You can apply for a Social Security number or replacement Social Security card at the same time you request work authorization using Form I-765 or lawful permanent residency using Form I-485 through the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program. Once the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves your form, they will send us information from your application to process your request for an original or replacement Social Security card. You will receive your card within 7 to 10 business days after you receive your I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). We will mail your Social Security card to the address you provided on the application.
If you cannot use EBE, follow these steps to change the status shown on your Social Security card:
Step 1: Gather documents proving your:
- Identity.
- Department of Homeland Security work authorization.
- Immigration status.
Important
All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you along with a receipt.
Important Information
We will mail your card as soon as we have verified your documents. You should receive your card within 10 business days from the date you receive your EAD or Green Card. Your replacement Social Security card will have the same number as your previous one.
TN 56 (08-21)
The following information may be helpful for individuals who are interested in knowing when they may expect to receive their Social Security Number (SSN) card.
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SSN cards are mailed from a central location based on the information entered into the enumeration processing system at the field office (FO) or Social Security card center (SSCC).
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The applicant should receive the SSN card in the mail within 2 weeks of the FO submitting a complete application, including documentation of all required evidence.
If documents need verification, advise the applicant that verifying documents with the issuing authority could take several weeks to several months. When we receive verification of the documents we will process the application and the applicant should receive the SSN card within 2 weeks of the date we process the application.
Offer to help the applicant if an employer or third party needs to know the SSN immediately. See RM 10205.210, Receipts for Form SS-5.
For additional information, See:
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RM 10205.500 for information about lag time when an application for an original SSN card is made through Enumeration at Birth (EAB)
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RM 10205.600 for further information when an application for an SSN card is made through Enumeration at Entry (EAE)
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RM 10205.700 for further information about the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) process. Applicants who apply for an original or a replacement SSN card through EBE should receive the card within 2 weeks after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves their application for work authorization or permanent residency.
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RM 10210.270 Evaluation and Verification of Evidence of Age for an SSN Card
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RM 10214.170 Requesting Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Verification of Immigration Documents Using Third Level (Document Verification Request) (Scan and Upload feature).
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What Documents Do You Need to Submit?
According to the SSA, if you want to change any information in your record, you need to produce documents that will:
- prove your identity
- support the requested change
- establish the reason for the change
The SSA only accepts certain documents as proof of identity. This includes:
- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued non-driver’s identification card
- U.S. passport
- Employee ID card
- School ID card
- Health insurance card
- Adoption decree
- Life insurance policy
Submit any one of the above together with your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship and the completed Form SS-5.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable. Any documents you sent by mail will be returned to you along with a receipt.
Why Do You Need to Update Your Social Security Record?
There are a lot of advantages to having an updated social security record. For one, it will make it easier to collect social security benefits in the future.
Outdated social security records may also affect your employment opportunities. When you are hired, your employer will enter your SSN in the E-Verify, a web-based system by the US Department of Homeland Security. This helps them verify your eligibility to work in the US. If your records are not updated, they may think that you are working illegally.
Some disability benefits are also available only to citizens. So updating your citizenship records will ease the process once you apply for such.
When Should You Report Your Change in Citizenship?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services advises waiting at least 10 days after your oath-taking ceremony before updating your records. But don’t wait too long or it might slip your mind.
There are no penalties if you forget to report your change in citizenship. But remember that it’s for your own benefit. So make sure that you find time to do it at some point.