How to Get a Social Security Number for the First Time in the United States and Who Is Eligible to Apply?

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Obtaining a Social Security number is one of the first steps many people need to take when beginning their lives in the United States. This number may be required to work legally, file taxes, receive certain benefits, and complete various financial transactions.

However, not all immigrants are eligible to apply for a Social Security number, and having one does not automatically mean that a person has lawful permanent resident status or work authorization.

If you have recently arrived in the United States, received your work permit, or are going through an immigration process, it is important to understand who is eligible to obtain a Social Security number, which documents are required, and how to apply for the first time.

What Is a Social Security Number and What Is It Used For?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number issued by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA).

This number is primarily used to identify individuals in employment, tax, and Social Security benefit records.

Some of its most common uses include:

Working legally: Employers use it to report wages and taxes for authorized employees.
Filing taxes: It helps identify taxpayers with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Building a financial history: Banks and financial institutions may use it to verify your identity and review credit information.
Applying for certain benefits: It may be used to apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Completing everyday transactions: Some institutions request it for specific services or identity verification purposes.

It is important to remember that having a Social Security number does not guarantee eligibility for government financial benefits. Each program has its own eligibility requirements.

Who Can Get a Social Security Number in the United States?

Eligibility to apply for a Social Security number primarily depends on citizenship, immigration status, and, in some cases, work authorization.

1. U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can obtain a Social Security number, including at birth.

For example, when a baby is born in the United States, the parents can generally request a Social Security number as part of the birth registration process.

2. Lawful Permanent Residents

People who have lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card, can generally apply for a Social Security number.

If you have recently received your Green Card, you may have also requested your Social Security card as part of the immigration process.

3. Immigrants With Work Authorization

Many foreign nationals who have employment authorization can obtain a Social Security number.

These individuals may include people with:

A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Certain visas that allow employment in the United States.
Immigration statuses that include employment authorization.
Pending immigration applications that have already allowed them to obtain work authorization.

Important: Filing an application for asylum, permanent residence, or another immigration benefit does not automatically give you the right to work or receive a Social Security number. You must meet the applicable requirements.

4. Foreign Nationals Without Work Authorization in Specific Circumstances

In limited cases, the Social Security Administration may issue numbers to foreign nationals without work authorization when there is a valid, documented reason related to certain government benefits or services.

This is not a general option for obtaining identification, opening bank accounts, or getting a driver's license.

Can an Undocumented Person Get a Social Security Number?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among immigrants.

As a general rule, an undocumented person who does not have work authorization and does not qualify for an applicable exception cannot obtain a new Social Security number.

However, there are situations that are important to distinguish.

For example, someone who previously had work authorization and received a Social Security number generally keeps that same number, even if their immigration status subsequently changes or expires.

The number does not disappear, but it also does not provide authorization to work.

If you need to file taxes and cannot obtain a Social Security number, you may qualify to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS.

An ITIN allows you to complete certain tax-related transactions, but it does not grant immigration status, permanent residence, or work authorization.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number for the First Time: Step by Step

There are different ways to apply. The procedure depends on your immigration situation and whether you have already submitted an application to immigration authorities.

Step 1. Check Whether You Already Applied During Your Immigration Process

If you applied for a work permit or permanent residence, you may have already requested your Social Security number.

This may happen when completing certain forms issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including:

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

If you selected the option to receive a Social Security number and USCIS approves your application, you generally do not need to submit a separate application.

Your Social Security card is mailed to you and should generally arrive within 14 days after you receive your work permit or Green Card.

Step 2. Gather the Required Documents

If you need to apply directly through the Social Security Administration, you must provide documents proving your identity, age, and immigration status, as applicable.

The documents you may be asked to provide include:

A valid passport.
A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
An Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).
An Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94).
A birth certificate or other accepted documents proving your age.
Additional student or exchange visitor documents, when applicable.

Not everyone needs to submit the same documents.

The Social Security Administration requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Ordinary photocopies are generally not accepted.

Step 3. Start Your Application on the Official Website

You can begin the process through the official website:

Apply for a Social Security Number for the First Time — SSA

The system will explain how to proceed and whether you need to visit an office to have your documents verified.

Keep in mind that the online application process is available in English.

Step 4. Visit an Office if Necessary

Depending on your application, you may need to schedule an appointment and appear in person with the required documents.

You can find the nearest office using the official:

Social Security Office Locator

Step 5. Wait for Your Card to Arrive by Mail

Once your application is approved, your card will generally arrive by mail within approximately 5 to 10 business days. Some applications may take longer if your immigration information needs to be verified.

Applying for your first Social Security number is free. You do not need to pay anyone who promises to get you a number faster.

What Should You Do if You Received Your Work Permit but Your Social Security Card Has Not Arrived?

If you applied for your Social Security number along with your work permit and have already received your employment authorization, but 14 days have passed without receiving your card, contact the Social Security Administration.

It is a good idea to have your work permit, identification, and the mailing address you provided readily available.

You can also check whether an application is already being processed before submitting another one.

Can You Work While Waiting for Your Social Security Number?

In certain circumstances, a person who already has lawful employment authorization may begin working while waiting for their Social Security number to be assigned.

However, the employer must comply with employment eligibility verification requirements and applicable wage and tax reporting obligations.

The Social Security number and the work permit are two different documents. Waiting for your Social Security number does not eliminate the requirement to have work authorization when applicable.

What Should You Do if You Lose Your Social Security Card?

If you have already been assigned a Social Security number, you should not apply for a new one simply because you lost your card.

You can request a replacement card through the Social Security Administration. In general, you will keep the same number throughout your life.

It is also advisable to avoid carrying your Social Security card in your wallet every day and not to share your number with strangers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Numbers

Can I Apply for a Social Security Number With a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa alone does not allow you to obtain a Social Security number for employment. Limited exceptions exist for individuals without work authorization who need a number for non-employment purposes recognized by the Social Security Administration.

Can I Get a Social Security Number if My Asylum Case Is Pending?

Having a pending asylum application does not automatically make you eligible to obtain a Social Security number. However, if you receive employment authorization and meet the requirements, you can generally apply for a number.

Does a Social Security Number Expire?

A Social Security number is generally permanent. Some cards issued to foreign nationals include restrictions related to employment authorization, but those restrictions do not mean that the number itself has an expiration date.

Can I Obtain Permanent Residence by Having a Social Security Number?

No. A Social Security number is not an immigration benefit and does not automatically qualify you for permanent residence.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Social Security Number for the First Time?

Nothing. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to issue a Social Security number or card.

Conclusion: Understand Your Options Before Applying for Your Social Security Number

Obtaining a Social Security number can make many transactions and everyday activities in the United States easier.

However, the most important thing is to understand whether you meet the eligibility requirements and which procedure applies to your situation.

If you do not yet have a work permit, permanent residence, or another status that allows you to obtain one, it is advisable to review your immigration options first. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a benefit that also allows you to obtain employment authorization.

Remember: every immigration case is different. Before submitting documents or starting a process, seek official information and legal advice when necessary.

Official Sources Consulted

Social Security Administration: Applying for a Social Security number for the first time.
Social Security Administration: Requesting a number along with a work permit or permanent residence.
Social Security Administration: Documents required to apply for a card.
Social Security Administration: Requirements for individuals who are not U.S. citizens.

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