OBTAINING A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
If you are a non US citizen coming into the States to work, one of the first things you have to do when you arrive is obtain a Social Security Card. The number on this card is required to apply for a driver's license, establish phone service, pay taxes, etc. Applying for a Social Security card is a relatively easy process, provided you bring the required documentation and allow enough time in your day to submit your application in person to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA requires that anybody over the age of 18 who has never had a Social Security Number before apply in person. To apply for a card you will need original forms of proof of identity and legal alien status. The best forms of proof are an original, unexpired passport and visa. The SSA office in Manhattan is at the following address:
755 Second Avenue (between 40th & 41st streets)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10016
The office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. An appointment is not needed, and the process should take approximately an hour from the time you walk in to the office until the time you leave. The amount of time spent in the office will obviously vary according to the amount of people that are in need of assistance. Approximately one (1) week after your application is submitted you will be able to obtain your social security number by calling the toll-free number below, but allow at least two (2) weeks to actually receive your Social Security Card in the mail. For any further information you can visit the SSA web site at:
www.ssa.gov
or call toll free:
1-800-772-1213
7am-7pm, Monday-Friday
