How Can I Get a Social Security Number?
To work in the United States you need a Social Security Number or a Taxpayer ID.
If you are born in the U.S., you receive a Social Security Number at birth. However, if you are not born in the United States – you will need to show proof of your immigration status.
What SSN Resources Should I Review First?
Above all, your questions and online application can be viewed on the SSA.GOV website (linked here).
For a social security number you will need to:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- A Permanent Resident (i.e. A Green Card)
- Have A Work Permit
Criteria for U.S. Citizenship – To Qualify for a SSN
To list:
- You are born in the United States
- You go through the naturalization process for U.S. Citizenship. This requires permanent residency, followed by naturalization.
- You are under the age of 18, and one of your parents is a naturalized citizen.
- You are born outside the U.S. to a parent or parents who are U.S. Citizens.
Having difficulty proving your U.S. Citizenship? Talk to an immigration attorney who can help you apply for documentary proof of your status. Furthermore, if you don’t have proof that you have one of the above statuses, you’ll need to look into your immigration options to figure out how to get the Social Security Number.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Social Security Number?
- You can apply for Insurance, Social Security, and other Benefits.
- You can work legally in the United States.
- A Social Security Card serves as a secondary ID.
How To Get A SSN With A Work Permit?
Step One: Get your work permit or Employment Authorization Document.
Step Two: Take Your EAD + another form of identification (your passport from your home country) and apply for a Social Security number at a local Social Security Office.
Note: The EAD application asks if you want a Social Security Number issued to you. Checking “yes” does not guarantee a number is automatically issues. Often you have to go to the Social Security Office in person.
How Do I Remove Restrictive Language From My Social Security Card?
Do you have temporary status in the United States, such as a work visa or temporary work permit? Your Social Security Card will include the words “Valid with DHS Only” at the top. Subsequently, when you present this card to an employer – they will require additional proof that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
However, once you obtain long-term permission to live in the United States, for example a green card or U.S. citizenship, you can get a new card issued by the Social Security Office without any restrictive language.
How Do I Change My Name On My Social Security Card?
Reasons you might need to change the name on your Social Security Card:
- You got married.
- You requested a name change during the naturalization process.
- You sought a court order to change your name.
In the event of the above, take your marriage certificate, naturalization certificate & accompanying signed name change petition, or the court order legally changing your name to the social security office to request an updated social security card with your new legal name on it. You can go to your local DMV/DPS to update your driver’s license or state ID.
In conclusion, these are some of the most common social security number questions. If you are struggling with getting your social security number issued – you may want to talk to an immigration attorney to help you through the process. Quan Law Group can help answer your questions and navigate the process with ease.
