U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) Guide
Complete checklist and timeline for newly arrived H-1B, L-1, F-1, and J-1 visa holders. Avoid common processing delays.
The Critical 10-Day CBP Sync Rule
When you land in the United States, a CBP officer processes your entry and creates an electronic **Form I-94 Arrival Record**. This record must sync from CBP systems into the federal **SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)** database, which the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to verify your legal status.
Additionally, check your I-94 record online via the official CBP portal (`i94.cbp.dhs.gov`) the day after you land. Make sure your **First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and Visa Class (e.g. H1B)** are spelled 100% correctly. If there is a typo, you must visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Site to get it corrected *before* going to the SSA office.
📋 Mandatory Documents to Bring to the SSA Office
You must apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office. Bring original copies of the following documents:
Fill out Form SS-5 online or print it and fill it out in black ink beforehand to speed up your office visit.
Your physical passport containing your unexpired U.S. visa stamp.
Retrieve and print your latest electronic I-94 Arrival Record from `i94.cbp.dhs.gov`.
H-1B/L-1/O-1 holders must bring their original **Form I-797 Approval Notice**. F-1 students must bring their **Form I-20** (with employment endorsement for CPT/OPT) plus a letter of work eligibility from their university's DSO.
SSN Rules for Spouses & Dependents
Eligibility for an SSN depends on the type of dependent visa held:
| Visa Type | Work Authorization Status | SSN Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| L-2S / E-2S Spouses | Authorized Incident to Status | **Eligible Immediately**. Under the 2021 USCIS update, L-2 and E-2 spouses do not need to apply for a separate EAD. Bring your I-94 showing 'L2S' status directly to the SSA to get an SSN. |
| H-4 Spouses | Requires Approved Form I-765 (EAD) | **Ineligible** unless they have a physical H-4 EAD card in hand. If they do not work, they can obtain an **SSN Ineligibility Letter** from the SSA to show the DMV for driver's licenses. |
| F-2 Dependents | Strictly Prohibited from Work | **Ineligible**. F-2 spouses and children cannot apply for an SSN. They must use an **ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)** for tax returns. |