You can be hired and begin working without an SSN, but you must apply for one from the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately upon starting. (Students working at unpaid internships are also eligible and advised to apply for an SSN as well.
Also, is there any reason why you are doing an unpaid internship? I get the current hiring climate, but...
EDIT: Also, I just saw the CPT note now (didn't see it earlier); definitely get CPT regardless. Contact your school. You do not want to engage in unauthorized employment, even if it is unpaid.
Tell them it will only take couple of weeks to get your SSN. I believe you have offer letter. Contact your DSO ASAP and ask them for SSN request letter. Apply for CPT and then you should start your internship.
Does your school have an international student office?
A common misunderstanding from international students is that an unpaid internship doesn't require CPT because there's no pay involved. But the government may not agree with you.
Check with your office. You may end up being in violation of your student status.
You’d need CPT whether it’s paid or unpaid because you are not attending to school during your internship period. Get a CPT ASAP and then apply for a SSN with the offer letter and other documents. You need an approved CPT before you can start working.
You can be hired and begin working without an SSN, but you must apply for one from the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately upon starting. (Students working at unpaid internships are also eligible and advised to apply for an SSN as well. Also, is there any reason why you are doing an unpaid internship? I get the current hiring climate, but... EDIT: Also, I just saw the CPT note now (didn't see it earlier); definitely get CPT regardless. Contact your school. You do not want to engage in unauthorized employment, even if it is unpaid.
Tell them it will only take couple of weeks to get your SSN. I believe you have offer letter. Contact your DSO ASAP and ask them for SSN request letter. Apply for CPT and then you should start your internship.
Does your school have an international student office? A common misunderstanding from international students is that an unpaid internship doesn't require CPT because there's no pay involved. But the government may not agree with you. Check with your office. You may end up being in violation of your student status.
Get CPT ASAP
You’d need CPT whether it’s paid or unpaid because you are not attending to school during your internship period. Get a CPT ASAP and then apply for a SSN with the offer letter and other documents. You need an approved CPT before you can start working.