Social Security Numbers and Immigrant Visas (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a Social Security number with an immigrant visa? ›

When you apply for your immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, you can also apply for an SSN card at the same time. Who Can Use This? Find out who can get a Social Security number card through this new process.

SSNs are used to report a person's wages to the government and to determine that person's eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need an SSN to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without an SSN.

Under current Social Security rules, workers who have immigrated to the United States are likely to receive lower benefits than natives. Because Social Security requires 40 quarters of covered earnings before an individual is eligible to receive any benefits, many immigrants may not meet eligibility requirements.

Most B-1/B-2/WT/WB Visa holders are NOT eligible for an SSN or ITIN number. The individual may be eligible for an ITIN number if they meet both of the following criteria: Individual is receiving a taxable payment such as an honorarium or independent service payment, and.

Eligible Visa Types

J-1, H-1B, TN and O-1 status individuals are all eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Certain individuals in J-2 status who have applied for and received an Employment Authorization Document may also apply for an SSN.

You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take 2 additional weeks to receive your card.

Only noncitizens in certain immigration statuses are allowed to apply and receive a Social Security number (SSN) and card. These include: - Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) - Noncitizens who have permission to work in the United States, such as U visa holders.

Lawfully present noncitizens of the United States who meet all eligibility requirements can qualify for Social Security benefits. This rule also applies to noncitizens authorized to work in the United States who got a Social Security number after December 2003. For more information visit our Immigration page.

Don't ever give out your Social Security number or any other personal information to someone you don't know who initiates contact with you by phone, e-mail or in person: For example, if you receive an e-mail that claims that you must provide personal information to claim a refund from the IRS, it's a scam.

During the seven-year period of potential eligibility, non-citizens are expected to work toward becoming U.S. citizens. If they do not, eligibility will stop after seven years. Example: Elliot arrives in 2008, and is given refugee status, which establishes his potential SSI eligibility for seven years through 2015.

Can a parolee get a Social Security number? ›

You can either apply directly to the Social Security Administration, or you may apply for one when you file Form I-765 Application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). A humanitarian parolee with only a Form I-94 or a parole stamp in their passport may only apply for a non-work Social Security number (SSN).

Although many of the programs base benefit amounts and eligibility to work history, there are some instances where a person who has never worked can collect benefits. One program that provides benefits to people, not based on their work history, is Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How long can I stay in the U.S. on the B-1/B-2 visa? When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the the country for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

As a general guideline, having a balance of $6,000 to $10,000 in your account can be beneficial. However, it's crucial to ensure that this amount reflects consistent income and savings rather than a sudden deposit made just before the visa application.

You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account. To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.

You are required to present the immigrant visa to the immigration officer at your port of entry into the United States, at which time, you will be given the forms you are required to complete to apply for a Permanent Resident Card (PRC), commonly known as a “Green Card”.

Asylum seekers can apply for a SSN, but will receive a restricted Social Security card, which will state either “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION,” or “NOT VALID FOR WORK,” depending on whether you are eligible to work.

Children with IR-2 visas that are:

under 18 years old automatically acquire U.S. citizenship after admission to the United States if they reside in the United States with their parents. over 18 years old become permanent residents and receive a Green Card.

After USCIS approves the immigrant petition, and there is a visa available in your category, you file either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State. You go to a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. You go to an interview.