Social Security Numbers
About Social Security
All participants working in the U.S. must have a Social Security number. Cooperators should ensure participants understand the process and are prepared with the necessary documents before they depart for camp.
About Social Security
All participants working in the U.S. must have a Social Security number. Cooperators should ensure participants understand the process and are prepared with the necessary documents before they depart for camp.
Who Needs to Apply
- First-time workers in the U.S.: Participants must apply for a Social Security card in person at a local Social Security office.
- Participants who already have an SSN: They do not need to apply again, but should bring their existing Social Security card with them.
Processing Time
- After applying, it takes 4–8 weeks for the card to arrive.
- Participants are allowed to work while waiting for their card.
- If an employer has concerns about work eligibility while the card is pending, they should be directed to call InterExchange at 1.800.597.1722 for confirmation.
Where to Apply
Participants must apply in person at a local Social Security office. They can find the nearest location using the Social Security Office Locator. Camps are expected to assist participants with transportation to and from the office.
Required Documents
Participants must bring the originals and two photocopies of the following:
- Passport (photo page)
- Passport visa page with admission stamp
- DS-2019 Form (front and back)
- I-94 Record (can be printed online)
- Form SS-5 (application form)
Application Receipt
When applying, participants will receive a receipt letter.
- They should keep a copy for personal records.
- The original receipt must be given to the employer as proof that the participant has applied for a Social Security number.
Application Tips for Participants
- Use the host employer’s address (including the business name) as the mailing address.
- For Question #5 (Citizenship), check: “Legal Alien Allowed To Work.”
- For Question #9A (Mother’s Name at Birth), write the mother’s family (maiden) name.
- Leave Questions #6, #7, #9B, and #10B blank.
SEVIS Activation and Timing for Social Security Applications
Cooperators should remind participants that their SEVIS record must be active before they can be issued a Social Security number.
- Participants should wait at least 3–4 business days after confirming arrival with InterExchange before applying for a Social Security number.
- Applications must be submitted more than 2 weeks before the program end date to allow enough time for processing.
- For short programs or if timing becomes an issue, participants should contact InterExchange immediately to ensure they remain on schedule.
Social Security Application Process
Use the Social Security Office Locator at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to find your closest office. You will need to schedule an appointment to visit the SSA office. You’ll need to bring the originals AND two photocopies of the following documents:
- Photo page of passport
- Visa page of passport with print out of I-94 record
- Dear Social Security Officer Letter
- Printed DS-2019 Forms that are signed using digital software (make a photocopy of both front and back)
Take detailed notes regarding what the SSA officer says and call InterExchange.
Call SSA to check status and inform InterExchange.
SSA:1.800.772.1213
InterExchange:
1.800.597.1722
Checking the Status of a Social Security Application
Cooperators should advise participants to monitor the progress of their Social Security application to prevent delays.
- Participants are encouraged to check their application status 7–10 days after applying.
- If visiting the Social Security office again, they should bring all original documents and the application receipt.
- Monitoring the status can minimize delays or resolve any issues promptly.
- In some cases, participants may receive their Social Security number before the physical card arrives.
- For questions, participants or camp staff can contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1.800.772.1213.
After Receiving a Social Security Number
Cooperators should guide participants on the steps to take once they receive their Social Security number:
- Participants must notify their employer immediately upon receiving their Social Security number.
- Employers may request a copy of the Social Security card for tax and employment records, but participants should keep the original card in a safe place.
- Participants should not laminate their Social Security card, as it could be damaged or invalidated.
Protecting Personal Identification and Confidential Information
Cooperators should emphasize to participants the importance of safeguarding their Social Security number and card:
- A Social Security number is unique and lifelong; it belongs only to the participant and should never be shared.
- Participants should record their number in a secure location in case the card is lost or stolen.
- Both the card and number should be protected at all times to prevent misuse.
If the card is lost or stolen, or if participants have questions:
- Contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1.800.772.1213 or visit their website.
- Participants may also reach out to InterExchange at 1.800.597.1722 for guidance.
Social Security Office Locations
Cooperators should prepare participants for situations where a Social Security office may not be near their camp:
- If there is no office near the job site, participants may apply for their Social Security number upon arrival in a major U.S. city (e.g., New York, Boston, Chicago).
- All required documents should be prepared in advance before arriving in the U.S.
- Participants may be told by an officer to wait until they reach their job site. In this case, they should politely explain that no nearby office exists and request to speak with a supervisor or manager if necessary.
- The Social Security Administration website can be used to locate the nearest office in advance.