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Dependents Without an SSN Use an ITIN for Taxes and Banking

Dependents on H-4, L-2 or F-2 visas cannot get an SSN without work authorization; for taxes, or for a bank account after 180 days in the US, the tax ID is an ITIN from the IRS. SSA says it does not issue an SSN just for a bank account, a driver’s license or state taxes. Whether you can work depends on the status: an L-2 spouse can work with an I-94 annotated L-2S; an H-4 spouse can work only after the H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 or an AC21 extension and the H-4 spouse receives an EAD; F-2 dependents cannot work.

The table below sorts this by status, and each section that follows gives the official rule for one status.

Three kinds of dependents in one table

StatusCan they work?SSNSource
L-2 spouseYes; an unexpired I-94 annotated L-2S is proof of work authorizationWork-authorized, so can applyUSCIS
H-4 spouseOnly after the H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 or an AC21 extension and the H-4 spouse receives an EADCan apply after receiving the EADUSCIS
F-2 spouse and childrenNoNo work authorization, so generally not eligible8 CFR 214.2(f)(15)
L-2 and H-4 childrenThis article found no rule allowing them to workNo work authorization, so generally not eligible—

No SSN taxes and bank accounts with an ITIN

SSA’s internal manual lists reasons that do not qualify someone for an SSN (SSA POMS RM 10211.615):

The IRS says an ITIN is for federal tax purposes only and does not qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) (IRS).

L-2 spouses an I-94 annotated L-2S is enough to work

USCIS says spouses of L-1 workers in valid L-2S status are employment authorized incident to status. Since January 30, 2022, USCIS and CBP have issued I-94s with the L-2S code; an unexpired I-94 annotated L-2S is List C proof of work authorization for Form I-9 (USCIS L-1A).

H-4 spouses check the H-1B spouse’s I-140 first

USCIS says an H-4 spouse can apply for work authorization on Form I-765 if the H-1B spouse meets one of these conditions (USCIS):

F-2 no work, spouses part-time study only

Federal regulation 8 CFR 214.2(f)(15) says (govinfo):

For children’s rights at enrollment and the documents to prepare, see moving to the US with children.

Frequently asked questions

Can an H-4 spouse open a bank account with an ITIN?

SSA’s manual says an ITIN works when a financial institution asks for a tax ID; people in the US less than 6 months do not need a tax ID and should ask the bank for Form W-8. Ask the bank which documents it accepts.

Can I get a driver’s license without an SSN?

SSA does not issue an SSN just for a driver’s license. Ask your state motor vehicle agency what to do without one.

Does an L-2 spouse still need an EAD?

Not necessarily. USCIS says L-2S work authorization comes with the status, and an unexpired I-94 annotated L-2S is List C proof for Form I-9.

When can an H-4 spouse start working?

After the H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 or an AC21 extension, and the H-4 spouse applies for and receives an EAD.

Can an F-2 spouse take community college classes?

Yes, part time. To study full time, the spouse must first change status to F-1, M-1 or J-1.

Your first month in the US

For the first steps for H-1B and L-1 workers and their families, see the first month in the US on H-1B or L-1. The checklist sorted by status is the My USA Plan checklist: the first 30 items are free, and the full 91 items cost US$9.90 once, not a subscription.

Sources and dates checked

All checked on 2026-10-27. This article is not legal, immigration or tax advice.

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