Original Card for a Noncitizen Adult 
In general , only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security DHS can apply for a Social Security number. If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes , see " If you do not have permission to work " for further information. Important You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current not expired. We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. 

What original documents do I need? 
Immigration Status To prove your U.S. immigration status , you must show us your current U.S. immigration document, such as : Form I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with your unexpired foreign passport ; I-766 Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit ; or I-94 Arrival / Departure Record or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student , you also must show us your I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor , you must show us your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Work Eligibility In general , only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number. If you are a foreign worker , we only need to see your I-94 Arrival / Departure Record or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport showing a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must show their I-766 Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit from DHS. Student : If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus , you must provide a letter from your designated school official that : Identifies you ; Confirms your current school status ; and Identifies your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing. We also need to see evidenc

user: I am looking for information regarding an original Social Security card for a noncitizen adult

assistant: Noncitizens must have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security before they can apply for a Social Security number

assistant: Do you have permission to work in the United States or do you need a Social Security number for other purposes?

user: No, I don't have permission to work here

user: What documentation is required if I am a foreign worker and am seeking a Social Security Card?

assistant: We will need to see your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. We could also use the admission stamp on your unexpired foreign passport which shows a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must show their EAD work permit from the DHS

user: Are there any restrictions in relation to getting a Social Security number assigned for non-work purposes?

assistant: In this instance, you can not use it to work

user: What can I do if I need a number for tax purposes but am not authorized to work in the United States?

assistant: You can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number form the IRS. To get this number from the IRS, you can visit the IRS or call them on the toll free number 1-800-TAXFORM 1-800-829-3676 and request Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

user: How do I get a Social Security Card if I am a J-1 student?

assistant: You must provide us with a letter from your sponsor, on a sponsor letterhead containing an original signature that authorizes your employment

user: What documents are required to get a Social Security Card if I am a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor?

assistant: As a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must provide us with your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status