Social Security

All participants training in the United States need to apply for and receive a Social Security number (SSN) by visiting their local Social Security office. A successful Social Security application may take between three weeks and two months to process. To avoid delays in the application process, we advise that you follow these directions:

1. Register your US address with SEVIS within 20 days of arrival. This can be completed online at http://www.mysevis.com, by calling the CIEE Customer Service Center at 1-888-268-6245, or by sending an e-mail to trainee@ciee.org.
   
   
2. Next, wait 10-12 days after you have arrived in the United States before applying for a Social Security Card. Remember, you must have already registered with SEVIS within this time period. You must also wait 48 hours after registering with SEVIS before you can apply for your SSN.
   
   
3. Next, you must apply for your SSN. To do this you must take your 'Dear Social Security Officer' letter and two copies of each of the following documents to the local Social Security office:
   
         •   Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Visa Status, DS-2019 form,
         •   I-94 card
         •   J-1 visa
         •   front page of your passport
   
   

   At the Social Security office you will be provided with a Social Security Application form, which you must complete. Be sure to enter a valid US mailing address that your Social Security card can be shipped to.

4. After successful filing of the Social Security application, you will receive a Proof of Application receipt from the Social Security officer assisting you. Keep this document, as it will be needed if any follow-up is required.

Resolving Social Security application problems
Some Trainees experience a delay in the issuance of their SSN and card. Most issues arise because the Trainee has failed to provide the government with documentation proving their identity and immigration status, or because there has been a data entry error at their port of entry to the US.

Every Trainee should check the status of their application within 7-10 days of submission by visiting or placing a follow up call to the Social Security office that processed their application. The Social Security office will inform the Trainee of any specific issues that are holding up the issuance of their SSN. Please call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 to discuss how these issues can be resolved.

Sometimes Host Companies are not aware that it is possible to pay participants while they wait to receive a SSN. If this happens, participants should feel free to call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 for assistance, or click here to print out a copy of our Legal Opinion Letter. This letter explains the fact that you may receive wages while waiting to receive a SSN, and is written by an attorney in case your employer has any questions. Lastly, CIEE recommends that you bring additional funds in US currency so that you are covered in the event that any delays occur.