Au Pairs should apply for a social security number — it is generally required when registering for classes, opening a bank account, applying for a driver’s license, and filing a tax return. Au pairs may now apply for a social security card as early as 5 days after their arrival in the U.S. (in most cases the Friday following their arrival in the U.S.) Your computerized I-94 record (arrival/departure card) is available for you to print out in as little as 24 hours after your arrival. You will need your I-94 card information in order to apply for a social security card and/or driver’s license. The I-94 card electronic record can be accessed and printed out from the Customs and Border Patrol website at: www.cbp.gov/I94. You will need to input certain information (passport number, date of birth, entry date into the US and class of admission (J/1) in order to pull up your I-94 card record.
You can print out a Social Security Card Application form by clicking on the link below, or you may pick up a form at your local social security office. After filling out the form, you must bring it to your local Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security card. You can click on the “office locator” link to get directions and a map to the office that is closest to you.
Please be sure to bring all of your paperwork with you to the Social Security Office. You will need:
1) Passport
2) J-1 Visa
3) I-94 Card
4) SEVIS DS-2019
This is the only documentation that you will need. If the clerk at the Social Security Office is not familiar with the Au Pair program and with the fact that au pairs are entitled to apply for a social security card, please ask them to check with their supervisor. These procedures are outlined in the Social Security Administration policy manual (POM) section RM 00203.480.C.1.
You will not receive your social security card the same day that you file your application. The Social Security Administration will mail it to you at your host family’s home address. It generally takes 2 – 4 weeks for your application to be processed and your social security card to be mailed to you.
It may be helpful for you to take this information page with you when you apply for your social security card.
Here are helpful links:
Social Security Card Application Form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
Social Security Office Locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp