SSN after immigrant visa

[fpvt2]

After arriving in the US with an immigrant visa, can one wait for a few months (say 6 months) before applying for a Social Security Card (SSN) ? (it's a student, so he will not work)
Or, does he need to apply for SSN right away ?

Thank you

[kabkaba]

It is not required ever until the person means to work.
But since it is used as a means of identification in many places, it is a good idea to have it asap.

[txh1b]

Applying for a SSN is in no way related to anything else. It is always good to have a SSN even if it is a student as a unique Identification for a person, helps build creadit, file taxes, apply for DL etc etc. The list is endless.

[Jeff4cpa]

These other comments regarding trying to get the SSN as soon as possible are great. Since you are a student, you can apply for work study through the school and actually get a job on CPT (Curricular Practical Training). Usually you apply for CPT through the campus work study program. When you get CPT, you will be required to get a SSN.

[fpvt2]

Thanks everybody for the reply.
I understand the benefit of the SSN.

But, if the person doesn't need it right away for work, CPT, etc. and for some reason he can't apply for it right away, there is no rule that say you have to apply for SSN right away, is that correct ?

[txh1b]

That is correct. You would need a ITIN number to claim a person on taxes though.

[fpvt2]

Yes, by the time they need to file tax return, the immigrant will already have his SSN.

Actually, that brins up another point.
If one immigrates to the US in early 2011 (Jan, Feb, March), the 1st time he needs to file tax return is April 15, 2012 for his 2011 income, is that correct ? (In other words, he doesn't need to file 2010 tax return on April 15, 2011 because he is not an immigrant yet in 2010)

Thank you