Who can get an SSN

Can get SSN

US Citizens Green Card (LPR) H-1B, H-4 EAD L-1, L-2 EAD O-1, TN F-1 with OPT/CPT J-1 authorized to work EAD holders Refugee / Asylee DACA + EAD TPS with EAD

Cannot get SSN — apply for ITIN instead

F-1 / J-1 without work auth B-1 / B-2 Tourist Undocumented Visa waiver (ESTA) Use ITIN →

⏰When to apply

Wait at least 10 days after entering the US before applying. The SSA system needs time to sync with DHS records. Applying too early results in rejection.

For H-1B and other employer-sponsored visas: apply after you've started your first day of work — or even before, once you're in the US with your approved I-797.

For F-1 with OPT: apply after you receive your EAD card. Don't apply before.

For Refugees and Asylees: apply as soon as you arrive — SSA has a dedicated process and will often schedule you automatically.

How to apply — step by step

Find your local SSA office

Go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster. Bring everything — they will not let you submit missing documents later.
Gather your documents

See the checklist below based on your status. All documents must be original — no photocopies accepted.
Complete Form SS-5

Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf or pick up a copy at the SSA office. It's a one-page form.

You can also apply online at my.ssa.gov if you're a US citizen — but most immigrants need to apply in person.
Visit the SSA office

Submit your form and documents in person. The agent will review and return your originals the same day.
Receive your card

Your SSN card arrives by mail in 2–4 weeks. However, you will get your SSN number verbally or see it on a receipt — you can use the number right away before the card arrives.

Make sure your mailing address is correct. The card cannot be re-sent to a different address easily.

Documents needed — tap to check off Reset all

H-1B / L-1 / O-1 / TN

Passport (valid)
Current US visa stamp
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS
Employment offer letter or proof you've started work (some offices request)

F-1 with OPT / CPT

Passport
F-1 visa stamp
I-94
I-20 (with DSO signature authorizing OPT/CPT)
EAD card (for OPT) — must be in hand before applying

Green Card (LPR)

Passport
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) — I-551
I-94 (if recently entered)

EAD / DACA / TPS

Passport or government-issued photo ID
EAD card (Employment Authorization Document — I-766)
I-94 (if applicable)

Refugee / Asylee

I-94 showing refugee or asylee status OR
I-797 Notice of Approval of asylum application OR
I-766 EAD card
Passport or travel document (if available)

Tap each item above to check it off as you gather documents. Bring 2 copies of everything. If rejected, ask to speak to a supervisor — office policies vary.

Lost your SSN card? How to replace it

Your SSN number never changes — even if you get a replacement card. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime (some exceptions apply).

Do you actually need the physical card?

Most employers, banks, and agencies only need your SSN number — not the physical card. Check if you already have your number saved somewhere (W-2, tax return, pay stub) before replacing.
Apply for replacement at ssa.gov or in person

US citizens can replace online at my.ssa.gov. Immigrants must apply in person at an SSA office. Bring your current immigration documents (same as original application). No fee to replace.
Receive replacement in 2–4 weeks

The replacement card has the same number. Your original SSN is permanent — it never changes or expires regardless of visa changes or naturalization.

If your SSN was stolen or used fraudulently, contact the SSA immediately and file a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. You may be able to get a new SSN in fraud cases.

SSN vs ITIN — quick rule: If you can get an SSN, always get the SSN. Only apply for an ITIN if you do not qualify for an SSN but still have a US tax filing obligation.

Who needs an ITIN

F-1/J-1 with scholarship income Non-resident with US rental income Non-resident investor (dividends) Dependent/spouse of US taxpayer Treaty benefit claimer Undocumented with US income

The IRS expects you to file a tax return regardless of your immigration status if you have US-source income. An ITIN is the mechanism for doing that legally when you don't have an SSN.

How to apply — two methods

Method 1 — Certifying Acceptance Agent (Recommended ⭐)

A CAA is an IRS-authorized agent (often a CPA, tax preparer, or immigration attorney) who can verify your original documents on-site. You never have to mail your original passport. This is the safest, fastest method.

Find a CAA near you

Search at irs.gov/individuals/acceptance-agent-program. Many university international student offices, H&R Block locations, and immigration law firms are CAAs. Cost: typically $50–$150.
Bring your documents + completed W-7

The CAA certifies copies and submits Form W-7 with your tax return to the IRS. You keep your original passport.
Wait for your ITIN

The IRS issues ITINs in 7–11 weeks normally, and up to 14 weeks during tax season (January–April). You'll receive it by mail.

Method 2 — Mail directly to IRS

Mail your original passport (or certified copy from a US consulate) along with your W-7 and tax return to the IRS. The IRS will return your documents within 60 days by mail.

Risk: Your original passport will be in the mail and in IRS possession for up to 60 days. During this time you cannot travel internationally. Use a CAA if possible.

Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342

Form W-7 — what to fill in

Download Form W-7 at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf. Key fields for immigrants:

Reason for applying (Box a–h): Most newcomers check a (non-resident with US income) or f (non-resident student/professor/researcher)
Foreign status: Select your visa type
Entry date: Date you last entered the US (from I-94)
Foreign Tax ID: Your tax number from your home country (if any) — helps IRS verify identity
Tax return: W-7 must be attached to a completed tax return (1040-NR for most non-residents)

You can file W-7 without a tax return only in specific exceptions (e.g., mortgage, treaty benefits). For most people, a tax return is required.

SSN vs ITIN — what each unlocks

Feature	SSN	ITIN
File federal taxes	Yes	Yes
Legal employment in US	Yes	No
Open bank account	Yes	Some banks
Build credit history	Yes	Limited
Apply for credit card	Yes	Some issuers
Social Security benefits	Yes (if eligible)	No
Driver's license (some states)	Yes	State-dependent
Mortgage / home loan	Yes	Some lenders
Medicare / Medicaid	If eligible	No
ITIN expiry	Never expires	Expires after 3 unused tax years

Check your ITIN status

Answer two questions to find out if your ITIN is still valid.

1. When did you last file a federal tax return using this ITIN?

2. Middle 2 digits of your ITIN — optional (9XX-XX-XXXX) Used to check IRS group expiry rules

Your ITIN appears to be active

You filed recently enough that your ITIN should still be valid. Continue filing taxes each year to keep it active.

No action needed — just keep filing your annual return.

Your ITIN may expire soon

You haven't filed for 2 consecutive years. If you skip one more year, your ITIN will expire. File your 2024 tax return (due April 2025) to keep it active.

File your 2024 federal tax return by April 15, 2025 (or request extension)
Include your ITIN on Form 1040-NR (or 1040 if resident)
Once filed, your ITIN resets to 3 more active years

Your ITIN has likely expired

ITINs unused for 3+ consecutive tax years expire automatically. You must renew before filing your next tax return.

Download Form W-7 from irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf
Check box "a" or "f" (same as your original application). Write "Renewal" at the top.
Attach your federal tax return (1040-NR) to the W-7
Submit via a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) — fastest and safest (no mailing your passport)
IRS issues renewed ITIN in 7–11 weeks

Do NOT file your tax return with an expired ITIN — the IRS will reject it or delay your refund.

IRS scheduled expiry by middle digit group

The IRS periodically expires entire groups of ITINs based on the two middle digits, regardless of filing activity. All pre-2013 ITINs with these middle digits have already expired:

Middle digits	Expiry year	Status
70–82, 90–99	2016–2018	Expired
83–87	2019–2021	Expired
88	2020	Expired
00–09, 10–19	Issued 2013+	Not expired by group

If your ITIN middle digits are 70–99, it was issued before 2013 and has likely expired by group — regardless of when you last filed. Renew via Form W-7.

⬆️Got work authorization? Upgrade to SSN

If you received an EAD, Green Card, or any work-authorized visa, you should get an SSN instead of renewing your ITIN. An SSN is better in every way — it doesn't expire and unlocks more services.

Apply for SSN at your local SSA office

Bring your work authorization document (EAD, I-797, Green Card) + passport. You do NOT need to cancel your ITIN — it becomes inactive automatically once you get an SSN.
Notify the IRS of your new SSN

Write a letter to the IRS: include your name, ITIN, new SSN, and ask them to update your tax records. Mail to the IRS address for the most recent return you filed. Or include a note when you file your next tax return.
Use SSN for all future filings

From now on, use your SSN — not your ITIN — on all tax returns and forms. Your prior tax history transfers to your new SSN.

If you have work authorization, go to the Get Your SSN tab instead of renewing your ITIN.

Open a bank account

Many major banks accept a passport + I-94 + proof of address (utility bill, lease). Try Chase, Citibank, HSBC. Online-first options: Majority (immigrant-focused), Chime, Wise — no SSN required for basic accounts.

Possible without SSN

Start a new job

Your employer can begin your employment and complete I-9 using your passport and visa. You have 90 days to provide your SSN once you receive it. Write "Applied For" in the SSN field on tax forms.

Allowed by IRS

Get a credit card

Capital One and Discover accept ITIN. Deserve specializes in international students — no SSN or credit history needed. Secured cards from your bank also work with just a deposit.

ITIN helps here

Get a state ID or driver's license

Many states issue IDs without an SSN: CA, NY, IL, WA, CO and others accept a passport + proof of residence. Check your state's DMV — requirements vary widely.

State-dependent

Sign a lease

Most landlords in major cities accept a passport + employment offer letter + 2–3 months of deposit. An SSN is not legally required to rent — just negotiate with your landlord.

Passport accepted

Get a phone plan

Prepaid plans (Mint Mobile, T-Mobile prepaid, Google Fi, Boost) require no SSN or credit check. Pay month-to-month until you have credit history. Postpaid plans need SSN + credit.

Prepaid = no SSN

Get health insurance

Employer-sponsored health insurance usually doesn't require an SSN — your employer's HR will handle enrollment. ACA marketplace plans do eventually require an SSN or ITIN to verify income and subsidies.

ITIN for ACA subsidies

File a tax return

If you worked and don't have an SSN yet, write "Applied For" in the SSN box and attach a letter explaining the delay. Or use your ITIN. The IRS accepts both approaches.

Use ITIN or "Applied For"

Things that genuinely require an SSN: Postpaid phone contracts, financing a car, most apartment credit checks (but not the lease itself), Medicare/Medicaid enrollment, collecting Social Security benefits, and most credit-reporting purposes. These are worth waiting for.

Banks that work well without SSN

Bank / Service	SSN required?	Good for
Majority (majority.com)	No SSN	Immigrants — includes calling plan, remittance, Spanish support
Wise (wise.com)	No SSN	International transfers, multi-currency account
Chime	No SSN	Free debit card + spending account
Chase / Citibank / HSBC	Passport OK	Full-service banking, HSBC especially good for internationals
Wells Fargo	ITIN accepted	Branch network, accepts ITIN for account opening

Your immigration status

SSN & —ITIN Guide

SSN & —
ITIN Guide