A Social Security number (SSN) that is valid for employment means that the SSN can be used by an individual to legally work in the United States. This validity is determined by the individual's citizenship or immigration status and is reflected on the Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- U.S. Citizens: If an individual was a U.S. citizen when they received their SSN, then the SSN is valid for employment in the United States.
- Non-U.S. Citizens: For non-U.S. citizens, the SSN must be valid for employment, which is indicated on the Social Security card. There are specific notations on the card that determine the employment validity:
- "Not Valid for Employment": If this legend is printed on the Social Security card, the SSN does not permit employment. This means the individual is not authorized to work in the United States.
- "Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization": If this legend is printed on the Social Security card, the SSN is valid for employment only as long as the individual has authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This typically applies to individuals who have temporary work authorization.
- Change in Immigration Status: If an individual's immigration status changes, such as becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, they should request a new Social Security card from the SSA that reflects their updated status. For example, if "Not Valid for Employment" is printed on the card and the individual's status changes to allow employment, they need to obtain a new card without this restriction.
In summary, an SSN valid for employment is one that allows the holder to legally work in the United States, either by virtue of being a U.S. citizen or having the necessary work authorization from DHS.
Sources:
Publication 519 (2023)
Publication 15 (2024)
Publication 51 (2023)
Publication 225 (2023)
Publication 80 (2023)
