Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a database of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as its primary data source to verify legal entry into the United States and, in conjunction with travel documentation, to verify the immigration status of non-citizen Social Security number (SSN) applicants. It may take several days after the arrival of a nonimmigrant for arrival data to upload to the DHS database.
What should I know before arriving in the US that will make getting a Social Security number easier?
Before landing in the United States, an airline crew member will distribute US immigration and customs forms to you. The immigration form you will need to complete is a small white card called Form I-94. When you enter the United States at a port of entry as a nonimmigrant, the immigration inspector will stamp your I-94 card and staple it inside your passport. The Form I-94 should reflect your name as it appears on your passport. In addition, your entry visa type should match the immigration status notation that the immigration inspector handwrites on your I-94 card. It is critical that all immigration documents match.
When applying for a Social Security card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the Form I-94 to be the primary immigration and identity document. If the name that appears on your Form I-94 does not match the name on your passport, you may need to go to the nearest DHS office to have the Form I-94 information corrected before SSA can accept it. This will cause longer delays in getting a SSN. The same holds true for the names of your dependents (if any).
Remember to:
- Carry all immigration documents with you on the plane as you will need to present them at the port-of-entry
- Do not pack the documentation in your luggage, as you will not be able to get to the luggage before coming in contact with the inspectors
- Not being able to provide the documentation to the inspectors upon arrival will delay your processing at the port-of-entry
- Enter your name carefully and legibly exactly as it is contained on your passport when completing the Form I-94.
Be careful to enter your date of birth as requested on the Form I-94 in day, month and year order (dd/mm/yy).How should I apply for a Social Security number?
The following questions and answers from Social Security Administration are provided to assist you in applying for a Social Security number.
1. What is a Social Security number (SSN) and card? Do I need to get an SSN?
A Social Security number (SSN) is a type of identification number used for Social Security. It is a nine-digit number resembling "123-00-1234" which is issued to an individual by the United States Federal Government. A SSN is intended to accurately record the earnings of the individual to whom it is issued. SSNs also function as a general identification number in many situations. The identification number (SSN) assigned to the individual is then issued to the individual on a card. This card is referred to as the "Social Security card."
As a visitor, you will likely need a SSN to work in the United States. Cincinnati Children's needs your SSN for payroll records. This number also may be requested if you open bank accounts, rent an apartment or apply for a driver's license.
Recent provisions in US law have changed the rules for assigning a SSN and issuing a Social Security card. Review the New Rules for Getting A Social Security Number and Card. Also, see Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers.
2. How do I apply for a Social Security number?
To apply for a Social Security number (SSN), you should:
- Report to your sponsor upon arrival in the United States to let them know that you are here
- Wait at least 10 days from your arrival date in the United States before applying for your SSN. Doing this helps ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can verify your immigration information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- You must take the completed application and original documents (listed below) to the nearest SSA office:
- Passport
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with visa stamp
- Original Form DS-2019 (if in J status).
- Fill in your name exactly as it is shown on your Form I-94 and passport. The name on your passport, Form I-94 and Form DS-2019 (if applicable) should all be the same.
- Check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work"
- Enter your date of birth in the following manner: month, day, year (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Enter your mother's birth surname (maiden name).
4. How do I locate the nearest Social Security Administration office?
To locate the Social Security office nearest you, use the Social Security Office Locator and enter your zip code.
The closest Social Security Administration office to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is:
Social Security
Rroom 2000
550 Main St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
View a map of this location.
5. What documents do I need to provide to Social Security Administration (SSA) officials to prove my immigration status?
To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the original copies of current Form I-94, Arriva l/ Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States; your passport; and, if you are in J status, your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019).
6. How long will it take to get a Social Security number?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before a Social Security number (SSN) can be assigned to you. After receiving the verification from DHS, a SSN will be issued to you and the Social Security card (containing the assigned SSN) will be mailed to the address provided on the application (Form SS-5). Most of the time, documents can be verified quickly with DHS, online. If the documents cannot be verified online, it may take DHS several weeks to respond to the request. The SSA works closely with DHS to reduce these delays.
7. What do I do if I don't receive my Social Security number (SSN) right away?
If there are delays in receiving a Social Security number (SSN), you can still begin participation in the program activity for which you are sponsored. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require you to have a SSN before you begin participation in your program. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to report wages using a SSN. While you wait for your SSN, Cincinnati Children's can use a letter from SSA stating that you have applied for a number. When you apply for a SSN, make sure you ask for a letter acknowledging you have filed an application (Form SS-5). This letter can be printed and given to you immediately as part of the application process. Cincinnati Children's may use your immigration documents as proof of your authorization to work in the United States.
8. How do I contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
For more information and to find copies of Social Security Administration (SSA) publications, visit the Social Security web site or call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call their TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). The SSA representatives can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Information is also provided by automated phone service 24 hours a day. All calls are treated confidentially.
