If you currently reside in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status, or U.S. Citizenship from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will likely also need a Social Security Card (SSN). Your SSN allows employers to report your earnings to the United States government. You may also need an update to your SSA records.

To save you a trip to the Social Security Office you can now apply for an original SSN or replacement card during the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) application process by completing the Social Security Administration (SSA) section of the form that contains SSA questions.

NOTE: USCIS collects information on behalf of SSA to process the SSN card. It is important for you to provide all information requested on the form. We may be unable to fully process your request for the SSN card if we do not receive the necessary information. While some information is not required for processing the immigration document, SSA uses the name, date of birth, parent’s names, country of birth, gender (i.e., male/female) to process the SSN card. If you do not receive your SSN card within 14 days after receiving your immigration document, contact your local field office. You can locate your local field office by visiting Field Office Locator | SSA. You may also utilize Replace Social Security Card | SSA to assist you in determining what evidence is needed to receive an SSN card or number. Currently, Social Security’s record systems are unable to include a non-binary or unspecified gender designation. The agency is exploring possible policy and systems updates to support an “X” gender designation for the SSN card application process.

Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization

If you apply for work authorization using DHS’s Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and you completed the section on the application to request an SSN card, then USCIS will send us the data we need to issue your SSN card. If you apply for an SSN card using Form I-765, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If USCIS approves your application, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the “USCIS I-766 card" or "work permit". We will mail your SSN card separately to the address you listed on your application. You should receive your SSN card no later than 14 days after receiving your EAD.

Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

If you are applying for Permanent Residence or Adjusted Status using Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) you can also apply for an SSN card. If you complete the section on the application to request an SSN card, then USCIS will send us the data we need to issue an SSN card. If you apply for an SSN card using Form I-485, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If USCIS approves your application for LPR status, we will mail your SSN card or replacement card to the address listed on your application. You should receive your SSN card no later than 14 days after you receive your Permanent Resident Card/Form I-551/ “Green Card” from USCIS.

Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization

If you are applying for U.S. Naturalization using USCIS’ Form N-400, you can also request a replacement SSN card. You may also request to update your citizenship status or name on SSA’s records. Using this process, you will not have to visit a Social Security field office. You should contact your local field office if you have not received your social security number replacement card 14 days after receiving your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550).

If You Do Not Receive the SSN Card You Requested on Your Form I-765, Form I-485, or Form N-400 – Contact a Social Security Office

You can contact us if you do not receive an SSN card 14 days after receiving your EAD, "Green Card", or Certificate of Naturalization. Please have this flyer and your EAD, "Green Card" or Certificate of Naturalization as it may help us answer your questions.
If you applied for an SSN card using form I-765 or Form I-485, you can Use Our Online Service To Obtain A Social Security Number Card (ssa.gov) and make an appointment.
If you applied for an SSN card using Form N-400, you may contact a Social Security office if you do not receive your SSN card after 14 days of receiving your Certificate of Naturalization.

How to Locate a Social Security Office

To locate a Social Security office, you may visit our website: Field Office Locator | SSA, If You Did Not Request an SSN While Completing Your I-765, I-485 or N-400 – Contact a Social Security Office. If you need in-person help, you must make an appointment at a local office.

If you did not request an SSN card on your I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization” Form I-485 "Application for Lawful Permanent Residency or to adjust Status" or Form N-400 "Application for Naturalization", you can contact your local Field office by visiting Field Office Locator | SSA to apply for your SSN card AFTER you receive your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) or LPR card or (Form I-551) or Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) from USCIS.

When you contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card, please have the following ORIGINAL documents with you (we do not accept photocopies or notarized documents):

• Your Form I-766 to prove your immigration status and that you can work in the U.S., - or
• Your Form I-551 or Permanent Resident Card (PRC) to prove your immigration status.. - or
• Your Form N-400 or Certificate of Naturalization to prove you have been naturalized to a U.S. Citizen.
• Your birth certificate to prove your age. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain it in 14 business days, we may accept your foreign passport, U.S. military record, or religious record showing your age or date of birth.

Timeline for Receiving Your SSN Card If You Visited a Social Security Office

You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have received all of the documentation needed to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. You may contact your local field office You can locate your local field office by visiting Field Office Locator | SSA. If you do not receive your SSN card within 14 days of being granted U.S. naturalization, obtaining work authorization, or receiving your Permanent Resident Card (PRC).

If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.

Your Information and Privacy

Privacy Act Statement Collection and Use of Personal Information

Sections 205(c) and 702 of the Social Security Act (Act), as amended, allow us to collect this information, which we will use to assign a Social Security number and issue a Social Security card. Providing the information is voluntary, but not providing all or part of the information may prevent us from assisting you. As law permits, we may use and share the information you submit, including with other Federal agencies, contractors, and others, as outlined in the routine uses within System of Records Notices (SORN) 60-0058 and 60-0104, available at www.ssa.gov/privacy. The information you submit may also be used in computer matching programs to establish or verify eligibility for Federal benefit programs and to recoup debts under these programs. The Act also allows us to collect race and ethnicity information, which we will use for research and statistical purposes. Furnishing us this information is voluntary and will not be used in decisions about your application.