Can J-1 Visa Holders Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
This article examines whether J-1 visa holders can apply for an SSN, distinguishing paid employees from students. It cites the University of Chicago international office's guidance that J-1 scholars in certain categories may apply while J-1 students are not automatically eligible, and addresses a reader's confusion over differing practices across states and schools.
We previously introduced the process for applying for an SSN, noting that generally only those with legal work authorization in the U.S. can apply. Without work authorization, you may apply only if federal, state, or local law requires an SSN to obtain a certain benefit. A reader asked:
I have read this explanation many times, looked up others' SSN application experiences online, and reviewed other schools' guidance on J-1 scholar applications, and I ended up more confused. The international student office at my school in SD refuses to issue a letter for J-1 scholars, arguing that since the school does not employ you or pay you a salary, it cannot provide such a letter. A friend who arrived in Washington State at the end of July as a J-1 scholar went directly to the SSA with his passport, Form 2019, I-94, and rental contract; he was not asked for a school letter at any point and successfully obtained an SSN. The University of Chicago's international student office website publicly lists notes and requirements for SSN applications, stating that J-1 scholars apply directly for an SSN and do not need proof of employment; the office also issues letters for J-1 scholars applying for an SSN. What puzzles and bewilders me is: if the rules are supposed to be the same nationwide, why is there such a big difference across states and schools? Given what my current school says, is it still possible for me to successfully apply for an SSN in SD?
J-1 holders may be salaried employees or students. Salaried employees in the U.S. can certainly apply for an SSN, but Chinese funding does not count; students may not necessarily be eligible to apply for an SSN.
The University of Chicago guidance mentioned by the reader reads as follows:
Individuals in J-1 Scholar status are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number at any time, though note that you should wait at least 10 days after you arrive in the US to apply. You are considered a scholar if box 4 on your DS-2019 indicates either “Professor,” “Research Scholar,” “Short-Term Scholar,” or “Specialist.” J-1 Students (including J-1 non-degree students) are NOT automatically eligible to apply for an SSN.
If you are visiting the University of Chicago as a Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Specialist—and I assume the University of Chicago pays them—then you can apply for an SSN; if you are visiting merely as a “student,” you are not eligible to apply for an SSN (unless you have separate work authorization).
