Applying for a U.S. Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
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Description
Postdocs who are employed by Penn must apply and obtain a U.S. Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before they can be paid. If you already have an SSN there is no need to apply for a new number.
What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the United States government. It is used primarily by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes.
*Note that a PennID number is not an SSN, and is for internal use only.
How to obtain an SSN or ITIN?
To apply for and obtain a U.S. Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) please see the Penn ISSS Guide for obtaining a Social Security number.
Related Resources
Policies & Procedures
Visa Sponsorship Duration for Foreign National Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows
Taxes & Withholdings for International Postdocs
Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors
Policy for the Appointment of Foreign Nationals Under the Postdoctoral Training Program
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Offices & Services
International Spouses & Partners at Penn (ISPP)
Penn Postdoctoral Association (PPA) Foreign National Committee
Penn International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
Tools & Systems
EURAXESS North America
German Academic International Network (GAIN)
NPA International Postdoc Survival Guide
iPenn
Payroll & Onboard@Penn
Related FAQs
I have an international postdoc. How long can I appoint them in a postdoc position?
Per the policy, postdoc appointments are made for one year. Postdocs can be reappointed for up to five years total. Faculty mentors who expect to reappoint an international postdoc can offer a multi-year visa sponsorship duration to mitigate the burden of visa renewals if funding is secured for the same period of visa sponsorship, there is an intention to reappoint the postdoc, and the postdoc meets the expectations of the position as documented in an Individual Development Plan. Departments need to include the appropriate language in the appointment or reappointment letter to offer a multi-year visa sponsorship duration and final approval must be secured by ISSS.
I’m would like to hire a foreign national as a postdoc. What is the visa process?
It can take up to 6 months for a postdoc to secure a visa, so the first step in hiring is to initiate the visa application process. Most postdocs come to Penn on J1 visas, so you should reach out to your department administrator and Penn ISSS for more information about visa options and to begin the application process.