A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit number that is required for official communication with US government agencies, various agencies, and the IRS. This is the so-called personal identification number, which does not change throughout life, has the following format: ***-**-****.
There are three categories of individuals who are allowed to obtain an SSN, namely:
- A US citizen and permanent resident (green card holder) is automatically eligible for an SSN. There are no restrictions.
- If the person has received a temporary residence permit and has a work permit. But the card has the restriction „VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION“ and a valid work authorization is required.
- A person who is legally present in the US but does not have employment authorization, but needs an SSN because of an urgent, important matter. In this case, the card is marked „NOT VALID FOR WORK“.
To get a Social Security number, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). You will be required to complete an SS-5 form, which can be completed on-site at the office or completed before visiting the office. You will also need to bring your passport, visa if available, residence permit if available, employment permit if available, so we advise you to have your I-94 card, which is not mandatory, but is desirable. You can find the office closest to you by entering your zip code on the official SSA website. A card with an SSN will be sent to you at the address you indicated on the form in 10 days. In the event that your last name has been changed or the card has been lost, you can use the right to apply again, but there is a maximum number of lifetime applications and it is 10 times.
It is not necessary to have your SSN card with you, but you should remember your number or have it written out. Do not give out your card to anyone except when absolutely necessary (e.g. bank, authorities), as it is not uncommon for people to misuse SSNs, identity theft is not an exception.
ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number – is an individual personal tax number for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but who are required to file a US tax return. This number is used for official communication with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this institution also issues it. The ITIN format is the same as the SSN: ***-**-****. Some banks may require an ITIN (if you don’t have an SSN) when opening accounts.
If the ITIN number is not used for three years, it will automatically be eliminated, for example, if you used it for the last time in 2018, but not in 2019, 2020, 2021, then the validity period will expire on December 31, 2021. After that, you will need to go through the whole procedure again. There are three different ways to obtain a number using an official W-7 form:
- You can send the application by mail to the IRS, but you must also send the original passport or a certified copy. The IRS will check your documents and send your passport back and return the passport within 60 days – we do not recommend doing this.
- It is also possible to submit documents with the help of certified agents (CAA), they will check the authenticity of the passport. There is an official list of certified agencies in the US and outside the US.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agent-program
- There is also the option of going to the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person after making an appointment. You will be checked the completed form, as well as your passport. Below is a link listing these centers. You will be sent your ITIN number by post after 7 weeks maximum.
https://www.irs.gov/help/tac-locations-where-in-person-document-verification-is-provided