USA Internship Program

Social Security Number

A Social Security Number is a unique identification number issued by the U.S. government. It is required for tax purposes and is valid for life. Your host company will need your Social Security Number in order to add you to payroll; you may also need it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or apply for a driver’s license. It is therefore important that you apply for a Social Security Number as soon as possible. If you already have one from a previous stay in the United States, you should not apply for another one.

How to Apply

To ensure that your application for a Social Security Number is processed correctly, you actually must wait a few days after arrival to apply. This is to allow all U.S. government databases time to communicate with each other and to recognize that you have arrived in the United States. You should wait at least three days after you have confirmed your arrival with your CDS representative and 10 days after your arrival in the U.S. before submitting a Social Security Number application. Your CDS representative will send you an email acknowledging your arrival confirmation and SEVIS validation.

Apply for your Social Security Number by visiting the Social Security Administration Office nearest you. You will need to present the following original documents (not photocopies) during the application:

• a completed Form SS-5
• a letter of employment from your U.S. host company
• passport including your J-1 visa and Form I-94
• Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)
• Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002)

Your Social Security Number card will be mailed to you, so it is very important that you include an up-to-date address on Form SS-5 when applying. If you are staying in temporary housing during the application process, you may want to enter your host company’s address.

Be sure to get a receipt or confirmation of your application while you are at the Social Security Administration Office. It usually takes three to six weeks for you to receive your Social Security Number; however, this receipt can be used immediately by your host company to enter you in payroll.

Once you receive your number, be sure that the Social Security Card reads “Valid for Work with DHS (or INS) Authorization”. If this phrase does not appear on your card, return to the Social Security Office immediately and request a new card.

You should memorize your Social Security Number and keep your card at home in a safe place (not in your wallet). Never give your Social Security Number to an unreliable source and never email it, not even to CDS. If you are asked to provide the number online, make sure that the connection is secure.

If you have difficulty obtaining a Social Security Number, notify your CDS representative immediately.