Social Security number: getting yours as a newcomer

A Social Security number is required to work and access most financial services in the U.S. Here’s how to get one as a newcomer.

What is a Social Security number?

A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by the Social Security Administration, originally created to track earnings for Social Security benefits but now widely used for employment, tax reporting, opening bank accounts, and applying for credit. According to the SSA⁠(opens in new window), generally only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security can obtain an SSN.

How to apply for a Social Security number step by step

1. Check whether application is possible as part of an immigration process. Depending on a specific immigration category, an SSN may be requestable directly on forms like the Application for Employment Authorization or an immigrant visa application, avoiding a separate trip to a Social Security office. According to this step-by-step guide⁠(opens in new window), the specific documents required vary depending on which of the three main application pathways applies.

2. Gather the required documents if applying separately. This typically includes proof of identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status, generally through original or certified documents rather than photocopies.

3. Visit a local Social Security office if needed. When a specific situation doesn’t allow for an automated process through USCIS, an in-person application is required.

4. Wait for the card to arrive by mail. Processing typically takes about two weeks once all necessary documentation is verified, though it can take longer if additional verification is required.

Why applying for an SSN is always free

Applying for a Social Security number and card is free, and this is worth remembering specifically because immigrants are sometimes targeted by scammers charging a fee to “help” with the application or claiming expedited processing is available for payment. No legitimate part of this process ever requires payment, and any offer suggesting otherwise should be treated as a scam.

What a Social Security number means for people sending money internationally

Having an SSN typically makes it considerably easier to open a bank account and use many financial services, including some money transfer providers, though options generally exist for people without one too. Understanding which specific services require an SSN and which accept an alternative like an ITIN helps in navigating financial access more confidently as a newcomer.

When to consult a tax professional

Consult a tax professional for anyone not eligible for a Social Security number who needs to file taxes, since applying for an ITIN instead will likely be necessary, a related but distinct process with its own specific requirements. It’s also worth guidance if immigration status changes in a way that might newly qualify someone for an SSN after previously using an ITIN, since transitioning between the two involves specific IRS coordination.

Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card

A lost or stolen Social Security card can generally be replaced free of charge through the SSA, and doing so promptly, along with monitoring accounts for unusual activity, helps limit any potential misuse of the number in the meantime.

Protecting your number once you have it

Beyond avoiding scams during the application process, ongoing protection matters too: sharing a Social Security number only when genuinely required, shredding documents that display it before disposal, and monitoring credit periodically all reduce the risk of future identity theft tied to this specific piece of information.

An SSN card should never be laminated

The SSA specifically advises against laminating a Social Security card, since lamination can make it harder to detect if the card has been altered or tampered with, and can also interfere with certain security features embedded in the physical card itself.

Why some employers may ask for your SSN before you’re officially hired

It’s common and generally legitimate for a prospective employer to request a Social Security number as part of a background check or to begin employment paperwork once a job offer has been accepted, though caution is warranted about providing it earlier in a hiring process, before any real offer has been extended.

Why children born in the U.S. can apply for an SSN too

A child born in the U.S. is generally eligible for a Social Security number regardless of the parents’ immigration status, often applied for shortly after birth as part of the hospital’s standard paperwork process, a detail worth knowing for anyone expecting a child while navigating their own immigration and financial setup.

In Summary

Getting a Social Security number is a foundational step for working and accessing most financial services in the U.S., and knowing the legitimate, always-free process protects against scams targeting newcomers navigating this step.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed herein. This publication is not a substitute for seeking advice from an applicable specialist or professional. The content in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Remitly or any of its affiliates and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to keep our posts up to date and accurate, we cannot represent, warrant, or otherwise guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or up to date.