khai

Hi...
My question is, How long does it take to get a SS no. for an F1 holder after his first arrival ? Months/weeks/days ?

Thanks...

Ray

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203470

alcoa

A related question:

It looks like some DMVs require a Social Security card to issue a Driver's License. If so, what about a F1 student who chooses not to get a SSN because he does not want/need to work on campus? Can he not drive in the US ?

Noorah101

A person in that scenario, if DMV requires it to issue a drivers license, would probably need to get a SSN for the purpose of obtaining a drivers license. He can choose not to get a SSN for work purposes, but then he might not qualify to get a drivers license either.

If DMV requires it, the only people that are exempt from that requirement are people who are not eligible for a SSN. They would be excused.

Rene

Leyther

If you decide not to work on campus, then the *majority* of DMV's will accept a letter of denial/ineligibility from the social security office instead of an actual SSN. So in effect it becomes a two stage process for you.

The social security office will not issue you a SSN for the sole purpose of obtaining a drivers license.

ian-mstm

Well... not any more! It was quite common 10 or so years ago.

Ian