The Social Security Administration has determined recently that it will no longer issue a Social Security Number (SSN) to foreign nationals in this country who are not authorized to work, in most cases. Exceptions to this rule will be made when federal, state and local laws require an SSN. In particular, it is possible for persons defined as tax dependents of persons who have work authorization (this does not include spouses) to obtain an SSN. Spouses and others who are not eligible for an SSN may apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), using the Internal Revenue Service's Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It should be noted that an SSN is not required to conduct business with a bank (request IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status).
Social Security Numbers for Foreign Nationals
This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers | Last reviewed March 26, 2008
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