Social Security Status change

[Camelot13 63]

Hi everyone, 

 

After someone becomes naturalized, I know you have to go to the Social Security Office to update your status with them. I've just seen a reference that this has to happen no sooner than 10 days after the oath ceremony to give time for USCIS to have you in their system to verify. Just wondering, is there a max time limit you need to update the SS office within? For example, if after the naturalization and the passport, if we're out of the country traveling for a few months would it be a problem to go to the social security office when we're back to update? Is there some rule that says you must do that within a set amount of time or you lose your naturalization, or that it's not fully official and complete without this step happening shortly after oath? 

 

Thanks all! Just curious if we are free to put this part of the process off for a few months or if that would be a big problem. 

[Teemo 252]

10 minutes ago, Camelot13 said:

Hi everyone, 

 

After someone becomes naturalized, I know you have to go to the Social Security Office to update your status with them. I've just seen a reference that this has to happen no sooner than 10 days after the oath ceremony to give time for USCIS to have you in their system to verify. Just wondering, is there a max time limit you need to update the SS office within? For example, if after the naturalization and the passport, if we're out of the country traveling for a few months would it be a problem to go to the social security office when we're back to update? Is there some rule that says you must do that within a set amount of time or you lose your naturalization, or that it's not fully official and complete without this step happening shortly after oath? 

 

Thanks all! Just curious if we are free to put this part of the process off for a few months or if that would be a big problem. 

It has nothing to do with your naturalization. You can do it anytime down the road. It's just easier for you to have it in case you have a new job you'd only have to show them the new social security card plus state ID. If the card has the "Needs approval to work" on it then you also need to show work visa - in your case naturalization certificate. Otherwise doesn't matter at all.  PS I don't know the rules with actual social security benefits etc so if you are close to retirement age/claiming those you'd have to do more research

[Camelot13 63]

Thank you so much @Teemo! I'm glad to hear it's not a requirement for the naturalization. That's a relief. My husband won't need it for employment anytime soon so it sounds like we can just leave it as-is unless things change. 

[Junior11 14]

18 minutes ago, Camelot13 said:

Hi everyone, 

 

After someone becomes naturalized, I know you have to go to the Social Security Office to update your status with them. I've just seen a reference that this has to happen no sooner than 10 days after the oath ceremony to give time for USCIS to have you in their system to verify. Just wondering, is there a max time limit you need to update the SS office within? For example, if after the naturalization and the passport, if we're out of the country traveling for a few months would it be a problem to go to the social security office when we're back to update? Is there some rule that says you must do that within a set amount of time or you lose your naturalization, or that it's not fully official and complete without this step happening shortly after oath? 

 

Thanks all! Just curious if we are free to put this part of the process off for a few months or if that would be a big problem. 

I can tell you first hand, you are free to put it off for a while. I did it about 9-10 months after the oath ceremony.

A heads-up for your husband: they make you sit there for hours and hours and hours. Other people in line have much more complicated stuff, and no one knows/cares if you’re there to see the clerk for a brief moment. My point is, your husband needs to be there first thing in the morning and be prepared to spend some time. (I went twice cause I had another commitment the first time) 😬👎🏻

[KazuriSana 324]

From USCIS:

 

Update Your Social Security Record You will need to visit Social Security so they can update your Social Security record. Wait at least 10 days after your ceremony before doing so and be prepared to show them your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport. It is important that your Social Security record is accurate because you will need your Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. When you are hired for a job, your employer can enter your SSN into a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Internet program, E-Verify, to determine your eligibility to work in the United States. If your record has not been updated, this may impact your work eligibility. To find your Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 hour ago, Camelot13 said:

Just wondering, is there a max time limit you need to update the SS office within? For example, if after the naturalization and the passport, if we're out of the country traveling for a few months would it be a problem to go to the social security office when we're back to update?

It's not a problem to wait. Most people probably don't even know they should inform SSA of immigration status change.  I went to SSA office after greencard to update record to permanent resident and after naturalization as well. They issued a new card to match the name in immigration (SAVE database) records.  I also updated the DMV because in my state a permanent residents can't do renewals or address changes online. I had to go in person for everything as a LPR to prove legal status in person. Ugh.

 

[Calikitkat 16]

On 5/29/2018 at 9:19 PM, Wuozopo said:

It's not a problem to wait. Most people probably don't even know they should inform SSA of immigration status change.  I went to SSA office after greencard to update record to permanent resident and after naturalization as well. They issued a new card to match the name in immigration (SAVE database) records.  I also updated the DMV because in my state a permanent residents can't do renewals or address changes online. I had to go in person for everything as a LPR to prove legal status in person. Ugh.

 

I am going tomorrow to update my status with the SSA. I waited to have my naturalization certificate back from the passport application. Athough, I am now thinking I could have went with just my passport, which I have received 3 days ago. But better to be safe and have all documents with me, then have to go there again at another time. 

How did you update your status with the DMV? Did you make an appointment for it?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

2 hours ago, Calikitkat said:

I am going tomorrow to update my status with the SSA. I waited to have my naturalization certificate back from the passport application. Athough, I am now thinking I could have went with just my passport, which I have received 3 days ago. But better to be safe and have all documents with me, then have to go there again at another time. 

How did you update your status with the DMV? Did you make an appointment for it?

We dropped in both places one after the other and they were  both surprisingly not that busy. It depends on your California DMV and whether they take appointments or walk-ins. It's an administrative thing so it was different than if I was needing to schedule a driving test with a state trooper.

[rolemodel29 17]

It all depend on the size of your state and how busy your office is. I did the change the next morning after becoming a USC. Wait time was 10 mins. They asked me to raise my right hand to swear that everything I am about to say is truthful. They took my Naturalization certificate and my social security card and typed information into the computer. then my documents were returned to me and I was asked to clarify my address. That was it. I was given a receipt stating that my new card will be mailed out.