Generally, aliens may apply for either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for use on tax related documents. Generally, aliens who enter the United States in an immigration status which allows them to be employed in the United States under specific circumstances under U.S. immigration law are eligible to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. Most foreign students and scholars in F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1 nonimmigrant status are eligible to be employed in the United States and are, therefore, eligible to apply for an SSN if they are actually employed in the United States. Aliens who are not eligible to apply for a U.S. social security number, or who do not meet the Social Security Administration's evidence requirements for an SSN, may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service if they have a valid tax reason for needing an ITIN, as explained in the Form W-7 instructions. Use Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) (in Spanish) to apply for an ITIN. Please refer to IRS Publication 1915 PDF for a more detailed explanation of ITINs. Related Foreign Students and Scholars Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) Social Security number
