After you arrive in the U.S. (with your working visa in hand) but before you begin work, you should apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is necessary for identification of individual taxpayers at the federal and New York state tax levels. It is also used for tracking payments into the U.S. social security system either by a taxpayer or the taxpayer’s employer.
The process of applying for a SSN takes between six and eight weeks. Go to
www.ssa.gov to download the application form, US Form SS-5, Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card.
You must submit your application in person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in the U.S.; you cannot apply while you are still overseas. Bring the completed SS-5 form and at least two forms of identification that prove your age, identity and either your U.S. citizenship or your status as an alien lawfully present in the U.S. and legally authorized to work in the U.S. to the Social Security Administration office.
In Tech Valley SSA offices are located at:
1 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518.431.4051
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
13 North Arlington Avenue
Gloversville, NY 12078
Phone: 518.725.8665
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
747 Warren Street
Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: 518.828.2098
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
809 Grant Avenue
Lake Katrine, NY 12449
Phone: 845.338.2589
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
3 Washington Center
Newburgh, NY 12550
Phone: 845.565.7041
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
7242 Route 9
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: 518.562.5421
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
191 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845.452.3584
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
17 Cronin Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
Phone: 518.812.0182
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
530 Franklin Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Phone: 518.382.1001
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213
500 Federal Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518.271.1900
Toll-Free: 800.772.1213