Yes—you can start online, and SSA calls it the fastest route, but you must finish in person; SSA assigns the number after verification, and most cards arrive about 10 business days after verification. [2][3][5]

§ 274a.12(b)(19)

(b) Aliens authorized for employment with a specific employer incident to status or parole. (19) A nonimmigrant pursuant to section 214(e) of the Act. An alien in this status must be engaged in business activities at a professional level in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16 of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA);

The fastest way to get your card is to apply online. Applying takes less than 10 minutes. You can apply online. We'll guide you through the process. After you submit your online application, we will either process it completely or help you schedule a visit to your local Social Security office or Card Center with your documents within 45 days. Cards are mailed after we verify your documents. We do not issue cards the same day; most arrive in about 10 business days.

What should I do if I can’t apply using one of the methods above?

If you are unable or choose not to apply for an SSN using one of the methods above, we recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for an SSN. This will make it easier for us to verify your DHS documents online. This will also speed up the processing of your SSN application. 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.

What do I need to bring to the Social Security office?; How much does applying for an SSN and card cost?

To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, you will need to show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration documents include your: • Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa) • Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) • Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD) • Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work. You need to prove your age. Important: All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. However, you must provide at least two separate documents. Applying for an SSN and card is free.

If you file an application with Social Security, we must verify your documents with DHS before assigning you an SSN. After receiving verification from DHS, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail. Most of the time, we can verify your documents quickly with DHS online. If your documents can’t be verified online, DHS may take several weeks to respond to our request. We don’t require you to have an SSN before you start working. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use your SSN to report your wages. While you wait for your SSN, your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States.