A non-immigrant with work authorization IS required to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) but may work while they obtain the SSN. For the specific requirements regarding SSNs, see Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers. An SSN isn't required to begin work, to be paid, or even to be issued a W-2 or other tax reporting document. However, both employer and employee are at risk of penalty for tax reporting documents issued with a missing or invalid taxpayer ID.
International employees in employment-based non-immigrant statuses will find detailed information about applying for an SSN on the Additional Resources page of the ISSS Website for Scholars.
Note: Non-immigrant visa status holders are not eligible to apply for a social security number until they have an offer of employment AND are authorized to work in the U.S.
Generally, "placeholder," "dummy," or "temporary" SSNs should not be entered in HCM, and the National ID field in HCM should be left blank when an SSN is not available at the time of hire. However, there is an exception to this rule for the University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical campuses due to current campus provisioning requirements. Guidance for UCD/AMC departments can be found on the Person of Interest (POI) and Social Security Number Processes-CU Denver and CU Anschutz Medical Campus Only website for the CU System.
Hiring departments must monitor and follow up with university employees who have not yet obtained their SSNs at the time of hire. Please immediately update HCM when an SSN has been issued. Requirements are outlined in the SSN Procedural Statement.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is necessary to complete the required background check for any new employee who has been in the U.S. for one year or more. In cases where a background check is required, the individual cannot be hired until an SSN is obtained and the background check is completed.
If a background check is not required, the employee can begin work without an SSN, provided the I-9 can be completed as necessary. However, a new hire generally cannot be paid until they have an SSN. The International Tax Office can issue temporary ID numbers to international employees who have applied for but have not yet received their SSN within 30 days of their employment start date so they can be paid. However, these numbers are issued only in rare circumstances, as most international employees receive their number within the 30-day timeframe.