Social Security Number (SSN): Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Everything a newcomer needs to get a Social Security number and keep it safe, from the visa form to a replacement card.
In short: A Social Security number (SSN) is a free, 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. US citizens, permanent residents and people with DHS work authorization qualify. New immigrants get it most easily by checking "yes" on the immigrant visa application, and the card is mailed after arrival. Otherwise, you start online and bring original documents to a Social Security office.
What is an SSN and why does it matter so much?
Your SSN is your financial identity in the US. Employers use it to report your wages, and you need it to file taxes, open bank accounts, apply for credit and loans, and claim government benefits.
The number is yours for life; the paper card is only proof of it. SSA says most people don't need the physical card as long as they know the number, so store it somewhere safe instead of in your wallet.
Who can get a Social Security number?
Any US citizen can. Noncitizens qualify if the Department of Homeland Security has authorized them to work, or if they have a valid non-work reason for needing a number, such as a federal law that requires one for a benefit.
- Green card holders get an unrestricted card.
- People with temporary status and DHS work authorization get a card restricted to work with that authorization.
- People without work authorization get a number only for a valid non-work reason, on a card marked not valid for employment.
If you don't qualify but need to file a US tax return, you'll use an ITIN from the IRS instead. See our ITIN guide.
How do you get it through your immigrant visa?
If you're applying for an immigrant visa at a US embassy, whether in Cairo, Amman or elsewhere, the DS-260 asks whether you want SSA to assign you a number and issue a card. Answer yes, and agree to the consent-to-disclosure statement. That's your only step.
- The consulate collects your data with your visa application and passes it to DHS.
- DHS admits you at the port of entry and sends your information to SSA.
- SSA issues the card and mails it to your US address.
- No card within 3 weeks of admission? Visit the nearest Social Security office with proof of age, identity and work authorization.
This route is for immigrants who will be lawful permanent residents. SSA notes that refugees can't request a card this way from their country of origin.
Requesting an SSN on a USCIS form inside the US
If you're in the US and filing Form I-765 for work authorization or Form I-485 to adjust status, both forms include a section to request an SSN or a replacement card. When USCIS approves, it sends SSA the data, and your Social Security card arrives separately from your EAD or green card.
SSA says you should receive it no later than 14 days after you receive your EAD or green card; if not, contact your local office. Fill in every field, including parents' names and country of birth, because missing data can stop the card. For work permits, see our EAD guide.
Applying at a Social Security office: what to bring
If you didn't request a number earlier, start online at ssa.gov, then book an appointment to present your documents. A typical immigrant file looks like this:
| What you prove | Documents usually accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration status and work eligibility | Green card (I-551), passport with stamped immigrant visa, or EAD (I-766) | Originals only |
| Age | Birth certificate | If you can't get it within 14 business days, a foreign passport may be accepted |
| Identity | Your immigration document can serve two purposes; bring your passport too | Documents must be current, not expired |
The rule that trips people up: originals or copies certified by the issuing agency only. SSA does not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or a receipt showing you applied for a document. An original Egyptian, Jordanian or Iraqi birth certificate is normally fine; just make sure the romanized name lines up with your passport.
Once SSA has everything and has verified your immigration document with USCIS, expect the card in about two weeks, or about two weeks longer if verification isn't immediate.
What about students and dependent spouses?
Living in the US doesn't by itself qualify you. A student or dependent spouse without DHS work authorization gets an SSN only for a valid non-work reason, such as a federal law requiring a number for a benefit or service, and the card will say not valid for employment.
If the student later gets work authorization, or the spouse gets an EAD of their own, they can apply then. Until then, the usual tax solution is an ITIN, especially for a spouse on a joint return. And don't take an off-the-books job hoping to sort out the number later; unauthorized work can damage your whole immigration case.
The three card types: what's printed on yours?
| Type | Printed on the card | Issued to |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Name and number only | US citizens and permanent residents |
| DHS-restricted | VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION | Temporary residents with DHS work authorization |
| Not for work | NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT | People without work authorization who have a valid non-work reason |
If you became a permanent resident and your old card still carries a restriction, ask for an updated card. The number stays the same, and cards issued because the restrictive legend changed don't count toward replacement limits.
Replacing a lost card or changing your name
Replacement cards are free. In many cases you can request one online, and it arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days after your request is complete. Local offices can't print a card on the spot.
Federal law limits you to 3 replacement cards a year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued for a legal name change or a change to the work-authorization legend don't count. If your name changes through marriage or naturalization, tell SSA; a mismatch can keep your wages from posting correctly and delay your tax filing.
Phone help: 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most US time zones, in English, Spanish and other languages. TTY: 1-800-325-0778.
Arabic name order: father, grandfather, family name
Four-part Arabic names cause constant confusion. Your passport may put your given name in the first-name field and your father's, grandfather's and family names together as the surname, while another US system treats your father's name as a middle name. Make the name on your Social Security card match your green card or EAD, since SSA verifies your immigration document with USCIS, and fix any mismatch early, before wage, tax and credit records pile up under it.
How do you protect your SSN?
A stolen SSN can be used to open credit or file a fake tax return in your name. SSA describes four signs of a scam: someone pretends to be from an agency you know, says there's a problem or a prize, pressures you to act now, and tells you to pay a specific way.
- SSA won't threaten to suspend your number or have you arrested, and never asks for gift cards, gold or crypto.
- No company or agency can "transfer" your call to SSA or its Inspector General. That's a scam script.
- Freeze your credit for free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion so no one can open new credit in your name.
- Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN. Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity can enroll; it changes every year.
- If your number is stolen, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.
Common mistakes
- Paying a middleman to "speed up" a number or a replacement card. The service is free and you don't need an agent.
- Bringing notarized copies instead of originals and losing the appointment.
- Inconsistent name spelling across your SSN, passport and green card. Pick one spelling and stick with it.
- Working on a "not valid for employment" card, or beyond the limits of your DHS authorization.
- Carrying the card in your wallet or typing the number into emails and chats.
What next once you have your number?
Give it to your employer so your wages post to your record, then use it to open accounts and start building credit; our credit score guide explains how. You'll need it for your first return, so read the US taxes guide before filing season. Still in your first months? Work through the rest of the first 90 days checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Social Security number free?
Yes. SSA charges nothing to assign a number or issue a card, and replacement cards are free too. Anyone charging you for it isn't the government.
I entered on an immigrant visa and my card hasn't come. What now?
If you requested it on your visa application and it hasn't arrived within 3 weeks of admission, visit the nearest Social Security office with proof of age, identity and work authorization.
Will SSA accept a notarized copy of my birth certificate?
No. SSA accepts only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, not photocopies or notarized copies.
How many times can I replace my Social Security card?
Three replacements a year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued for a legal name change or a change to the work-authorization legend don't count.
My spouse is here as a dependent without work authorization. Can they get an SSN?
Usually not, unless there's a valid non-work reason. They can use an ITIN from the IRS on a joint tax return.
Official sources we reviewed
- SSA: Request a Social Security Number for the First Time ↗
- SSA: Social Security Numbers and Immigrant Visas — What You Need To Do ↗
- SSA: Immigrant Visa SSN — Frequently Asked Questions ↗
- SSA: Apply for Your SSN While Applying for a Work Permit or Permanent Residency ↗
- SSA: Types of Social Security Cards ↗
- SSA: Replace Social Security Card ↗
- SSA POMS RM 10205.400: Limits on Replacement SSN Cards ↗
- SSA: Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams ↗