There are different answers to the question of whether visiting scholars can apply for a US SSN (Social Security Number). Some say yes, and some say no (because there is no job in the United States, that is, a job letter cannot be provided). For this reason, the editor of Knowledge Network will make an introduction.
What is SSN
The full name of SNN is Social Security Number, which is called social security number (social security code for short) in Chinese. The 9-digit number on your Social Security Card. The SSN was originally intended to be used to track an individual's tax status, but its use has now been expanded to include distinguishing individuals, similar to the role of China's "resident ID number". Social Security Numbers are generally written in the format "XXX – XX – XXXX".
Introduction to the three types of SNN
1. Printed with name and number
It is mainly issued to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. People who hold this social security card are not restricted from working in the United States.
2. Printed with name, number and Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization
It means "only the work permit issued by the Department of Homeland Security can work." This card is issued to foreigners who have a work permit from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can work temporarily in the United States.
3. Printed with name, number and Not Valid for Employment
Meaning "not fit for employment". This card is issued to foreigners who have legal status in the United States, but cannot legally work.
Based on the above types of SSN and the application experience of KnowledgeRen.com, we conclude that academic visiting scholars are suitable for the third type. Foreigners who have legal status to reside but cannot work legally can apply for SSN.
After visiting scholars come to the United States to receive reports from institutions, the HR department of the personnel department will guide them on how to apply for an SSN number and remind them of the precautions in the United States.
There is no government charge for applying for a Social Security card. There are no application fees and no processing fees. Others may not charge any fees related to applying for a Social Security card.
Below we cite a few application cases.
Case number one
I found out on the school website that visiting scholars can directly apply for SSN without a job offer letter! So I took the materials required in the picture below, including invitation letter, SS-5 form, passport, I94 and DS2019 form, and queued up at the Social Security Administration (SSA, Social Security Bureau).
I went there at 9 o'clock in the morning. The whole process was very fast. There were about 8 people in front of me. I queued for about 20 minutes. When I entered the counter, the staff first asked me what visa was it? I said J1, and then I handed her the materials mentioned above. I only asked about the address and other specific information during the process, and did not mention the need for a work certificate. Then I gave a receipt saying that it would be sent to my address. A week later, I received a visiting scholar with a J1 visa.
case two
I recently applied for an SSN. I also take domestic living expenses, and there is no so-called job in the United States.
The application process is very simple. Tell ISS directly that I want to apply for SSN and driver's license. He will prepare two so-called letters of introduction for you, one for the SSN office and one for the DMV. At the same time, I will tell you which address you need to bring the 2019 form, I-94 form and passport to apply for the SSN. To be honest, I am also worried that people in the SSN office will say that there is no job, etc. As a result, they don’t ask at all, just read my materials, and then fill out a very simple form on the spot, which takes about 3 minutes to complete. Afterwards, they gave me a receipt, saying that if you don't receive it within 14 days, you can call or email for consultation. In about a week, I received my SSN.
However, there are also visiting scholars who applied for me a few days ago, but they have not received it. Later I checked and found out that the USPS delivery was wrong. No way, SSN will resend a new one. After having an SSN, it is still much more convenient, such as taking a driver's license test, applying for a credit card, buying a car, and so on.