confirming your status and naming your employer and job, plus proof of the job, such as a recent pay slip or a signed letter from your supervisor with your job, start date, hours and the supervisor’s phone number.
  • F-1 curricular practical training (CPT). Your Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official.
  • F-1 with a work permit. Your I-766.
  • J-1 student, intern or visitor. A letter on your exchange program’s letterhead, with an original signature, authorizing your work.

Work Legends and Updating Your Status

Some noncitizens’ cards carry a legend such as “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization” or “Not Valid for Employment.” When your status changes, you update the card by requesting a replacement card. Cards issued to add, change or remove a legend don’t count toward the usual replacement limits.

  • New work permit or green card through USCIS. Request the replacement on your Form I-765. The card arrives 7 to 10 business days after you receive your I-766 or I-551.
  • Didn’t request it on the form? After your work permit or green card arrives, contact a local office or Card Center with proof of identity, DHS work authorization and immigration status.
  • Became a U.S. citizen. Apply online for a replacement card and book the appointment the application offers. Bring proof of identity and your new status, such as your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport. The card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

The replacement card guide covers the general replacement steps, and the name change guide helps if your name changed at naturalization.

Social Security for Non-Citizens: Retirement, Disability and Survivor Benefits

Lawfully present noncitizens who meet all the eligibility requirements can qualify for Social Security benefits.

Travel rules differ, though. SSA stops payments to noncitizens who don’t meet certain requirements once they’ve been outside the U.S. for 6 calendar months in a row. Payments don’t restart until you return and stay for a full calendar month. Whether an exception applies to you depends on your situation, so check with SSA before a long stay abroad.

Moving? The change of address guide explains how to update your address, including international addresses.

SSI for Noncitizens Has Stricter Rules

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program with separate immigration rules. Since August 22, 1996, most noncitizens must meet two tests: be in a “qualified alien” category, and meet a condition that allows SSI.

Qualified categories include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, certain parolees, people whose deportation or removal is withheld, and Cuban or Haitian entrants. Conditions include:

  • Lawful permanent residents with 40 qualifying quarters of work. A spouse’s or parent’s work may count. If you entered on or after August 22, 1996, you may still wait five years as a permanent resident.
  • Military ties. Active duty members, honorably discharged veterans and certain family members.
  • People already here in 1996. Those getting SSI and lawfully residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996, and those lawfully residing then who are blind or disabled.
  • Refugees, asylees and similar statuses. Up to 7 years of SSI from the date DHS granted the status.

If someone signed an affidavit of support for you when you entered the U.S., SSA generally counts that person’s income and resources, and their spouse’s, as yours. The SSI office guide explains where to apply.

Do You Need to Visit an Office?

Not if you got your number through your visa or USCIS application. You do need an office for a first number without those routes, for student and most visa-worker applications, and to update a status you didn’t change through USCIS.

The office finder lists all 1,231 Social Security offices in SSA’s office data, checked against SSA’s Office Locator on October 1, 2026. Of those, 1,194 keep standard hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Examples:

Phone help in English, Spanish and other languages is at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Before you go, read what to bring to a Social Security office.

Scams That Target Immigrants

A Social Security card is free for everyone. Private companies that charge to “get your number” offer no advantage, and you still have to give your documents to SSA yourself.

SSA will never threaten you with arrest, say it is suspending your number, demand immediate payment, or ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, internet currency or a wire transfer. If a caller pressures you, hang up and report it to SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report.

If Something Goes Wrong

Your card didn’t arrive after the USCIS route. If 14 days have passed since you received your immigration document, contact your local Social Security office.

SSA can’t verify your immigration document. SSA checks documents with USCIS, and a slow check can add two weeks. If you mail documents, SSA returns them with a receipt.

You were told you can’t get a number. If you have no work permission and no qualifying government benefit, an IRS ITIN may be what you need for taxes.

Your status changed but your card didn’t. Request a replacement card through your I-765 or at an office, as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Number Just to Get a Driver's License?

No. SSA says you cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license.

I Need to File Taxes but Can't Get a Number. What Now?

Apply to the IRS for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with Form W-7. SSA points noncitizens without a number to the ITIN for tax purposes.

Should I Mail My Green Card to SSA?

Bring immigration documents to your appointment instead. SSA needs originals, and any documents you do mail are returned to you with a receipt.

Can I Use a Non-Work Number to Get a Job?

No. A number assigned for non-work reasons can't be used to work, and SSA says it will inform DHS if you use it to work.

Do I Need a Number to Open a Bank Account or Enroll in School?

No. SSA says lawfully admitted noncitizens don't need a number to bank, register for school, take educational tests, buy private health insurance, apply for school lunch or apply for subsidized housing.

Is a Social Security Card Free for Noncitizens Too?

Yes. SSA says it's free to get a Social Security card, and private companies that charge offer no advantage.

Keep Reading

Sources

  1. SSA FAQ: If I am not a U.S. citizen, can I get a Social Security number?
  2. SSA: Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security card
  3. SSA FAQ: What is Enumeration at Entry and how does it work?
  4. SSA FAQ: How do I change my work status on my Social Security card?
  5. SSA: Update citizenship or immigration status
  6. SSA FAQ: Can noncitizens receive Social Security benefits or SSI?
  7. SSA: Spotlight on SSI benefits for noncitizens
  8. SSA POMS RM 10205.400: Limits on replacement SSN cards

Independent site, not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Office addresses, phone numbers and hours come from SSA's public office data. To apply for benefits or manage your record, go to SSA directly at ssa.gov.