Social Security Number

Applying for your Social Security Number

As a J-1 Summer Work and Travel participant, you are eligible for and will need a Social Security Number (SSN). It is your responsibility to apply directly to the Social Security Administration near your job for your SSN. You will need to visit the closest Social Security office in your area. Please know that it may take between four and six weeks to obtain your SSN, but you are allowed to work at your job while you wait for your SSN. It is best to apply for your SSN as quickly as possible after you arrive in the USA. To apply for your SSN, please follow these directions:

Validate your visa online with CICD as soon as you arrive in the U.S.
Apply for a Social Security Number: Once you have validated your visa online with CICD, wait approximately one week for your validation to be processed and then apply for your SSN at your local Social Security office. To locate the nearest Social Security office to you, please visit: https://secure.ssa.gov/locator

Required Documents
You must bring the following documents with you to the Social Security office to ensure a successful application process:

• Passport
• J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa (located in your passport)
• DS-2019 Form
• I-94 Card
• Social Security Eligibility Fact Sheet (CICD sent this letter to you as part of your Orientation Handbook)
• The local mailing address (home or office) where your Social Security card will be sent. Please keep in mind that it may be a month before your receive the card.

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for you to receive your SSN after you have applied for it. Your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office will be able to provide you with the best time estimate. The SSA specialists should tell you how long they expect delivery of the SSN will take.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact us right away.