Start your first-SSN application online rather than simply walking in; then complete it in person with an appointment and your original OPT documents, using paper only if the online start does not work.
“I recently received my OPT EAD and started my job, and now I need to apply for my first SSN. Do I need to file a form first, or can I just walk into the Social Security office? How do I schedule an appointment, what documents do I need to bring, and how long will it take to receive the card?”
Summary
You already have the key work-authorization document, so this is mainly an evidence-and-appointment task. There is no fee, and SSA gives you an online-first route plus a paper fallback.
You have two official filing routes, depending on whether SSA's online application works for you.
Use https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time. You do not need to pre-file a paper ; submit the online application, self-schedule if offered, and take the required originals to an SSA office or Card Center within 45 calendar days.
If you cannot start online, complete at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf and call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule the in-person visit. SSA answers that line from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; TTY is 1-800-325-0778.
An appointment is the reliable plan; SSA has a limited walk-in safety valve, but you should not count on same-day walk-in service.
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Next steps
These steps get your first SSN application accepted with the fewest avoidable delays.
Start now
Start the first-SSN application online
Go directly to https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time and submit the first-time-number application. You do not need to submit a paper first; if the online start fails, complete the official PDF at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf instead.
Requirements
After the online submission
Schedule the in-person appointment
Self-schedule through the online flow if SSA offers that option. If it does not—or if you are using paper SS-5—call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and ask for a first-SSN appointment at a local SSA office or Card Center; locate one at https://www.ssa.gov/locator.
Requirements
Before the appointment
Gather the original OPT and identity documents
Take the actual documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Do not bring only ordinary photocopies, phone images, or notarized copies; SSA's current POMS specifically calls for both the I-94 and the new, unexpired EAD.
Requirements
Within 45 calendar days of starting online
Complete the application at SSA
Attend the appointment at the SSA office or Card Center so the employee can review your originals and complete the first-number request. The application and card are free.
Requirements
After SSA accepts the application
Keep the application letter and track the card
Give the SSA application letter to your employer if payroll needs proof while you wait. Most student cards arrive about 14 days after approval; SSA's broader guidance says usually within 14 business days, and unresolved can extend the wait. If the card has not arrived after that window, call 1-800-772-1213 with your application details.
Requirements
Legal sources
This answer comes from the Social Security Administration's current noncitizen guidance, international-student publication, Form SS-5 instructions, POMS operating instructions, and appointment policy.
SSA Publication EN-05-10096
A lawfully present noncitizen should start online and must complete the application at an SSA office or Card Center within 45 days.
How can I get an SSN and card?
If you are lawfully present in the United States, you should start your application online by visiting our Request a Social Security number for the first time page at www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time. 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.
SSA Publication EN-05-10096
If the online start is unavailable, the official fallback is Form SS-5 followed by a telephone-scheduled office appointment.
How can I get an SSN and card?
If you cannot start the application online, you will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SSA-5) available at www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. To complete the application process, you must call to make an appointment to visit your local Social Security office or Card Center with the required documents. You must call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to schedule an appointment for your visit. A member of our staff can answer your call from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
SSA Publication EN-05-10181
An F-1 student must show the I-20, and an F-1 student who has an EAD must present it.
What documents do I need to provide to Social Security?
If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student, you must also show us your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20). If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student and have a work permit (Form I-766) from the DHS, you must present it.
SSA Publication EN-05-10181
SSA requires original or issuing-agency-certified evidence and rejects ordinary photocopies and notarized copies.
What documents do I need to provide to Social Security?
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
SSA POMS RM 10211.420
Current SSA operating instructions require both the last-admission I-94 and the new, unexpired EAD in this situation.
RM 10211.420
The alien applies for an SSN card and submits both the original I-94 issued when they were last admitted and the new EAD. Neither document is expired. Since the EAD is the more recently issued evidence, the EAD may be relied on as evidence of the alien's current lawful alien status.
SSA In-Person Services Announcement
SSA made appointments the rule for card requests while preserving a limited walk-in safety valve.
Effective January 6, 2025, we will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in our field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. We want to make clear that we will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment. Some of our offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.
SSA Social Security Matters
SSA's general card guidance gives a usual mailing window of 14 business days.
Whether you apply for a Social Security card online or at an office, we’ll process the application and mail a card to you, usually within 14 business days.
SSA Publication EN-05-10181
For students, SSA ties the typical 14-day period to approval and allows an SSA application letter to bridge the wait for the employer.
International Students and Social Security Numbers
Most cards arrive 14 days after we approve your application. While you wait for your SSN, your employer can use a letter from us stating that you applied for a number.
SSA Publication EN-05-10096
There is no government fee for this SSN application or card.
Cost
Applying for an SSN and card is free.
These are the official SSA rules as published on the cited dates; rules can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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