soccial security card after getting green card

[Coleman21 6]

Hi,

I have been an LPR since last August. I got my social security card a year ago when I started working on campus as an F-1 student, and I haven't removed the "work authorization only" statement from the card.

My question is, does it cost money to remove the statement? If so, how much? (I live in NY state)

Also, can I order a new card without the "work authorization only statement" online, by mail,or by phone? I don't have a car, so I was wondering if I could avoid going all the way to the social security center.

Thanks!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Your green card is the "work authorization" that satisfy the restriction on your SS card.

You can always apply for a new SS card.

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/251

Edited December 14, 2013 by aaron2020

[Hypnos 6,578]

As stated, you can apply for a new unrestricted social security number, but you are under no compulsion to do so until you naturalise.

You can apply through the mail, but since you would have to submit your original green card along with your application then you can see how that's a very bad idea.

I personally wouldn't bother.

[Leo7777 243]

As stated, you can apply for a new unrestricted social security number, but you are under no compulsion to do so until you naturalise.

You can apply through the mail, but since you would have to submit your original green card along with your application then you can see how that's a very bad idea.

I personally wouldn't bother.

Are you saying/suggesting that one has to get a new/different SS number to get the work restriction wording removed?

Yes, I understand that with an EAD or green card, this will supercede the restricted wording on the SS card.

However, I can see the real desire to have an actual physical SS card that does not contain the restrictive work wording typed thereon.

But getting a totally new SS number could be a bummer also, since the first SS number might already have been used to establish bank accounts, start a credit history - - - and is, in any event already repeated on dozens of university related and other documents.

So does anyone have info about whether you get a new SS number, or only a new card having same SS number with restictive wording removed.

Again, I realize some may have taken route of simply keeping the original SS number with the restrictive wording typed on it. But repeating that won't answer the question.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Are you saying/suggesting that one has to get a new/different SS number to get the work restriction wording removed?

Yes, I understand that with an EAD or green card, this will supercede the restricted wording on the SS card.

However, I can see the real desire to have an actual physical SS card that does not contain the restrictive work wording typed thereon.

But getting a totally new SS number could be a bummer also, since the first SS number might already have been used to establish bank accounts, start a credit history - - - and is, in any event already repeated on dozens of university related and other documents.

So does anyone have info about whether you get a new SS number, or only a new card having same SS number with restictive wording removed.

Again, I realize some may have taken route of simply keeping the original SS number with the restrictive wording typed on it. But repeating that won't answer the question.

A SSN is for life. A person cannot get a new number simply because they want to remove the employment restriction on the physical SS card.

There are only limited times when SSA will issue a new number; identity fraud for example.

The OP can apply for a new SS card without the restriction. Did you look at the link from my earlier post?

[Leo7777 243]

A SSN is for life. A person cannot get a new number simply because they want to remove the employment restriction on the physical SS card.

There are only limited times when SSA will issue a new number; identity fraud for example.

The OP can apply for a new SS card without the restriction. Did you look at the link from my earlier post?

Yes, I did.

I appreciate your effort and directions to the website.

But, the words of SS on the website really do not state a clear answer to my question.

However, I am not holding you responsible for finding exact answers that I was seeking; and I know that I will have to contact SS directly for more help. But if any of you have contacted various government agencies, you probably know that you can contact, say, 3 different offices and might receive 3 different answers. Newspapers regularly report this happening when their reporters call several IRS branch offices to ask the identical question.

I was just wanting to hear from those who had actually gone through the process of removing the restrictive words. If they all had the same outcome, then that would have been pretty strong evidence of what actually happens.

Thanks again.

[Hypnos 6,578]

I'm not sure which parts you are unsure about, your questions have already been answered in this thread and many others on similar subjects.

Edited December 17, 2013 by Hypnos

[Coleman21 6]

thank you so much for the answers, guys. I thought I had to remove the restriction statement, although I knew I would end up having the same SS number. If the statement really doesn't matter, I guess I won't bother until I actually get a convenient chance to go around the SS center area. Your answers have relieved me. Thanks again!

[Dave&Roza 748]

thank you so much for the answers, guys. I thought I had to remove the restriction statement, although I knew I would end up having the same SS number. If the statement really doesn't matter, I guess I won't bother until I actually get a convenient chance to go around the SS center area. Your answers have relieved me. Thanks again!

You actually do not have to have any dealings with the SSA unless for some reason your income is misreported to them from the IRS or when you start benefits. It is recommended that you inform them when and If you become a USC, but that only allows you to be eligible to receive your benefits outside the US as only USC can do that. I think about 4 people have actually seen my SSC as I use my US passport for the I-9 form and official ID.

Up to you when you decide to go to the SSA.

Dave

[Darnell 8,479]

thank you so much for the answers, guys. I thought I had to remove the restriction statement, although I knew I would end up having the same SS number. If the statement really doesn't matter, I guess I won't bother until I actually get a convenient chance to go around the SS center area. Your answers have relieved me. Thanks again!

eh - it's not the restriction that matters, so much,

as the status that SSA thinks it has on you.

Most gov agencies not share data, so SSA thinks yer still holding a student visa.

When you walk into a SSA office with a green card, you can update yer status with them, and they will send you a new SSN card, with the same number that was first issued, and USUALLY the DHS Authorization statement is removed, for green card holders such as yerself.

Although you have no car, others do - what's keeping you from getting a ride into the SSA office ?

[Hypnos 6,578]

It's not "recommended" that you inform the SSA that you have become a US citizen, it's a requirement.

[Coleman21 6]

eh - it's not the restriction that matters, so much,

as the status that SSA thinks it has on you.

Most gov agencies not share data, so SSA thinks yer still holding a student visa.

When you walk into a SSA office with a green card, you can update yer status with them, and they will send you a new SSN card, with the same number that was first issued, and USUALLY the DHS Authorization statement is removed, for green card holders such as yerself.

Although you have no car, others do - what's keeping you from getting a ride into the SSA office ?

[Coleman21 6]

i mean, i'm not even required to remove the statement, what's the point of making my friend drive me all the way to the SS center? but are you saying i'm supposed to do that? if so, i would ask my friend to drive me there for sure, since some wrote that i would have to put my green card in the envelope if I wanted to do by mail.

p.s. i meant to write "IF i'm not required"

[Darnell 8,479]

a friend is not a friend if'n you are making them do something.

I ask you reread my post.

[Dave&Roza 748]

It's not "recommended" that you inform the SSA that you have become a US citizen, it's a requirement.

Can you provide a link to where it is stated that the SSA requires you to tell them you have become a USC (CFR or the SSA website, not some website talking about naturalization)? This document states that you SHOULD tell the SSA if you become a USC, but it does not say you MUST or SHALL. The only difference in your SS account from a LPR to a USC is that a USC can receive their benefits while residing outside the US, a LPR cannot. This document also mentions that there are three types of SSCs--1) issued to USC and LPR with no restrictions written on it, 2) issued to those lawfully admitted to the US on a temporary basis that are allowed to work and it will have "VALID FOR WORK WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION ONLY." and 3) those issued to lawfully admitted persons on a temporary basis who need a SSN for non-work related reasons and it will state "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT".

OP: To remove the wording after receiving the GC and to go from SSC type #2 to type #1, you need to show the SSA the original GC which requires you to visit a local SSA office or mail the GC thru the mail the SSA and then they mail it back to you using the USPS and standard first class mail. Do you really want to risk your GC when a replacement card costs $450 and will take a while? Up to you as to whether you go to the local office and get the working removed. You do not have to show the SSC for employment as the GC is on the I-9 form as a List A document. My bet is very few people are going to see your SSC especially if you have the number memorized.

Dave

Edited December 20, 2013 by Dave&Roza