As a B-2 visitor, you cannot get an SSN just for visiting, but you may qualify for an ITIN for a federal tax purpose or, in a narrow benefit-related case, a nonwork SSN.
“How do I get an SSN or ITIN as a B2 visa holder?”
Summary
You do not need to obtain a number just because you are visiting. If you have a real tax obligation or a qualifying government-benefit reason, there is a defined application route; neither route changes your permission to work.
The right route depends on whether you need a number for federal taxes, for a narrowly qualifying government benefit, or for separately authorized work.
If you have a genuine U.S. federal tax need and cannot get an , apply to the IRS for an on Form W-7. Attach the applicable federal tax return unless you qualify for a documented exception, such as certain income subject to withholding; follow the W-7 instructions on SSA ineligibility and a denial letter. [IRS ITIN guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin); [Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf).
If you are otherwise entitled to a government benefit and the applicable federal law—or state or local public-assistance law—requires an SSN to receive it, obtain the offering agency’s letter and apply to SSA. This does not authorize employment. [SSA policy](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600); [20 CFR 422.104](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-III/part-422/subpart-B/section-422.104); [SSA guidance](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf).
If you independently obtain U.S. work authorization, you can apply to SSA with evidence of that authorization. A B-2 visa does not supply it; changing your activity based only on a pending change-of-status request is not permitted. [SSA guidance](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf); [State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html); [USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/change-my-nonimmigrant-status).
B-2 visitor status by itself gives you neither work authorization nor the qualifying nonwork reason SSA requires to assign an SSN. [State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html); [SSA policy](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600).
If none of those applies, B-2 visitor status alone does not create a reason to obtain either number.
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Watch out for
Next steps
First establish why you need a number; then use the SSA or IRS application process that matches that reason.
Before applying
Identify your reason and your admitted-until date
Use the admitted-until date on your Form I-94, not the expiration date printed on your B-2 visa. If you have no federal tax purpose, qualifying government benefit, or separate work authorization, visitor status alone does not call for an SSN or ITIN. [State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date.html); [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin); [SSA](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600).
Requirements
Only for a qualifying benefit or separate work authorization
Obtain the agency letter and apply to SSA, if a benefit requires an SSN
For the narrow nonwork-benefit route, get the required letter from the government agency offering the benefit. Start a first-time SSN request at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time and bring the letter and required documents to a Social Security office or Card Center within 45 days; if you cannot use the online start, Form SS-5 is at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. An SSN application is free. If you instead have separate work authorization, bring evidence of that authorization. [SSA policy](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600); [SSA guidance](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf).
Requirements
If your reason is federal taxes
Resolve SSN ineligibility before preparing Form W-7
Do not submit W-7 while an SSN application is pending. The IRS instructions say to complete W-7 only after SSA notifies you that you are ineligible for an SSN; if SSA determines you are ineligible, obtain and attach its denial letter. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf).
Requirements
For a qualifying ITIN application
Assemble Form W-7 and your tax documents
Use https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf. Attach your applicable U.S. federal return—Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR, depending on your tax filing status—unless you meet and document a W-7 exception. Certain income subject to withholding or a tax-treaty claim can support an exception, but Exception 1 does not apply when you are required to file a federal return. Enter your visa information and U.S. entry information where Form W-7 requests them. [Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf); [IRS application guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin).
Requirements
By your tax-return due date if filing with a return
Submit the ITIN package to the IRS
For mail, send the package to Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342—not the usual tax-return address. Alternatively, use an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center offering free ITIN document review; make an appointment at 844-545-5640. The IRS ordinarily asks you to allow seven weeks for an ITIN decision, or nine to eleven weeks during January 15–April 30 or when applying from overseas. [IRS application guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin); [Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf).
Requirements
Legal sources
This answer draws on Social Security Administration rules and guidance, IRS Form W-7 instructions, and State Department and USCIS visitor guidance.
Department of State, Visitor Visa
A B-2 visitor cannot work simply by holding a visitor visa.
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
SSA POMS RM 10211.600
SSA generally does not assign an SSN to a lawfully present noncitizen without work authorization unless a valid nonwork reason applies; the policy specifies the qualifying benefit rules.
RM 10211.600
SSA will not assign an SSN to a noncitizen who is illegally residing in the U.S. or currently in lawful immigration status in the U.S., but does not have Department of Homeland Security (DHS) work authorization, and is not work authorized incident to their DHS assigned class of admission (COA), unless the alien has a valid nonwork reason for an SSN.
20 CFR 422.104(b)
An SSN issued for a nonwork purpose is not permission to work.
(b)
If we assign you a social security number as an alien for a nonwork purpose, we will indicate in our records that you are not authorized to work.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
A person seeking an SSN for a qualifying nonwork benefit must bring a letter from the agency offering that benefit.
Noncitizens who do not have permission to work
You must also bring a letter from the government agency offering the benefit.
IRS, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
An ITIN is for someone with a federal tax-number need who cannot obtain an SSN.
An ITIN is a 9-digit number the IRS issues if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes, but you aren’t eligible for a Social Security number (SSN).
Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. Dec. 2024)
The ordinary ITIN package includes a tax return and required documents; specified exceptions permit an application without an attached return.
Who Is Eligible To Complete Form W-7
Individuals applying for an ITIN must include a U.S. federal tax return unless they meet an exception, and the required documentation.
Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. Dec. 2024)
An applicant must resolve SSN eligibility before W-7, must not apply while an SSN application is pending, and must attach a denial letter if SSA determines the person is ineligible.
Social security numbers
If you have an application for an SSN pending, don’t file Form W-7. Complete Form W-7 only if the SSA notifies you that you’re ineligible for an SSN. If the SSA determines that you’re not eligible for an SSN, you must get a letter of denial and attach it to your Form W-7.
Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. Dec. 2024)
An original valid passport or issuing-agency-certified copy is the principal identity and foreign-status document for W-7.
Supporting Documentation Requirements
If you submit an original valid passport or a certified copy from the issuing agency, you don’t need to submit any other documents from the table.
Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. Dec. 2024)
The passive-income withholding exception is not a substitute for attaching a return when a federal return is required.
Exception 1
If you’re required to file a federal tax return, then you aren’t eligible for Exception 1.
Instructions for Form W-7
An ITIN changes neither immigration status nor employment permission.
Purpose of Form
An ITIN doesn’t entitle you to social security benefits and doesn’t change your immigration status or your right to work in the United States.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
An online first-time SSN application must be completed with an in-person document visit within 45 days.
Applying for a Social Security number
To complete the application process, you must visit your local Social Security office or Card Center with the required documents within 45 days of starting the process.
IRS, How to Apply for an ITIN
The IRS gives an ordinary seven-week notification estimate for an ITIN application.
After you apply
Allow 7 weeks for us to notify you about your ITIN application status.
Department of State, Visa Expiration Date
The expiration printed on a visa is not the visitor’s U.S. admitted-until date.
Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States.
USCIS, Change My Nonimmigrant Status
A request to change the purpose of a U.S. visit must be filed before the authorized stay expires.
If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.
These are the official rules as published or revised on the cited dates; rules and agency procedures can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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