Students who have a work authorization through programs such as DACA or TPS, likely have a SSN (Social Security Number) that can be used for work purposes.
Students who don’t have a SSN may want to consider applying for an ITIN, which can open up certain internship and fellowship opportunities. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. It is used for tax purposes by individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN). An ITIN is also often required for independent contractors and freelancers to get paid. ITINs are important to professionals without work authorization because they allow them to comply with tax obligations and access certain bank accounts, build credit history, and meet requirements for housing applications.
It’s important to note that while ITINs are significant for tax purposes and certain services, they do not confer work authorization or immigration status. They are solely intended for tax reporting and compliance.
Below are free or low-cost resources: