Changes to the Green Card/Social Security Card Application Process

 Posted on November 19, 2021 in Immigration

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that Green Card applicants will now be able to also apply for their Social Security number at the same time they are applying for their permanent residency. Prior to this announcement, applicants were required to apply for their Social Security number through the Social Security Administration (SSA). This extra step also added time to the entire permanent residency application process.

Social Security Number

Permanent residency status allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. In order to legally work in the U.S, the person must show their employer proof of their identity and their employment eligibility. For the majority of workers, a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration is an accepted form of proof.

Prior to the USCIS’s announcement, in order for a Green Card applicant to receive a Social Security card with their number on it, they were required to submit documentation to the Social Security Administration directly.

However, with the new partnership between USCIS and SSA, this step is eliminated. A Green Card application is submitted using a Form I-485 application. Once the USCIS approves the application, the agency will electronically transmit the information to the SSA. Once the SSA receives the applicant’s information, the agency will automatically issue either an original Social Security number and card or a replacement card, depending on the applicant’s situation.

When the applicant receives their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) from the USCIS, they should expect their Social Security card to arrive within one to two weeks after the arrival of the green card.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

When you visit the USCIS website, the application process for obtaining a Green Card may appear to be fairly easy. However, anyone who has gone through the United States immigration process can likely attest to it being anything but. Over the past several years, immigration laws have gone through a number of changes, especially with each change in presidential administrations. A missed deadline or what may seem like a simple mistake can result in delays in an application or even outright denial of a Green Card.

If you have questions regarding your Green Card status or any other issues affecting your immigration status, make sure to have an Illinois immigration lawyer advocating for you. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have more than 200 years of combined legal experience assisting clients in a variety of different legal issues and are dedicated to making sure our clients’ rights are protected. Call 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.