U.S. Expat SSN: 3-Line Summary 💼
- Why an SSN matters: Used for payroll, driver’s license issuance, and mortgage underwriting
- How to apply: Application steps and SSA office locations by region
- Buying a home without an SSN: Mortgage options even if you don’t have an SSN
If you’re preparing to relocate to the U.S. as an expatriate employee, the Social Security Number (SSN) is something you absolutely need to know. The SSN affects nearly every aspect of life in the U.S., from getting paid and renting a home to obtaining a driver’s license and even buying a house with a mortgage.
Based on frequently asked questions from Loaning.ai clients, this guide walks you through how to apply for an SSN, required documents, processing time, and how to buy a home in the U.S. without an SSN, step by step.
Why an SSN Is Important for U.S. Expats
What Is an SSN?
An SSN is more than just a number. Issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), this 9-digit personal identification number is essential for handling matters closely tied to everyday life, such as employment and housing. For expats considering buying a home, an SSN is essentially your first step into the U.S. financial system.
| No. | Area of Use | Specific Situation | Impact Without an SSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Company Onboarding | In many cases, an SSN must be registered in the payroll system for the first paycheck to be issued properly | Salary payment and tax registration may be delayed, or additional documentation may be required |
| 2 | Banking & Credit Cards | Some banks allow account opening with only a passport and visa, but credit cards and certain inancial products often require an SSN | Checking/savings accounts may be possible, but access to credit cards or loan products can be limited or restricted |
| 3 | Rental Contracts & Utilities | Many apartment applications and utility services (electricity, gas, internet) require an SSN for credit checks | Higher security deposits may be required, or stricter terms such as a co-signer may be imposed |
| 4 | Vehicles & Driver’s License | Many states ask whether you have an SSN when applying for a driver’s license; without one, additional documents or steps are often required | The process may take longer, requiring extra visits or alternative documentation |
| 5 | Home Purchase & Mortgages | Most traditional mortgages are underwritten based on SSN-linked credit history | Fewer loan options may be available, terms (interest rate, loan amount) may be less favorable, and foreign national or ITIN-based mortgageprograms may need to be considered |
SSN Application Process (cf. SSA Office Locations)
| Step | Case | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preparation in Korea (visa approval, salary negotiation, securing relocation trip period) | Negotiate salary based on desired living standard and budget |
| 2 | Week 1 after arrival (I-94 verification & SSA visit preparation) | • Create a settlement plan by reviewing finances and researching nearby apartments, vehicles, and living costs • Confirm that I-94 information has been properly reflected in the system online |
| 3 | First SSA walk-in visit → Appointment scheduling | Visit to secure an appointment for document submission |
| 4 | Second SSA walk-in visit → Official SSN application |
1. Complete Form SS-5 (SSN application) 2. Prepare required documents such as passport, visa, and I-94 3. Visit the nearest SSA office based on your residence to submit the application |
| 5 | Card issuance & delivery after SSA submission | Card is typically mailed within 2–4 weeks after application |
In general, it is recommended to wait 10–14 days after entering the U.S. before applying for an SSN. This is because it usually takes around 10 days for entry records to be fully updated and synced between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and SSA systems. If you apply immediately after arrival, your I-94 information may not yet be properly linked, which can result in delays or rejection of your SSN application.
SSN Application Process (Summary)
- Step 1. Preparation in Korea – Visa approval, salary negotiation, securing a relocation trip period
- Step 2. Week 1 after U.S. arrival – I-94 verification & SSA visit preparation
- Step 3. First SSA walk-in visit → Appointment scheduling
- Step 4. Second SSA walk-in visit → Official SSN application
SSA Office Locations by Region (CA, Georgia, Texas, Washington, etc.)
| Jurisdiction | City | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Seattle | 915 2nd Ave #901, Seattle, WA 98174 |
| Bellevue | 636 120th Ave NE Ste 100, Bellevue, WA 98005 | |
| Georgia | Atlanta | ① 401 W Peachtree St NW #2860, Atlanta, GA 30308 ② 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy Bldg 2400 Ste 122, Atlanta, GA 30331 |
| Columbus | 7263 N Lake Dr, Columbus, GA 31909 | |
| California | Los Angeles | 1401 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
| Alhambra | 900 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801 | |
| San Francisco | 75 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105 | |
| Sacramento | 8581 Folsom Blvd STE A, Sacramento, CA 95826 | |
| Texas | Dallas | ① 2530 S Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215 ② 10824 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75231 |
| Houston | 16200 Dillard Dr, Houston, TX 77040 |
cf. U.S. government public site
Required Documents and Processing Time
Basic documents for SSN issuance
- Form SS-5 (SSN application form)
- Passport
- Visa stamp or approval notice (E-2, L-1, H-1B, etc.)
- I-94 arrival/departure record
- Employment verification documents
- Additional documents, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, may be required in some cases
- Appointment wait times can be around two weeks depending on location.
Buying a Home or Applying for a Mortgage Without an SSN
Even without an SSN or U.S. credit history, it is still possible to apply for a mortgage. There are dedicated programs for expats, non-permanent residents, and foreign nationals.
- ITIN-based mortgages:
These loans use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN.
Common characteristics include:
- Down payments of 20% or more
- Stricter documentation requirements for income, assets, and bank statements
- Slightly higher interest rates than traditional mortgages
- If you are an expat earning income in the U.S. and planning to file U.S. taxes, you may consider this option.
2. Foreign national loan:
Available even without an SSN or ITIN, these loans evaluate overseas income and assets (such as those in Korea).
Typical features include:
- Often designed for investment properties or second homes
- Comprehensive review of foreign income, real estate, and assets
- Higher down payment requirements and higher interest rates
Have you reviewed the SSN application process for U.S. expats carefully? With proper preparation and expert guidance, the process can be much smoother.
At Loaning.ai, we consider visa types (E-2, L-1, H-1B), income structures (U.S. and overseas income, bonuses, stock options), down payment capacity, school districts, and preferred living areas to design personalized mortgage strategies tailored to your situation.
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* This article is intended for general informational purposes only regarding SSN issuance, ITINs, mortgages, and foreign national loans. It should not be interpreted as legal, tax, immigration, financial, or investment advice.
* Before making decisions related to SSN/ITIN applications, home purchases, mortgage execution or refinancing, or tax filings, consult with qualified professionals such as CPAs, tax advisors, immigration or legal experts, licensed mortgage lenders, and relevant authorities (SSA, IRS, state agencies).
* The information in this article is based on the situation as of the date of writing and may change without prior notice. Loaning.ai does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided and assumes no legal responsibility for actions taken based on this content.
