How to Get a US Social Security Number (SSN) as a Canadian Citizen

Thinking of living in the United States as a Canadian citizen? Then, getting a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is important because an SSN is needed for employment, paying taxes, opening bank accounts, and accessing various government services.

Read on to learn how to get a US SSN as a Canadian citizen.

What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit identification number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). It is a unique identifier for individuals in the U.S.

Thus, what many people refer to as “SSN Canada” or “SSN number Canada” is actually a U.S. Social Security number issued by the government of the United States to eligible Canadians residing in the country. 

Common Reasons Canadians Need a U.S. SSN

Canadians in the United States need a U.S. Social Security number because the unique identification number is required for:

• Legally working in the U.S.
• Tax reporting
• Opening a U.S. bank account
• Accessing government services like Medicare and more
• Identity verification by institutions (such as universities, lenders, and insurance companies.

Difference Between a Canadian SIN and a U.S. SSN

A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique identification number in Canada, which is similar to the Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States. It is issued by the Government of Canada (Service Canada) and used to track income for tax purposes and to access some government benefits.

Can Canadians Get a Social Security Number?

Canadians in the U.S. can obtain a Social Security number if they meet the eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Social Security Administration, which is work authorization. That is, any Canadian authorized to work in the United States can obtain a U.S. Social Security number. 

How to Apply for an SSN as a Canadian Citizen

To apply for an SSN number, follow these steps:

Step 1 – Determine Eligibility

To be eligible for the U.S. SSN, an individual must be physically present in the United States and have valid work authorization. Canadians who are permanent residents of the U.S. qualify for a Social Security number as well as those holding the following visas: TN, L-1, H-1B, F-1, and J-1. However, those with tourist or business visas (B-1 and B-2) are ineligible.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documentation

When applying for a U.S. SSN, a Canadian citizen will need to provide documents to verify their identity, age, work authorization, and immigration status.

Documents required include:

• Valid Canadian passport
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Card
• U.S. work visa (or authorization document if applicant’s visa does not automatically grant the right to work)
• Employment letter

Note that the SSA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Applicants must go with original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency.

Step 3 – Complete Form SS-5

Once the necessary documentation is in place, the individual should download Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website. The SS-5 is the official application for a Social Security Card. Next, the applicant should fill out the form accurately and sign it. It’s a simple, one-page form and requests just basic information such as:

• Full legal name
• Date and place of birth 
• Mailing address and phone number
• Citizenship status
• Immigration information
• Parents’ names

Step 4 – Apply in Person at a Social Security Office

The SSA does not accept online or mail-in applications for first-time Social Security numbers. For this reason, first-time Canadian applicants cannot apply for a US SSN number in Canada. They must apply in person at a local Social Security Office.

Here’s how to apply:

• Use the SSA Office Locator to locate the nearest Social Security Office 
• Take the completed SS-5 form and all original required documents to the SSA office
• Submit the application to the SSA representative

Applicants should be prepared to verify their immigration status and employment eligibility, as the SSA representative may ask these questions. 

What Happens After You Apply?

After a Canadian citizen in the U.S. submits an application for a Social Security number, the Social Security Administration will check the applicant’s immigration status with the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to verify their eligibility.

After the applicant’s immigration status is confirmed, the SSA will begin processing the SSN request, which includes assigning the individual a unique Social Security number and printing their Social Security card. When processing is complete, the SSN card Canada is mailed to the address on the application.

How Long It Takes

Processing of SSN requests takes 7 to 14 business days from the date the application (and all necessary documents) is submitted to the SSA. This period includes everything from verifying immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to mailing the Social Security card to successful applicants.

However, issues with verifying an applicant’s immigration documents with the DHS can delay the SSN application, making the process take up to 4 to 6 weeks.

To avoid delays when applying for a Social Security number, applicants should make sure that:

• Their name on all documents matches exactly.
• Their immigration documents are valid and up to date.
• They apply not earlier than 10 business days after entering the U.S. (as it can take up to 10 business days after entering the U.S. for immigration details to be updated to the DHS system).

What to Do if You’re Denied an SSN

Sometimes, SSN requests are denied. This can happen if 

• The Social Security Administration was unable to verify the applicant’s immigration status.
• The applicant’s visa status does not authorize them to work in the U.S.
• There are discrepancies in the applicant’s documentation.

When the Social Security Administration denies an SSN application, the applicant can take specific steps to rectify the situation and obtain a U.S. Social Security number. These steps include:

• Request a written explanation. Request a formal letter from the SSA stating the reason for the denial. This helps applicants know what to correct before reapplying.
• Verify immigration information: The individual should confirm that their immigration information is accurately entered in the DHS database. This would involve contacting USCIS or Customs and Border Protection to confirm that their visa, I-94, and work authorization details are accurate and up to date.
• Correct errors. The individual should work to correct any errors in their record. This may involve working with their employer or USCIS to resolve discrepancies, such as a mismatch in name spelling, an incorrect I-94 number, or missing arrival data in the DHS system.
• Reapply. After the issue is corrected, the individual should reapply at a Social Security Office.  

Tax Implications and Reporting

Canadian citizens living and working in the United States are subject to U.S. income tax on their worldwide income. And a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is required for IRS filings.

Reporting Canadian Pension on U.S. Tax Return

Individuals who receive Canadian pension income (such as Canadian Pension Plan payments and Registered Retirement Savings Plan withdrawals) must report it on their U.S. federal income tax return.

Here’s how to report Canadian pension on U.S. tax return: The income should be reported in Form 1040 under the “Pensions and Annuities” section. 

When you need an SSN for IRS filing

The Social Security number is a primary identifier in the United States. The IRS requires individuals who are eligible to use it when filing tax returns instead of an alternative, such as an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Canadians in the United States need a Social Security Number (SSN) to file a U.S. tax return if:

• They’re working in the U.S.
• They meet the Substantial Presence test and qualify as a resident alien for tax purposes.
• They are eligible for U.S. tax credits.
• They are claiming tax treaty benefits.

Alternatives if You’re Ineligible (e.g., ITIN)

Sometimes, an individual may have a U.S. tax filing requirement but is not authorized to work and, therefore, cannot obtain a U.S. Social Security number.

For example, the spouse of a Canadian working in the U.S. on a TN visa may enter the country on a TD visa, which does not permit employment. While they are not eligible for an SSN, they may still need to be included on a joint tax return with their spouse.

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is an SSN alternative for individuals who are not eligible for an SSN but have U.S. tax filing requirements. However, it is used for tax filing only. It does not grant social security benefits.

Applicable individuals may apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)