Applying for U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

International students and employees are required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment purposes.  Prior to applying for an SSN, UMMS will provide you with a letter to document your current or prospective employment.  This will be done at your initial appointment with the ISSO. 

General Information
Applying for the SSN
Individual Tax Payer Identification Number 

General Information

  • The Social Security Administration is required to verify identity and visa information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before the SSN can be issued, a process that may take several weeks. Delays in obtaining the SSN are beyond the student/exchange visitor’s or employer’s control.
  • Individuals new to the U.S. should wait 10 days after arrival to the U.S. before applying for a SSN. This is to allow required identity and visa information collected at the port-of-entry to be entered into a DHS database, which is cross-referenced by the SSA.
  • When you make your application at the SSA Office, you will be given a letter of receipt.  please fax this to the ISSO immediately.  Once the SSN is issued, the individual will receive the SSN card by mail. As soon as possible, the individual should present the social security card to the ISSO office. The SS card is noted “Not Valid for Employment”; however, the individual may legally be employed as long as he/she can present proper documents for I-9 form verification.
  • If you have a SSN from a previous stay in the United States, you do not need to apply for a new number.  Once you have an SSN it is your number for life.  Therefore, when you leave the U.S., we recommend that you keep the card in a safe place, in case you return to the U.S. in the future. 

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Applying for the SSN

Non-Immigrant visa holders (F, J, H, O, TN, etc.) should present the following at the local SSA Office:

  • Social Security Application pdf small icon 17x17Form SS-5 
  • ISSO issued employment letter
  • Passport
  • Form I-20 / Form DS-2019 / Form I-797 / Employment Authorization Document
  • I-94 (arrival / departure record)

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Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN)

An Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

Non-Resident Aliens NOT ELIGIBLE for Social Security Number

  • B1 Visitor for business
  • B2 Visitor for pleasure
  • F2 Spouse or dependent of F-1
  • H4 Spouse or dependent of H-1
  • J2 Spouse or dependent of J-1 (unless the individual has an I-688B card)
  • O3 Spouse or dependent of O-1
  • WB Visitor for business
  • WT Visitor for pleasure

pdf small icon 17x17Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is used to apply for an ITIN. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete this form which requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity.

The form along with the documents may either be sent by mail to ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342, presented at IRS walk-in offices, or processed through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS.

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