Apply for a Social Security Number

If you are an immigrant, refugee, or asylum seeker (not a U.S. citizen) and have applied for an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) for the first-time, you must apply for a Social Security Number either online or in person. Initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applicants will not have a Social Security Number automatically created for them.

Applying Online

To apply for a Social Security Number online:

  1. Use this link to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) webpage: “Request Social Security Number For the First Time” and fill out the necessary fields and information.
  2. Once the online application is complete, you will be prompted to make an in person appointment with the Social Security Office.
  3. Bring the following documents with you to your in-person appointment:
    • One of these documents:
      • Your Form I-766 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to prove your immigration status and that you can work in the U.S. OR
      • Your Form I-551 or Permanent Resident Card (PRC) with your unexpired foreign passport to prove your immigration status OR
      • I-94 or Arrival/Departure Record or admission stamp in unexpired foreign passport showing that your visa type allows you to work in the U.S. AND
    • Your birth certificate to prove your age. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain it in 14 business days, the Social Security office may accept your foreign passport, U.S. military record, or a religious record showing your age or date of birth.
  4. You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after the Social Security Office has received all of the documentation needed to process your application.

**Please note that all documents must be original. The Social Security office does not accept photocopies or notarized documents.

Applying In Person

To apply for a Social Security Number in person:

1) Make an Appointment with SSA

To make an appointment with your local Social Security office, do the following:

  1. Ensure that you have already received your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or “EAD”) or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or “legal permanent residence card” or “green card”) or I-94 or Arrival/Departure Record or admission stamp in unexpired foreign passport showing that your visa type allows you to work in the U.S.. You cannot apply for your SSN card until after you have at least one of these documents.
  2. Locate your local Social Security Office using the SSA’s Field Office Locator website.
  3. Insert your local zip code into the zip code field to find your nearest Social Security office.
  4. Once you have located your local Social Security office, call their phone number (offices will have different phone numbers) to schedule an appointment.

2) Complete an SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card

Once you have spoken with and scheduled an appointment with your local Social Security office representative regarding your application for an SSN card, please print and fill out the SS-5 form which can be found on the SSA website. On the SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card, leave any questions for a Social Security Number/SSN blank if this is your first time applying for a Social Security Number.

3) Bring the following documents to your in person appointment:

  • Your completed SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card.
  • One of these documents:
    • Your Form I-766 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to prove your immigration status and that you can work in the U.S. OR
    • Your Form I-551 or Permanent Resident Card (PRC) with your unexpired foreign passport to prove your immigration status OR
    • I-94 or Arrival/Departure Record or admission stamp in unexpired foreign passport showing that your visa type allows you to work in the U.S. AND
  • Your birth certificate to prove your age. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain it in 14 business days, the Social Security office may accept your foreign passport, U.S. military record, or a religious record showing your age or date of birth.

**Please note that all documents must be original. The Social Security office does not accept photocopies or notarized documents.

You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after the Social Security Office has received all of the documentation needed to process your application.

(F-1, M-1, J1 or J2 visa holders have additional requirements that can be found on the SSA website.)

Last updated August 12, 2025