How Do I Get a Social Security Number?
You get a Social Security number by applying to the Social Security Administration, and you generally need to be authorized to work, such as a green card holder or someone with work authorization. Getting a Social Security number means applying with the SSA using Form SS-5 and proof of your identity, immigration status, and work authorization, or requesting it as part of your immigrant visa or green card process. The number lets you work legally and is used for taxes and many services.
This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, and the difference from an ITIN. It connects to our guides on working with a green card et how long a work permit takes.
Not sure when or how to get your Social Security number? Atlas Legal can help you understand the steps. Contact our team to get started.
Principaux enseignements
- The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers.
- You generally need work authorization to get one.
- New immigrants can often request it with their visa or green card process.
- Others apply with Form SS-5 and proof of status and identity.
- An ITIN is different and is for tax purposes when you cannot get an SSN.
Contenu de ce guide
- Who is eligible
- New immigrants and the SSN
- How to apply
- Documents you need
- SSN vs ITIN
- Foire aux questions
Who Is Eligible
A Social Security number is generally available to people who are authorized to work in the United States. This includes lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, and others with valid work authorization, such as certain visa holders and those with a work permit.
If you are not authorized to work, you usually cannot get a standard Social Security number, though there are limited exceptions for non-work purposes required by law. For most people, work authorization is the key to eligibility.
New Immigrants and the SSN
If you are immigrating through an immigrant visa or getting a green card, you can often request a Social Security number as part of that process, so it is issued to you without a separate trip to the SSA.
When you apply for an immigrant visa, you may be able to indicate that you want an SSN, and it is then processed as you become a permanent resident. This convenience means many new residents receive their number shortly after arriving.
How to Apply
If you did not get an SSN through your immigration process, you apply directly with the Social Security Administration. The steps are straightforward:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Complete Form SS-5 | The application for a Social Security card |
| Gather documents | Proof of identity, status, and work authorization |
| Submit to the SSA | Apply as instructed by the Social Security Administration |
| Receive your card | The SSA mails your Social Security card |
Apply after you have your work authorization document or status, since the SSA needs to verify it. Timing matters if a job is waiting.
Documents You Need
You generally need to prove your identity, your immigration status, and your work authorization. Common documents include your passport, your green card or work permit, and your immigration documents showing status.
Requirements can vary, so check the SSA’s current guidance for your situation. Providing the right documents the first time avoids delays in getting your number and card.
Waiting on work authorization before you can get an SSN? Timing the steps matters. Ask Atlas Legal to help you plan.
SSN vs ITIN
A Social Security number is different from an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. An SSN is for people authorized to work and is used for employment, taxes, and services. An ITIN is issued by the IRS for tax purposes to people who must file taxes but are not eligible for an SSN.
If you are not work-authorized but need to handle taxes, an ITIN may apply. But an ITIN does not authorize work or provide the benefits of an SSN. Once you become eligible for an SSN, you generally use it instead.
Quand faire appel à un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration
Getting an SSN is usually simple once you have status, but timing and eligibility can raise questions. Legal help is valuable when you are unsure whether your status allows an SSN, when work authorization is delayed and affects a job, when you need to coordinate the SSN with your immigration process, or when you are deciding between an SSN and an ITIN. An attorney can align these steps with your case. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Questions fréquemment posées
How do I get a Social Security number?
You get one from the Social Security Administration, generally if you are authorized to work, such as a green card holder or someone with work authorization. New immigrants can often request an SSN as part of their immigrant visa or green card process. Otherwise, you apply with Form SS-5 and proof of your identity, immigration status, and work authorization, and the SSA mails your Social Security card.
Do I need work authorization to get an SSN?
Generally yes. A standard Social Security number is available to people authorized to work in the U.S., including permanent residents and others with valid work authorization. If you are not work-authorized, you usually cannot get one, apart from limited exceptions for non-work purposes required by law. For most people, having work authorization is the key requirement to obtain a Social Security number.
Can I get an SSN when I get my green card?
Often yes. If you immigrate through an immigrant visa or obtain a green card, you can usually request a Social Security number as part of that process, so it is issued without a separate trip to the SSA. When applying for the immigrant visa, you may indicate that you want an SSN, and many new permanent residents receive their number shortly after arriving.
What documents do I need to apply for an SSN?
You generally need to prove your identity, your immigration status, and your work authorization. Common documents include your passport, your green card or work permit, and immigration documents showing your status. Requirements can vary, so check the Social Security Administration’s current guidance for your situation. Providing the correct documents the first time helps you avoid delays in receiving your number and card.
What is the difference between an SSN and an ITIN?
A Social Security number is for people authorized to work and is used for employment, taxes, and services. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, is issued by the IRS for tax purposes to people who must file taxes but are not eligible for an SSN. An ITIN does not authorize work or provide SSN benefits. Once eligible for an SSN, you generally use it instead of an ITIN.
How long does it take to get a Social Security number?
After you apply with the right documents, the SSA processes the request and mails your card, which typically takes a couple of weeks, though times vary. If you requested the SSN through your immigrant visa process, it may arrive shortly after you become a permanent resident. Applying promptly once you have work authorization helps if a job is waiting on the number.
Can I work before I get my Social Security number?
Your authorization to work comes from your status or work permit, not the SSN itself, so in some situations you may be able to start work while the number is pending, if your employer allows it and the law permits. The SSN is needed for tax reporting. Confirm with your employer and check the rules, since practices vary, and you must have valid work authorization regardless.
Do I need to reapply for an SSN if my status changes?
You keep the same Social Security number for life; it does not change with your status. However, if your work authorization status changes, you may need to update your records with the SSA, for example to replace a card that had a work restriction once you become authorized. The number stays the same, but the associated information may need updating as your status evolves.
Conclusion
You get a Social Security number from the SSA, generally if you are authorized to work. New immigrants can often request it through their visa or green card process, while others apply with Form SS-5 and proof of identity, status, and work authorization. An ITIN is a separate, tax-only number for those not eligible for an SSN. Each case depends on its own facts.
If you have questions about getting an SSN with your immigration status, Atlas Legal Immigration Law can help. Reach us at 1750 E Golf Rd, bureau 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173, appeler (+1) 872 382 2762, ou par e-mail info@theatlaslegal.com. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur notre services page.
Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on July 24, 2026.
Sources
- Social Security Administration, Social Security Number and Card
- Social Security Administration, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
- Internal Revenue Service, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Cet article est fourni à titre d'information générale uniquement et ne constitue en aucun cas un conseil juridique. Les lois sur l'immigration, les frais administratifs, les politiques et les délais de traitement sont susceptibles d'évoluer. La lecture de cet article ou la prise de contact avec Atlas Legal n'entraîne pas en soi la création d'une relation avocat-client. L'issue de toute affaire d'immigration dépend des faits et des circonstances propres à chaque cas.
