How to apply for a Social Security Number with a TN Visa

In general, only non-citizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) can apply for a Social Security number. To apply for a Social Security number, a TN worker must bring the following materials to a local Social Security office:

• Complete an Application For a Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
• Original I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
• Original birth certificate. If an original birth certificate is unavailable, a passport may be presented to prove age.

The Social Security Agency recommends that TN workers and other non-immigrant workers wait at least ten (10) days after obtaining work authorization before applying for a social security number. For TN workers, this would be from the date of the issuance of the I-94. This allows adequate time to pass for the TN worker’s status to be added to database systems.

For more information, visit Social Security Online.