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Answered July 2026

You are on the right track by starting online. To get a Social Security Number, your specific I-94 class must allow you to work. You do not strictly need an online appointment, as you can also call to schedule one. However, getting an SSN in Portland can be frustrating, so having an appointment is highly recommended.

“I arrived in the US in 2026 and my I-94 expires in about three months. Is it easy to get an SSN in Portland, Oregon? I am currently trying to schedule an appointment online.”

Summary

You did the right thing by starting the process early. Since you still have three months on your I-94, you have time to complete the required in-person visit.

Because you did not mention your exact I-94 class of admission, we cannot confirm outright if you are eligible for an SSN. Your class decides which path applies to you:

Your class permits workWork authorized

If your I-94 shows a class that allows work incident to status, you can apply for an SSN using your passport and I-94.

Your class requires a work permitEAD required

If your class requires extra permission, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before visiting Social Security.

You are an F-1 or J-1 visitorStudent or Exchange

If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you must bring additional documents like your I-20 or DS-2019 and a letter from your school or sponsor.

Your class does not permit workNo work allowed

If your class does not allow work, you cannot get a standard SSN. You may need to apply for an ITIN from the IRS if you need a number for tax purposes.

Read the full explanation

The reality of the Portland office

Getting an SSN in Portland is not always easy. Several people visiting the Social Security office on Yamhill Street report long lines, unhelpful phone systems, and being turned away if they show up without an appointment.

When you arrive, you will go through a security check and use a kiosk to check in. Because walk-in wait times can stretch for hours, securing an appointment beforehand is the best way to protect your time.

You have 45 days to visit the office after you start your application online. If the online scheduler does not work for you, you can call the agency directly to book your visit.

Next steps

Follow this order to complete your application before your I-94 expires.

Verify your I-94 class

Check your I-94 record to confirm your specific class of admission allows you to work. This decides if you need extra documents.

Start the application online

Fill out the initial Social Security number request on the agency's website.

Schedule your appointment

Try to self-schedule your visit online. If the system does not let you, call the agency to book a time at the Portland office.

Visit the office within 45 days

Bring your original, unexpired foreign passport, your I-94, and your foreign birth certificate if you have it. The agency will mail your card after they verify your documents.

Others who faced this

You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.

SSN After EAD: Walk In or Wait for Appointment?

u/This_Breadfruitr/USCISAug 19, 2025

Hi all, as far as I know, this year they aren’t sending the SSN along with the EAD. My combo card was approved today, and I made an online appointment at the local Social Security office, but the next available date is at the end of October. Once I receive my EAD, can I walk in and get an earlier appointment, or do I just have to wait until my scheduled appointment? Would love to hear about anyone’s experience.
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Legal sources

These facts come from the Social Security Administration and reports from people who visited the Portland office.

SSA Pub 05-10096

Only noncitizens with DHS work authorization are generally eligible for an SSN.

SSA Pub 05-10096

Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN.

Read the full text

SSA Pub 05-10096

You can schedule an appointment online or by calling, and you must visit the office within 45 days of starting the online application.

SSA Pub 05-10096

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. You may be eligible to self-schedule an appointment to visit a local Social Security office. If you are unable to self-schedule an appointment, please call to make the appointment before visiting.

Read the full text

RM 10211.530

Your specific class of admission determines if you are allowed to work and what documents you need.

RM 10211.530

The charts below list the documents that establish lawful alien status for Social Security Number (SSN) applications. The charts show the form number, name, the class of admission (COA), for aliens admitted on a temporary basis and the appropriate entries for alien status

Read the full text

Yelp Reviews

Visitors to the Portland Social Security office report long wait times and recommend making an appointment to avoid being turned away.

Yelp Reviews

Without an appointment, and with a big problem, you are sent away with a future appointment.

Read the full text

SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your specific eligibility with a licensed immigration attorney.

SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information.

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