If you currently reside in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will also need a Social Security Number (SSN). Your SSN allows employers to report your earnings to the United States government.
To save you a trip to the Social Security Office you can now apply for an original SSN or (replacement SSN card) on the same application form you will use to apply for permission to work legally in the U.S. You can also apply for your original SSN and replacement SSN card when you apply for lawful permanent resident status.
If you apply for work authorization using the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 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 original SSN or SSN replacement 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 two documents - your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the "USCIS I-765 card" or "work permit", and in another envelope your SSN card. We will mail your SSN card to the address you listed on your I-765 application. You should receive your SSN card no later than seven business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.
We have worked with DHS and USCIS to provide an opportunity for applicants to use form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to apply for an original SSN and SSN replacement 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 your original SSN or SSN replacement 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 - Your Lawful Permanent Resident Card or "USCIS I-551" or "green card", we will mail your SSN card or replacement card to the address listed on your I-485 application.
Please contact a Social Security office if you do not receive your SSN card within seven business
days after receiving your EAD or "Green Card". Please have this flyer and your EAD or "Green Card" as it may help us answer your questions.
To locate a Social Security office you may visit our website: Field Office Locator | SSA, or call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an office near you.
If You Did Not Request an SSN While Completing Your I-765 or I-485 – Call a Social Security Office.
If you did not request an SSN card on your I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization” or I-485 "Application for Lawful Permanent Residency or to adjust Status", you must contact a Social Security office to apply for your SSN and card AFTER you receive your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) or LPR card or (Form I-551) 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):
If you need help filling out the SS-5, a Social Security representative will help you.
If you did not request an SSN while completing your I-765 or I-485. You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.