Updating my SSN

[zbd142 12]

Hello everyone,

First of all, I apologize if this information is already out there; I looked around web but I couldn't find a solid answer to my question.

I filed AOS as an F1 student, and I got approved last week (yay!!), and now my green card is on its way to my address. I already have an SSN card because I worked as an F1 student (CPT), but of course it has limitations to it (on the card it says "valid with DHS work authorization only").

Do I directly go to Social Security office to replace my SSN card once I receive my green card? Do I have to fill out the SS5 form again or is there an another form for this? What should I bring to the social security office?

Thank you in advance!

[Newbie608 103]

Just bring GC, passport and or Drivers License. You don't have to reapply. They will just update your status in their system and mail you an unrestricted Social security card. If you had a name change, you might want to bring marriage certificate as well.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from WST-based AOS to SSN Forum~

~Inquiry about SSN~

[wavj 26]

Can this be done with EAD ? provided it arrives before being approved for GC. I am in the same situation and I am unsure where should I go first when I received my EAD card, to get my DL renewed and name changed, or my SS card.

Thanks

[zuluweta 250]

Hello everyone,

First of all, I apologize if this information is already out there; I looked around web but I couldn't find a solid answer to my question.

I filed AOS as an F1 student, and I got approved last week (yay!!), and now my green card is on its way to my address. I already have an SSN card because I worked as an F1 student (CPT), but of course it has limitations to it (on the card it says "valid with DHS work authorization only").

Do I directly go to Social Security office to replace my SSN card once I receive my green card? Do I have to fill out the SS5 form again or is there an another form for this? What should I bring to the social security office?

Thank you in advance!

Hi, can you give us an update please? I am now in your exact situation. I have an SSN card 'valid with DHS work authorization only' and expecting my green card next week.

If I go to the SSA office to update my SSN card, will they take away the old one and leave me with nothing while I wait for the unrestricted SSN card to arrive?

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hi, can you give us an update please? I am now in your exact situation. I have an SSN card 'valid with DHS work authorization only' and expecting my green card next week.

If I go to the SSA office to update my SSN card, will they take away the old one and leave me with nothing while I wait for the unrestricted SSN card to arrive?

They will not take away your existing card--or maybe I should say they should not take away your SSC. Training at the SSA is pretty poor. If they do take your SSC, who cares? You have the number memorized--right? I have shown my SSC a total of 3 times in the 48 years I have had one. It remains in the safety deposit box and still has the wording of "NOT VALID FOR ID. FOR TAX PURPOSES ONLY." If anybody asks for my SSN, I usually ask them why do they need it and then I just rattle off the number. No need for them to see the actual card. So that is why I ask you who cares if they do happen to take the card. It is the number that is most important and now that you have a GC, just show that. I use my passport as proof of age, identity, and citizenship.

Good luck in your dealing with the SSA,

Dave

[jxn 86]

My wife already had a SS card before we met but after we married she updated her SS card with her married name using her EAD.

It still says "Valid for work only with DHS authorization" so she will have to go back to our local SSA office again when she gets her green card.

[zbd142 12]

Hi, can you give us an update please? I am now in your exact situation. I have an SSN card 'valid with DHS work authorization only' and expecting my green card next week.

If I go to the SSA office to update my SSN card, will they take away the old one and leave me with nothing while I wait for the unrestricted SSN card to arrive?

Hi, when I went to the Social Security office, they took away my old card because it's no longer valid anyway. (You can't use your restricted SSN card once you receive your green card) The new card arrived in a couple days in the mail.

Are you worried that you won't have an SSN card for a couple days because you're starting a job? If you need to start a job or something while you're waiting for your SSN card, you can give your employer the receipt the social security office gives you when you apply for replacement card, and you can start working. The new card arrives in a couple days in the mail, but I guess that might depend on the social security office you're applying to. When the card arrives, you can show it to your employer so that they can fill up your W-2 forms etc.

[zuluweta 250]

Hi, when I went to the Social Security office, they took away my old card because it's no longer valid anyway. (You can't use your restricted SSN card once you receive your green card) The new card arrived in a couple days in the mail.

Are you worried that you won't have an SSN card for a couple days because you're starting a job? If you need to start a job or something while you're waiting for your SSN card, you can give your employer the receipt the social security office gives you when you apply for replacement card, and you can start working. The new card arrives in a couple days in the mail, but I guess that might depend on the social security office you're applying to. When the card arrives, you can show it to your employer so that they can fill up your W-2 forms etc.

What if I keep my old SS card (with restriction)? The number would remain the same anyway even after removing the restriction.

Do employers really ask for the SS card or just a list A document (green card, EAD, US passport, etc...)? I can rattle off my SS number from memory. That's what I did at the DMV when they asked for my SS number. No need to show SS card at DMV.

[zbd142 12]

What if I keep my old SS card (with restriction)? The number would remain the same anyway even after removing the restriction.

Do employers really ask for the SS card or just a list A document (green card, EAD, US passport, etc...)? I can rattle off my SS number from memory. That's what I did at the DMV when they asked for my SS number. No need to show SS card at DMV.

I'm not a lawyer nor I know the law that well but I am pretty sure it's REQUIRED that you update your social security card to remove the restrictions. Since you become a permanent resident, your taxes change, and Social Security Office needs to keep correct track of your earnings. Like I said, I don't know in detail but you can get in trouble for not updating it.

DMV might not care about the restrictions on it, but your employer will. Even though you have a List A document, you still need to present your Social Security card to your employer for W-2 forms. My boyfriend, who is a US citizen, hadn't updated his SSC once he became a US citizen, and he didn't have any problems until he started his last job. They said they can't accept his social security card because it had restrictions, although he had other proof of citizenship.

Regardless I think you should just update it to avoid any trouble or problems in the future. It's free, and it takes 5 min at the social security office. I don't understand why you're so against it.

[zuluweta 250]

I'm not a lawyer nor I know the law that well but I am pretty sure it's REQUIRED that you update your social security card to remove the restrictions. Since you become a permanent resident, your taxes change, and Social Security Office needs to keep correct track of your earnings. Like I said, I don't know in detail but you can get in trouble for not updating it.

DMV might not care about the restrictions on it, but your employer will. Even though you have a List A document, you still need to present your Social Security card to your employer for W-2 forms. My boyfriend, who is a US citizen, hadn't updated his SSC once he became a US citizen, and he didn't have any problems until he started his last job. They said they can't accept his social security card because it had restrictions, although he had other proof of citizenship.

Regardless I think you should just update it to avoid any trouble or problems in the future. It's free, and it takes 5 min at the social security office. I don't understand why you're so against it.

I decided to go ahead and update my SS card today.

I went to the 560 Kearny St. Office of the SSA. I got there right around 9 AM and there were already people inside and a line outside (total of perhaps 20-30 people) while the security person checked the bags of people entering.

To get a number for the queue, I had to go to a touchscreen computer monitor, enter some personal info like name, social security number, etc., then a machine prints out a number. I got 7.

After 30 minutes, I was called to window 3 and I told the woman at the window that I needed to update my SS card and remove restrictions. She asked for my old SS card and green card. When she verbally asked for my mailing address, I gave her my electric bill so it's easier for her to read my exact address. Another 5-7 minutes and then I'm done.

The staff from SSA took my old SS card and printed a receipt letter. All in all, about 1 hour waiting time from lining up outside the building to leaving the office. I didn't have to pay any fee.

[zuluweta 250]

Just a quick update. My unrestricted SS card arrived in the mail today! I updated last Wednesday, Sep 24.