Whether you’re in Australia, Asia, Austria or Africa the process remains similar, but there are key differences.
Did you know? Many American citizens that apply for a SSN actually already have one, they just didn’t know about it.
Social Security Number application process and how to get started:
- Anyone over the age of 12 must apply in person for a short interview. Interviews typically take place at a US embassy, consulate or military installation.
- Complete the SSN application form carefully and completely.
- You’ll need Proof of Birth. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. birth certificate or
b. Original U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad,
c. Original birth certificate
- You’ll need Proof of US citizenship. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. birth certificate, or
b. Original U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
c. Original U.S. Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate, or
d. Original U.S. Passport.
- You’ll need Proof of Identity. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed, or
b. Original Foreign Passport, must be current and signed
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your birth name and identity document name are different, proof of name change must also be submitted, such as a marriage certificate.
SSN application – how to get started
Applying for a US Social Security Number from the UK (aged 12 and above):
Contact the Federal Benefits Unit by email to arrange an interview. The email subject line needs to be “SSN Appointment Required”. In the email, tell them which country you were born in. Also, request your preferred interview dates and times, giving the office several options.
The email address is FBU.London@ssa.gov
Expect a response within three working days. They will advise you of your appointment time.
Download and complete this form: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5fs.pdf
Have your original documents photocopied.
Take both your original and photocopied documents to the interview.
Direct any questions to the Federal Benefits Unit and contact them using this link
You can call the London Federal Benefits Unit Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00am and 1:00pm
Callers within the UK
Please call 020-7499-9000 Extensions 23926
International callers
Please call +44-20-7499-9000 Extensions 23926
Please note, the London Federal Benefits Unit is closed for telephone calls on the last every Thursday of every month for internal training purposes.
The Federal Benefits Unit is located at:
U.S. Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US.
The closest tube and train station is Vauxhall.
There is no public parking.
Applying for a US Social Security Number from France (aged 12 and above):
You’ll need to arrange an interview at the Federal Benefits Office at the US embassy in Paris.
Before you do that, check you have the correct documents before booking.
You can book your interview with the Federal Benefits Unit online using this link:
https://fr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security-administration/social-security-contact-us/
Download and complete this form: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5fs.pdf
Required documents – you’ll need both original and photocopied documents at your interview.
- You’ll need Proof of Birth. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. birth certificate or
b. Original U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
c. Original birth certificate
- You’ll need Proof of US citizenship. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. birth certificate, or
b. Original U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
c. Original U.S. Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate
- You’ll need Proof of Identity. One of the following documents is required:
a. Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed, or
b. Original Foreign Passport, must be current and signed or
c. Original French passport or French Identity card, must be current and signed
d. A Passport or national identity card issued by another country may be acceptable, please contact the Federal Benefits Unit for advice
Contact the Federal Benefits Unit:
The US embassy is located at:
4 Avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 8
France
Phone: 01.43.12.27.05
Phone calls are taken Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Email: FBU.Paris@ssa.gov
