Important – Never claim to be a U.S. citizen on any official document. This may bar you from the U.S. for life.

Working with a fake social security number has been treated as ‘aggravated identity theft’ in some cases. The Supreme Court has taken up this matter.

Flores-Figueroa v. United States, 274 Fed. Appx. 501, (8th Cir. 2008), cert. granted, 2008 U.S. LEXIS 7827 (U.S. October 20, 2008) (No. 08-108) .

• 8th Circuit Opinion: Flores-Figueroa v. United States (pdf)
• Petition for Supreme Court Review: Flores-Figueroa v. United States (pdf)
• Government’s Brief Regarding Supreme Court Review: Flores-Figueroa v. United States (pdf)
• Flores-Figueroa’s Reply to Government’s Brief: Flores-Figueroa v. United States (pdf)

Can I get a driver’s license?

You might qualify for a drivers license if living in the following states: Hawaii or Washington. Although these states may not require you to provide proof of legal status, you may have to provide an SSN and/or attest to never having received one.

What can I use as a photo ID for the theater, clubs etc.?

You can use your Matricula Consular, passport and/or school ID.

If you are a citizen of a country then you are eligible for a passport from that country, do you have one that is not expired?  If you are in need of one or would like to find out more information about getting one please contact your countries consular office, a directory of them can be found here.

Can I travel via airplane?

You can travel anywhere domestically in the United States with an unexpired passport or state ID card.

Social Security Number (SSN):

What is a SSN?

A number in the United States assigned to each and every person with legal status for identification purposes.

Why do I need one?

To work legally you must have a valid SSN. In most states, to get a driver’s license you must have a SSN. To qualify for any sort of government assistance you need a valid SSN, i.e. food stamps.

How do I get one?

If you are a U.S. citizen, Social Security must see your:

• U.S. driver’s license;
• State-issued non-driver identity card; or
• U.S. passport.

If you do not have these specific documents or cannot get a replacement for them within 10 days, you will need additional documents:

• Employee ID card;
• School ID card;
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card);
• U.S. military ID card; or
• Adoption decree.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security must see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents from the Department of Homeland Security include your:

• Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your un-expired foreign passport);
• I-94 with your un-expired foreign passport; or
• Work permit card (I-766 or I-688B).

Please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ for more information.

What can I do if I don’t qualify?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, ITIN can be issued to anyone (with or without status).

What is an ITIN?

A 9 digit number (9xx-7x-xxx) number issued through the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for tax purposes.

Who qualifies for an ITIN?

• Non-resident alien filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for an SSN
• U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for an SSN
• Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
• Dependent or spouse of a non-resident alien visa holder

Can I work with an ITIN?

No, an ITIN does not alter your immigration status or your ability to work legally within the United States.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

You must complete the January 2007 revision of Form W-7. For detailed information, including who you can contact for help filing your W-7 form, please visit the IRS homepage.

After applying how long does it take to receive my ITIN?

It will take up to six weeks for your application to be processed and for you to receive your number.

Do I have to file taxes?

Yes, everyone regardless of status must file taxes yearly. Based on your income you may be eligible for a refund. If you do not have a SSN, use your ITIN to file your taxes.

Will immigration be informed when I file taxes?

No, immigration will not be informed when you file taxes as everyone living in the US and working (receiving any sort of income) is expected to file.