Getting new Social Security Card after POE on IR-1/CR-1?

[grad_student 11]

I would have been married to my lovely wife for more than 2 year by the time of POE in USA. So I should be getting IR-1 and a 10 year Green Card. I was a student in USA earlier and already have this restricted Social Security Card that says "Valid for work only with DHS authorization" on it. I plan on getting a new Social Security Card after entering USA. I have been going through thread here and have a descent understanding on how to go about it.

As far as I understand, there are two ways I can get an unrestricted Social Security Card. First, I can "check" yes in the DS-260 from where it asks if I need a new card issued. Average wait time appears to be 3 weeks after POE. But I have read many threads of people not getting the Social Security Card through this method. It appears that it is hit or a miss. They have to go to a SSA office to get a Social Security Card. Assuming if I answer yes to the question asking if I need a new Social Security Card issued and I actually do get it, it should be an unrestricted one, right?

Second method is to select NO in the DS-260 for the question asking if I need a new card issued. Then after POE I can walk into SSA office and apply for an unrestricted Social Security Card. If I go this route, how long after POE do I have to wait to go to an SSA office and apply for an unrestricted Social Security Card? And do I need the wallet sized Green Card that comes in mail about 4 - 6 weeks after POE for it? Or will the Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIP) stamp would suffice to get an unrestricted Social Security Card?

Right now, I am leaning towards going second route. What would you guys suggest that which of the two routes explained above should I go?

I understand it doesn't matter if I get an unrestricted Social Security Card as my current restricted Social Security Card along with the stamped MRIP will be enough to get a job. But I would still have to inform SSA about my change of status from student to LPR.

Thanks in advance

Edited May 19, 2015 by grad_student

[milimelo 4,481]

You can't do option one as you already have a SSN.

Go with option two and wait couple of days after POE and then go to your SSA office. They'll send you the new card (same number) without restrictions. Yes, your stamped immigrant visa serves as a green card until you get yours (after paying the $165 fee).

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Social Security Numbers forum.

[grad_student 11]

You can't do option one as you already have a SSN.

Go with option two and wait couple of days after POE and then go to your SSA office. They'll send you the new card (same number) without restrictions. Yes, your stamped immigrant visa serves as a green card until you get yours (after paying the $165 fee).

Not questioning your knowledge or credibility, but how do I know this for sure? Is it listed any official DOS website or something like it? Thanks for the info though

[zalim_computer 0]

Not questioning your knowledge or credibility, but how do I know this for sure? Is it listed any official DOS website or something like it? Thanks for the info though

Assuming all Social Security Administration offices have the same rule, after you get your passport stamped with the immigration visa and that it has the alien # on it, you can walk into an SSA office and get your social security card updated. I cannot say how long it will take but you only need your A# and file whatever form they tell you to.

My experience: I was told at the airport that although I have already applied for SSN through DS-260, I should still inquire at the SSA. I arrived on Saturday, and then on Tuesday, I went to SSA where I was told to file a new SSN application even if one has already been submitted, used passport and the visa stamp as proof of residency, and had my SS card show up in Saturday's mail.