Applying for a U.S. Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
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Description
International postdoctoral trainees who are employed by Penn must obtain a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before they can be paid.
Most postdoctoral trainees who are eligible for employment in the United States will apply for an SSN. An ITIN is used for tax processing by individuals who are not eligible for an SSN.
If you already have an SSN, you do not need to apply for a new number.
A PennID is not a Social Security Number and cannot be used as a substitute for an SSN or ITIN.
What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the United States government. It is used primarily by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes.
Applying for an SSN or ITIN
International postdoctoral trainees should review guidance from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and follow all required steps before applying for an SSN or ITIN.
Application requirements may vary based on visa status, employment eligibility, tax status, and individual circumstances.
Penn Policy and Related Guidance
For current guidance, required steps, and application instructions, review the Penn ISSS guide for obtaining a Social Security Number.
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.