Foreign nationals working in the United States on a valid work visa may wonder if they’re eligible to receive Social Security support. The short answer is: yes—but with specific conditions and a few recent changes in policy to consider.
What Is Social Security and Why Is It Important?
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identifier used by the U.S. government to track earnings and determine eligibility for benefits. If you’re authorized to work in the U.S., having an SSN is essential—not just for payroll but also for accessing certain financial services, housing, and government aid.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), an SSN is necessary for:
- Reporting wages to the government
- Filing taxes
- Opening bank accounts
- Enrolling in healthcare or insurance
- Applying for driver’s licenses in many states
Can You Apply for an SSN on a Work Visa?
Yes, you can. If you are in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and authorized to work—such as an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa—you are eligible to apply for an SSN.
The SSA confirms that it issues SSNs to noncitizens who:
- Are lawfully present in the U.S.
- Have Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorization to work
How to Apply for an SSN
There are two main routes:
1. During Visa Application (Outside the U.S.)
If you’re applying for an immigrant visa, you can also apply for your SSN during the visa process. By completing the relevant sections of Form DS-230 or DS-260, the SSA will issue your SSN automatically once you enter the country.
2. After Arrival in the U.S.
If you didn’t request an SSN during your visa application—or if you’re on a nonimmigrant work visa—you must apply for one in person at a Social Security field office.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Unexpired work visa
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Work authorization documentation (e.g., I-766 EAD card, if applicable)
Application is done using Form SS-5, which can be downloaded from the SSA’s website.
Important: Always present original or certified documents. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
Changes in 2025: EBE Program Suspended
A significant update came in March 2025, when the SSA announced a temporary suspension of the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program. This policy had allowed certain noncitizens to apply for an SSN during the immigration process, streamlining the procedure.
Due to the suspension, more than 3 million people annually must now visit a Social Security office in person to complete their SSN application, according to a report by MarketWatch.
The SSA has not specified when or if the EBE program will be reinstated.
What Employers Need to Know
If you’re an employer hiring someone who has not yet received their SSN:
- Allow them to begin work while their SSN application is processed
- Collect all necessary identification and immigration documents
- Enter “Applied For” in payroll records until the number is assigned
- Use the SSA’s employer resource page for help with wage reporting
Pro Tip: Apply Early
Due to the policy change and potential field office delays, apply for your SSN as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. This helps avoid complications with employment, banking, and tax reporting.
Also, note that applying for an SSN is completely free. If anyone tries to charge you, it’s a scam—report it immediately through the FTC’s complaint page.
Final Thoughts
Work visa holders are indeed eligible for Social Security support, including obtaining an SSN, as long as they are authorized to work in the U.S. However, with the recent halt of the EBE program, it’s now more important than ever to plan for an in-person SSA visit soon after your arrival.
Be proactive, have your documents ready, and stay informed through trusted sources like SSA.gov, USCIS.gov, and news outlets like MarketWatch.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
