How to Apply For a Social Security Number OR Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

Anyone earning money in the United States is required to have a Social Security number (S.S.N.). Some banks and investment companies require a Social Security number if you have an interest-bearing account. As of May 1996, the Social Security Administration (SSA) changed policy about issuing numbers to non-immigrant visa holders. The SSA now allows only those non-immigrant visa holders who are “work authorized or work eligible” to obtain a Social Security number. Those who do not have employment authorization, but may still need a tax identification number can apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Social Security Numbers and Mass Drivers License: As a result of this policy change by SSA, the Registry of Motor Vehicles in the State of Massachusetts, requests applicants for a drivers license to produce a social security number or a “denial letter” from SSA before you can apply for a Massachusetts Drivers License.

To Obtain a Social Security Number: If you are eligible to obtain a Social Security number, the International Office recommends that you apply 10 business days after arrival in the United States. This must be more than 48 hours after registering your SEVIS number with the ISSO (if you are on J1/F1 visa). Non-immigrant visa holders including H-1B Temporary Specialty Workers, TNs, T-1 Exchange Visitors, and F-1 Students are eligible to apply for Social Security numbers. J-2 spouses are eligible to apply if they have received employment authorization via a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by INS.

To obtain a Social Security number, you should apply in person to the Social Security Administration Office nearest you.

Documents required include:

· Passport

· I-94

· Visa status documents (DS-2019, I-20, I-797)

· Social Security Letter, issued by ISSO.

While at the Social Security Administration, you will complete an application form, and if accepted, within several weeks you will receive (by mail) a Social Security card with a number on the card. This is your individual Social Security number. Ask for a receipt from S.S.A. to present to ISSO so that you can be paid while the S.S.N. application is pending.

Other dependents of principal aliens (H-4, F-2, TD) are not employment eligible. They may apply for a Social Security number, but are likely to be denied. If dependents wish to obtain a Massachusetts Drivers License, they must first apply to Social Security Administration for a number. If they are not eligible for a number, a “denial letter” will be issued at the time of application. The dependent alien may then take this “denial letter” to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and apply for a license. (See “How to Apply for a Massachusetts Driver’s License” for more information.) Other visa categories, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa are not eligible for a Social Security number, and are also ineligible for a Massachusetts Drivers License because they are in the United States strictly as visitors.

The main number for the Social Security Administration Office is 1-800-772-1213. (You may also use this telephone number to find the location of the Social Security Administration Office nearest your home.) Website: www.ssa.gov

Social Security Administrative Office is located at:

55 Myrtle Street

Worcester MA 01608

Directions from UMass Medical School are as follows:

1. Start at 419 Belmont St. Worcester going towards Frank St.- go .4 mi

2. Continue on Shrewsbury St.- go 1.5 mi

3. Bear Right on Washington Sq. –go .1 mi

4. Bear Right on Old Mechanics St. – go .1 mi

5. Continue on Worcester Center Blvd- go .2 mi

6. Continue on Frances McGrath Blvd – go.2 mi

7. Turn Right on Myrtle St. – go .1 mi

8. Arrive at 52 Myrtle St Worcester

Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

If you are required to file a tax return (see section on U.S. Taxation of Foreign Students, Scholars, and Other Non-Immigrant Visas), and DO NOT have a Social Security number, then you may apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the local Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

All foreign nationals on temporary, non-immigrant visas (except those on B-1/B-2 Visitor B status) are currently required to file a tax return with the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and, depending on residency determination, the State of Massachusetts.

If you are not eligible to obtain a social security number, but are required to file a tax return, then you may obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number ITIN. Even those individuals who earned no U.S. source income are required to file a tax return. Filing a return doesn’t mean that you will pay taxes, only that you are complying with IRS laws and regulations. People who fit into this category are generally dependent spouses holding status such as J-2 (without an EAD), H-4, TD, and F-2.

The application for an ITIN may be obtained at the local IRS Office located at:

Internal Revenue Service

JFK Federal Building

Government Center

Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02203

Telephone: (617) 536-1040

Or 1-800-829-1040

When applying for an ITIN, you should bring the same type of identification mentioned above, including your passport, I-94, visa status document or a copy of spouse’s I-20, DS-2019, etc.