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Who Can Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Social Security numbers are issued for tax purposes only. They are used to identify you within the government’s tax and pension system. Only those with authorized employment are eligible for Social Security numbers.
Visit our ISSS website for detailed information on how to get a Social Security number.
Use the Social Security Office Locator to locate offices in your area to see what offices may have available appointments or walk-ins.
Applying for Social Security requires a government agency to verify your arrival in the U.S. and your immigration status-- you must wait at least 14 days after entering the U.S. to apply for a SSN. In addition, you must wait 3 business days after you receive confirmation that your SEVIS record has been activated. Part of the SEVIS activation process includes completing the mandatory online immigration videos and documents check. Do not apply too early or it will require secondary verification, resulting in longer delays.
You must apply for the SSN in any of these cases:
- You have an offer to be a Graduate Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant
- You get an on-campus job or off-campus paid internship in the future (once you have the offer)
- If you will apply for a Maryland Driver's license and do not have a job, you are required to obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security office
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