Social Security Number, Tax ID Number, “A” Number, and Aliens

A Social Security Number is an important identifying number issued by the Social Security Administration through a Social Security Card. A Social Security Card usually contains a Social Security Number, the name to whom the card/number is issued, and annotation of the conditions for employment.  Social Security Numbers have been used by government agencies, credit checking systems, schools, healthcare systems, insurance and many other institutes as the major personal identification information.  A Social Security number will assist in obtaining social security benefits, a driver’s license, credit cards, home loans, accessing to insurance and healthcare system, attending schools, etc.   In addition, it is also an important and required part of employment authorization and is required on the I-9 form for employment eligibility verification. However, since only certain individuals can legally work in the U.S. there are three different types of Social Security Cards that vary depending on the citizenship and immigrant legal status of the individual.

Non-restricted Social Security Cards

Nonrestricted Social Security Cards are issued to individuals who have authorization to work indefinitely in the U.S. This group includes U.S. Citizens, legal permanent residents, refugees and those granted asylum. This type of card is valid for use on the I-9 forms and allows the individual to work in the U.S. without restriction. The card bears only the individual’s name and Social Security Number. Both U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who apply for a Social Security Card will need to submit proof of legal status when they apply with Social Security Administration.

Restricted Eligibility Social Security Cards

Aliens with work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be issued a restricted card.

These cards bear the individual’s name and Social Security number but are marked with the phrase “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” Individuals who receive this card are allowed to work legally only with DHS authorization and are limited to employment allowed by their DHS authorization.  Aliens who are eligible include those whose status allows them to work under certain conditions such as F-1, J-1 or M-1 students or H-1 or H-2 workers.. For example, an H-1B status holder is able to use his/her Social Security Card for employment only with the employer who petitioned on his/her behalf. The alien would not be allowed to secure other work with his restricted card unless he received other permission from DHS.  F-1 students are allowed to engage in  part time campus work with their status. Thus, the Social Security Administration  will issue SSN only to those F-1 students who received on campus job offers or F-1 students with DHS special authorization documents, such as EAD.  Those with J-1 status must provide a letter from their sponsor verifying their employment along with their application for a Social Security Card.

Restricted Social Security Cards are also issued to aliens who receive DHS permission to work with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). For example,  a J-2 spouse of an exchange visitor is not automatically authorized to work with his/her status. However the spouse is eligible to apply for an EAD with DHS. In addition, EAD is also available to F-1 students through an Optional Practice Program (OPT).  Furthermore, an I-485 applicant is eligible to receive derivative EAD benefits while the adjustment case is pending.  Once the EAD is approved, the alien beneficiary can apply for a restricted Social Security Card. 

Pubic Assistance Purpose Social Security Cards

Certain aliens who have valid status but no DHS authorization to work within the U.S. can still receive a Social Security Number. These individuals will be issued a Social Security Card if they are legally required to present a Social Security number in order to receive public assistance benefits that they already qualify for. This type of card is issued for nonwork purposes and is clearly marked with “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.” Individuals who receive this type of card will be able to use it for identification purposes but will not be allowed to work unless they gain authorization and receive a new Social Security Card. For example, an alien whose family qualifies to receive benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will need to provide a Social Security Number. If none of the members of the family have DHS work authorization, they can receive a nonwork Social Security Card in order to receive federal assistance.

Upgrade of Social Security Cards

If an individual who did not have authorization to work receives permission through a change of status or by receiving a green card, he can change the type of card he was originally issued by applying for a replacement card. He must provide evidence of his new work eligibility, such as a copy of a green card or a valid work permit issued by the DHS, when he files his application with the Social Security Administration. The replacement card will reflect the new eligibility to work but the Social Security Number will remain the same.

           
Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

Certain aliens with legal status or those out of status are not eligible for a Social Security Card for work or nonwork purposes. Without social security card (number), one can not file tax return or to be included as dependent in a tax return filed by the principal tax return filer.  To solve this issue, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows this an alien who do not have a social security number to file a W-7 form to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).   ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax reporting only. It does not authorize an individual to work in the U.S. or confer eligibility for Social Security benefits and can be used as identification only within the tax system. This will also allow an individual to open a bank account.

Alien Registration Number (A Number)

Aliens are also often confused social security numbers with alien registration numbers (or “A” number) issued by the Department of Homeland Security.  An alien is issued an “A” number when he is applying for immigration, is put under removal proceedings, or under other special registration programs.  Those who are eligible for temporary employment authorization under F-1 OPT or J-2 status may also receive a temporary “A” number in their employment authorization card (EAD).  The formal “A” number contains eight digits and will occasionally begin with a “0” and have a total of 10 digits.  In general, one may only have one formal “A” number.  In multiple applications cases, however, an alien may receive multiple “A” numbers.

The “A” number is used by the Department of Homeland Security system for the purpose of identifying aliens. It alone does notserve as employment authorization nor is it evidence of legal status or permanent residency.             

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

A: No, you can not apply for a SSN as the SSA requires an employment offer for work on campus for F-1 students to be eligible for a SSN.

A: No, you cannot apply for a SSN because as an H-4 spouse, you do not have work authorization from the DHS. Unless are required to submit a SSN to receive public assistance benefits, the SSA will not issue a nonwork card solely for tax purposes.

A: Unless you require a SSN to receive public benefits, your status as a J-2 spouse does not automatically make you eligible to apply for a SSN because you do not have DHS work permission. However, you are eligible to apply for EAD with DHS. Once you have been issues your EAD, you can apply for a restricted card for employment and identification use.

A: Yes, you can apply for a SSN. However, if approved, your card will be restricted for use with employment that is allowed by your OPT EAD card. When applying for you SSN, you must submit your Form I-20 with completed employment page.

A: Yes, your new status as F-1 makes you eligible for a SSN if you have an on campus job offer. You must provide SSA with a letter from your school that confirms your status as a student and describes your potential on campus employer and position.

A: Your pending I-485 does not make you immediately eligible for a SSN. However, it does allow you to receive derivative EAD benefits. If your EAD if approved, you are now eligible to request a restricted social security card.

A: You should contact the SSA to update your immigration records. You may continue to you your Social Security Card but you should also present your green card for the purpose of verifying your employment eligibility.  Alternatively, you may apply for  a replacement card by submitting Form SS-5 and provide a copy of your green card as proof of your new unrestricted work eligibility. You will be issued an unrestricted social security card but your SSN will remain the same.

A: No, your new card will no longer read “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” and will have the same SSN as your previous card.

A: You are not required to replace your Social Security Card. However, you may need to show your SSC when you begin employment with a new employer. You can replace your card for free, up to three times in one year and ten times during your lifetime. In order to get a replacement card, you should complete Form SS-5 and submit the completed form along with the documents required to obtain your original SSN.

A: The SSA does not require individuals to report lost or stolen SSC and will place a fraud alert on your SSN. If your card was lost or stolen, you can apply for a new card using Form SS-5.

However if you suspect that your SSN is being used by someone else, you should file a report with Federal Trade Commission and the local police department where the identity theft took place and contact the fraud units of the major credit reporting bureaus. In addition, you should check with Social Security to ensure that your earnings have been recorded correctly and that your SSN has not been used for someone else’s employment.

You may also wish to apply for a new SSN. The SSA does not recommend this option as it can negatively affect your interactions with employers, federal and state agencies, and others. If you wish to change your SSN, you will need to provide all the information required for an initial SSN along with evidence that, despite taking the steps listed above, you are still being disadvantaged because of identity theft.

A: Yes. As your son is born in the United States, he is a U.S. citizen by birth.  The SSA can issue SSN to eligible children without the parent’s SSNs when the parents do not have SSNs. In order to obtain a SSN for your son, you must complete an Application for A Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and submit proof of your son’s birth certificate and related information. You will also be asked to submit proof of your identity.

(06/05/2008)

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