You may be curious whether or not or not you’ll be able to get employed without possessing a Social Security number; one of the requirements for working in the U. S.. maybe the foremost valuable number for any U.S. resident, these 9 digits dictate whether or not you may lawfully work in this country.
What must you do if you don’t have a Social Security number? voters born within the U.S. who didn’t get a Social Security number at birth can apply for one at a Social Security workplace. Non-U.S. voters can apply for a card before or upon admission to the U. S..
Also read about How to Apply for a Green Card in the U.S.
The Social Security Act
The Social Security number (SSN) was created following the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935 to exclusively track the earnings histories of U.S. workers. The intention was to use the quantity to see Social Security profit entitlements and reckon profit levels. in order to trace advantages, each worker is needed to own a Social Security variety.
Why Do I need a Social Security Number?
You need a Social Security number to get employed, collect Social Security benefits, and to get some other government services. The u. s. grants legal staff benefits—including retirement, survivor, and incapacity benefits—that are supported by the Social Security Administration. Wage earners within the U.S. fund these benefits by paying income taxes, and they receive benefits once they retire.
Note: Social Security numbers leave correct income tracking, taxation, benefits, and census data assortment.
Can I work in the U.S. without a Social Security Number?
Employees should present an original document or documents that show their identity and employment authorization at intervals 3 days of beginning employment, and you employer should attest to receipt of the authorization.
However, you’ll be able to give receipts showing that you simply have applied for documentation. Your Social Security variety and different documentation should be provided to the employer at intervals ninety days.5 6 you’ve got choices to secure employment whereas you wait to receive a Social Security number. So, it’s vital to use for a Social Security number as soon as attainable.
Important: it isn’t potential to lawfully work indefinitely at intervals the U.S. while not a Social Security variety.
Also read about How to Gain Permanent Residence in the U.S.
If you’re an immigrant seeking employment within the U.S. or have already been granted a nonimmigrant work visa, you need to take steps to get a Social Security number.
How Long Do I even have to get a Social Security Number?
You have ninety days once being employed to produce your Social Security number to your employer. However, you’ll got to submit a receipt for your Social Security application for a replacement card after you complete form I-9 verifying your ability to work within the U. S..
Be sure to tell your potential employer of your situation before they hire you. for his or her legal protection, the corporate would require that you simply verify your Social Security number within the 90-day deadline, or re-verification will be necessary.
When and how Do I acquire a Social Security Number?
For U.S. Citizens:
U.S.-born persons over the age of twelve should apply for an original Social Security card in the flesh at a Social Security workplace with documents confirming their identity. Examples of acceptable documents include a certificate, U.S. passport, or U.S. driver’s license. The documents you submit should be original or certified copies.
You will conjointly need to give proof that you don’t already have a Social Security number. If you’re twelve years aged or older, you’ll be interviewed further, although a parent or guardian signs the application on your behalf.
For Immigrants and non-U.S. Citizens:
To apply for your Social Security number, you will either visit your native Social Security workplace or submit an application after you apply for your U.S. visa. You’ll fill out the electronic form DS 260.
If you apply at your native Social Security workplace, you’ll need to give your passport along with your Machine-Readable immigrant Visa (MRIV) or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), as well as your certificate.
For Refugees:
If you are a refugee, you can’t apply for a Social Security number in your country of origin. A Social Security number will be issued as a part of the asylum method.
How Long It Takes
Whether you’re a U.S.-born citizen or an immigrant, it’ll take about two weeks to receive your Social Security number and card once you have applied. an equivalent wait period applies to replacement cards. If you have lost your Social Security card, you’ll be able to apply for a replacement card in-person or online.
Types of Jobs you’ll be able to Get without a Social Security number
Some freelance contractor jobs might not need a Social Security number once you’re employed. however if the catching business is compliant with government rules, it should provoke a completed W-9 form from freelance contractors before the end of the year, for tax purposes.
Some manual-labor employers can hire nonlegal employees and don’t need their workers to indicate proof of their Social Security number. However, businesses that violate the law risk federal intervention, which can include loss of business licenses and/or the deportation of nonlegal employees.
Employers are needed to Verify Eligibility for Employment
Employers within the U.S. should verify that workers have submitted correct data during the hiring process to work their eligibility to figure in the U.S. New workers can complete an I-9 form and should be subject to a non-public background check or a check via the federal government’s E-Verify system.
How Your employer can help
If you’ve got an employer who finds you important to their business and is willing to support you, they will be able to assist you in securing a work visa and Social Security number.
Tip: There are variety of U.S. work visas that employers could initiate on your behalf.
Can I Report Earnings without a Social Security Number?
Until you’ve got a Social Security number, you can’t pay taxes and aren’t eligible to receive Social Security advantages. However, once you’ve got a Social Security number, how you report your earnings depends on whether or not you’re a payroll worker or a freelance contractor.
If you’re a payroll worker, your wages and contributions to Social Security are going to be reported by your employer. If you’re freelance, your contributions are going to be paid as a self-employment tax.