How do IMGs who match into residency get a U.S SSN?

[Blitz2006]

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Just wondering how it works for IMG non-U.S citizens. SSN is required to work in the U.S?

So lets say you match in March. Does the hospital help you get SSN, or the guys who sponsor your J1 visa help you get SSN?

Thanks!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

A bit of semantics, but you don't actually get an SSN. You get a ITIN - which is a individual tax identification number. It's exactly the same as a SSN, it's just that, as a non citizen, you don't qualify for social security. But everyone qualifies to pay taxes!

It's easy to get. The US Govt wants your tax dollars. If you match to a position, your GME office will help you with the process. I promise you, they will give you a HUGE list of things you will need to do prior to starting work. Getting an ITIN is very easy -- you can apply yourself if you want, but you might as well wait.

Info: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Individual-Taxpayer-Identification-Number-(ITIN)

 

[splik]

You do get an SSN actually, you cannot work with an ITIN.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I knew I shouldn't have tried to answer this question. My GME office does all of this for me, so honestly I have no idea.

 

[splik]

but to answer the question you go with your contract, and your visa to the social security office and 24 hours later you will be issued with a number. eventually your social security card will arrive in the mail. It's actually really straightforward. you do it yourself, the GME office may help you but you still have to do it yourself.

 

[picasso777]

Well my friend matched in a program in CT and what he told me was that their hospital had the social security guys come over and do the process ( I have no clue what that means ) there and then at the hospital. So.....

 

[shan564]

I grew up in the US as a non-citizen (because it takes forever to get citizenship if you do it legally and honestly and you're not a doctor). I had to get an SSN when I turned 16 because I needed it to get a driver's license and a job. I just had to go to the social security office with my passport, visa paperwork, work permit, etc, and it wasn't a problem.