United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that applicants for lawful permanent resident, or green card status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card when filing a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Once the application is approved, USCIS will send the request electronically to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which will then assign a number and issue a new card by mail or send a replacement card directly to the applicant at the address listed on the form.
This change continues USCIS’ partnership with the SSA, which previously saw an update to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, that enabled applicants to simultaneously apply for work authorization and an SSN in October 2017.
An SSN is required to work, collect social security benefits, and receive other government services. Some states will issue a driver’s license without a social security number. An SSN is not required to register for school, obtain private health insurance, or apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing.
For more information on how to apply for an SSN, we encourage you to contact our office at info@hsdimmigration.com or call us at 312.291.1234.