Since you are training in the United States on a J-1 visa with IAESTE United States, this means that you are being paid and MUST have a Social Security number. There are often delays in receiving a Social Security Card. For this reason, interns should prepare to come to the United States with enough money to last 4-6 weeks.

Once you arrive in the United States:

1. Contact IAESTE United States within 10 days of your arrival. We want to know your arrival date, U.S. address, and phone number. This information is used to VALIDATE your program with Immigration and Social Security. If you are not validated, you will not receive a Social Security card.
2. Locate your local Social Security office. Some smaller towns do not have a local office; therefore, a planned trip to a larger city may be required. You can locate your nearest office at www.ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration Web site.
3. Complete the SS-5 application form. It can be found at www.ssa.gov.
4. Visit the local Social Security office. You must have: SS-5 application form, DS2019, I-94 card, visa, passport, and current address in the U.S. The Social Security officer should give you a receipt stating that you have applied. This can be used to assist your employer in adding you to the payroll without a Social Security number.

A Social Security card can take several weeks to obtain. However, once you have applied for the Social Security card, you can legally be paid by your employer. Your employer can create a fake Social Security number that can be replaced when your real number arrives. Your employer can also withhold the taxes in an account and then administer the money once the number has arrived. If the employer insists on having your actual Social Security number before you can get paid, contact the IAESTE National Office at iaeste@aipt.org.