SSN For U.S. Permanent Residents

Upon admission to the United States based on your immigrant visa, you will be a U.S. permanent resident. Each permanent resident needs a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN will help you to work in the United States, to conduct bussiness with a bank or financial institution, to pay your taxes or to be listed as a dependent on a tax return, and for other purposes.

How can you get a SSN/Card:

If you requested an SSN card as part of your visa application, U.S. Department of State, Form DS-230, Part-II and you are 18 or older when you arrive in the United States, the U.S. DoS and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will share your information with each other and other department as requird to issue a SS Card to you.

And you will get a SS Card after you arriver in the United States. You'll get the SSN card to the U.S. mailing address where the Department of Homeland Security will send your Permanent Resident Card. You should receive your Social Security card within 3 weeks after you arrive.

If you did not request a social security number when you applied for your visa or your under age 18 when you arrive in the United States, you must go to a Social Security office to apply for SSN.

What you need to apply:

When you visit a Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card, take the following papers with you:

  • Your passport with Machine-Readable Immigrant visa (MRIV) or Permanent resident card if you have it.
  • Your birth certificate and a birth certificate for each member of your family applying for a Social Security Number.
  • If you are applying for a replacement card you will only need your passport with your MRIV of Permanent Resident Card, if you have received it.

Useful Links

Official web site: http://www.socialsecurity.gov Important: If you do not receive your Social Security card after 3 weeks or if you change your mailing address after arrival in the United States, contact with the U.S. Social Security Adminstration. You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after visiting Social Security Adminstration. If need to verify any document you show SSA, it may take more then 2 weeks.