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Who Can Get a Social Security Number, and How to Obtain One?
By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm
In the United States, the Social Security Number (SSN) is a critical component for personal identification and financial transactions. This number is essential for individuals who will work, pay taxes, or apply for social security benefits in the United States. In this post, we will explore who is eligible to obtain a Social Security Number and how the application process works:
- What is a Social Security Number?
- Who Can Obtain a Social Security Number?
- Application Process for a Social Security Number
- The Importance of the Social Security Number
- Alternatives for Those Unable to Obtain a Social Security Number
If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out through the comments section below, send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or contact me through the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration law firm I co-founded!
What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number is a number used by the U.S. government to identify individuals. It is used for many important transactions, including social security benefits and tax filings. Additionally, employers, banks, and other financial institutions use this number to verify an individual’s identity.
Who Can Obtain a Social Security Number?
Several categories of individuals can apply for a Social Security Number, typically divided into three main groups:
- U.S. Citizens:
- Individuals born in the U.S. or who have gained citizenship can obtain a Social Security Number from birth or after gaining citizenship. Those born in the U.S. can apply for this number with a birth certificate. For American citizens, the process is usually straightforward and is often completed shortly after birth.
- Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders):
- Green Card holders, who have the legal right to live and work in the U.S., can apply for a Social Security Number by contacting the Social Security Administration. Green Card holders need this number to find work and conduct banking transactions in the U.S.
- Temporary Work Permit Holders:
- Foreign nationals in the U.S. on temporary work visas such as H-1B, L-1, or E-2 may also apply for a Social Security Number. To apply, these individuals must have a valid work permit and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and meet tax filing requirements.
Application Process for a Social Security Number
To obtain a Social Security Number, applicants must follow specific steps and prepare required documents. The application process includes the following steps:
Preparing Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents to apply for a Social Security Number:
- Identity Document: U.S. citizens must provide a birth certificate or passport. Foreign nationals must provide a valid passport or U.S. entry visa.
- Immigration Status Documents: Green Card holders must provide a copy of their Green Card, while those on temporary visas must present work authorization documents.
- Work Permit: Individuals on temporary work visas must have a valid work permit issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Submitting Application to the Social Security Office
Applicants must visit the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office to submit their application. During the process:
- Forms are Completed: The application form provided by the SSA must be filled out accurately. This form requests personal information, immigration status, and contact details.
- Documents are Submitted: The prepared documents must be submitted to the office. These documents are used to verify the applicant’s identity and immigration status.
- Identity Verification: The SSA office will check the validity of the documents and confirm the applicant’s identity.
- Processing the Application
Processing the application typically takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, the applicant will receive their Social Security card via mail. Once approved, the applicant can use the number for various transactions.
The Importance of the Social Security Number
The Social Security Number is necessary for many essential processes in the U.S. Here are a few examples:
- Tax Filing: Social Security Numbers are used when filing income tax returns. Employers track their employees’ income and tax information using this number.
- Employment and Banking: The Social Security Number is required for job applications, opening bank accounts, and applying for credit.
- Social Security Benefits: This number is used when applying for Social Security benefits. These benefits include retirement, disability, and survivor payments.
Alternatives for Those Unable to Obtain a Social Security Number
Not everyone may be eligible for a Social Security Number. Foreign nationals in the U.S. on temporary visas without work permits, or those on tourist visas, may consider alternative options:
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Those who cannot obtain a Social Security Number can apply for an ITIN through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The ITIN is necessary for individuals who need to file a tax return. While ITINs can be used in place of Social Security Numbers, they are not sufficient for social security benefits or certain financial transactions.
Conclusion
The Social Security Number plays a critical role in living and working in the U.S. U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and individuals with temporary work permits can obtain this number to legally work and carry out financial transactions. The application process requires proper documentation and accurate form completion. For more information and legal assistance, feel free to contact us at cklawfirm.org, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or through LinkedIn.
Who is Attorney Ergül Çeliksoy?
Attorney Dr. Ergül Çeliksoy is a founding partner of CK Law Firm and also serves as an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Nottingham. With extensive experience in U.S. immigration law, Dr. Çeliksoy completed a Master’s degree in international law and human rights law at the University of Nottingham in 2017, followed by a Ph.D. at the same university. His Ph.D., completed in 2022 at the University of Nottingham School of Law, marked a significant milestone in his academic career. Dr. Çeliksoy has published extensively in leading academic journals and is internationally recognized for his expertise in modern slavery, criminal justice, and criminal law. As a member of the California Bar, Dr. Çeliksoy offers exceptional service to his clients, particularly in U.S. immigration law cases. His expertise and experience in immigration law significantly contribute to CK Law Firm’s work in this area.
Dr. Çeliksoy provides comprehensive and strategic solutions to his clients in immigration law cases, helping secure their legal status in the U.S. His work on human rights and immigration processes, particularly in modern slavery and criminal law, effectively addresses the complex legal issues immigrants face. Dr. Çeliksoy reinforces CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law by offering reliable and effective legal consulting services to his clients, helping them build new lives in the United States.
