Foreign Visitor Tax Guide: Appendix One

Obtaining a Social Security Number

Arizona State University requires that all employees have a social security number. For information about obtaining a social security number go to SSA's website. You will need to apply in person at a Social Security Administration office. Certain documents will be necessary to prove identity, along with a completed application.

1. If you were born in the U.S. and have never had a social security number, you must complete the form and show them documents that show your age, citizenship, who you are, and that you have the right to work in the U.S.

Usually, if you are a U.S. citizen, all you will need is:

Your birth certificate; AND
An ID such as a driver's license, school record or medical records.

2. If you are a United States citizen who was born outside the U.S., you will need to present your consular report of birth (FS-240 or FS-545), if you have one. along with one form of identification.

If you do not have your consular report of birth, present your foreign birth certificate and one of the following (ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS ONLY):

U.S. Citizen ID card
U.S. passport
Certificate of Citizenship
Certificate of Naturalization.

3. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show your birth certificate or passport.
You also will have to get documents from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service) showing your immigration status and eligibility to work while in the United States. Because these documents should not be mailed, you should apply for a social security number in person.

Here are some examples of the documents you must bring:

Age: A birth certificate is generally the best evidence of age, and must be presented if it is in your possession or can easily be obtained. If not, the SSA can consider other documents, such as your passport or a document issued by DHS, to prove your age.

Identity: SSA must see a document other than your birth certificate that shows the name you want on your Social Security card. They prefer a recently issued document with a photograph, such as a document issued by DHS. A list of acceptable “second” documents showing proof of identity is provided below.

Immigration status: SSA will need to see the DHS document I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States showing your lawful immigration status.

Eligibility to work: For most foreign workers, SSA only needs to see your I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. If you are an exchange visitor, you must provide also your IAP-66, or DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-l) Status. (If you are in the United States as a student or an international visitor, you will also need an original, signed letter from Asu as your sponsor showing that you are authorized to work.)

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS SHOWING PROOF OF IDENTITY:

• Driver's license
• U.S. Government or State employee ID card
• Clinic, doctor, or hospital records
• Military records
• Your passport
• Court order for name change
• School ID card, record, or report card
• Adoption records
• Church membership or confirmation record (if not used as evidence of age)
• Marriage or divorce record
• Health insurance card
• Insurance policy

IMPORTANT: The Social Security Officer must see original or certified copies of these documents, not photocopies.

If you have difficulty obtaining the social security card, ask for the name and telephone number of the Social Security employee and then seek advice from one of the ASU offices listed in Appendix I.