If you apply for a Social Security number (SSN) card when you apply for an immigrant visa, you can save yourself time and worry. If you use this process, you won't have to: Instead, the U.S. government will
use the same information that you give to apply for an immigrant visa to apply for an SSN. Then, once you arrive in the U.S., you can expect your SSN card at your mailing address in about 3 weeks. One less thing to worry about as you settle in your new country!
U.S. Embassies The applicant's response does not limit or restrict the Government's ability to obtain his or her SSN, or other information on this form, for enforcement or other purposes as authorized by law. U.S. Embassies Department Admits you into the U.S. Sends your information to the Social Security Administration. Social Security If you don't receive your card within 3 weeks of being admitted to the U.S., go into the nearest Social Security office or Card Center with proof of age, identity and employment authorization: //www.ssa.gov/locator
We have listed the whole process here, but you only need to do Step 2!
Step 1
and
U.S. ConsulatesCollect information needed for a Social Security number on Form DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) or Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application) , as part of the immigrant visa process.
(.pdf format)Step 2
Answer "Yes" to the following questions on the Form DS-230 or DS-260
Do you want the Social Security Administration to assign you an SSN (and issue a card) or issue you a new card (if you have an SSN)? You must answer "Yes" to this question and to the "Consent To Disclosure" in order to receive an SSN and/or card.
CONSENT TO DISCLOSURE;
I authorize disclosure from this form to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), such other U.S. Government agencies as may be required for the purpose of assigning me an SSN and issuing me a Social Security card, and I authorize the SSA to share my SSN with the INS.
Step 3
and
U.S. ConsulatesSend your information to Department of Homeland Security.
Step 4
of
Homeland SecurityStep 5
Administration
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you did not find what you were looking for, you can ask your question at //secure.ssa.gov/emailus/. Do I need to pay a fee to receive an SSN card? No. We don't charge a fee to assign a Social Security number or issue a
Social Security card. If you should lose the card, we will replace it for free. We suggest you keep your card in a safe place, as you would any important document.
Will SSA share any information with others?
No. We keep strictly confidential all information you provide for a Social Security number and do not disclose it except as provided for under the law. For example, we may share information with other government agencies as permitted under the Privacy Act. For more information about this, please contact us.
I will apply for a Social Security card at a field office. What do I need to bring with me?
When you visit a Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card for each family member applying for a number, take:
- The passport or travel document with your Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV);
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), if you have received it; and
- Birth record.
A Social Security representative will help you complete the application. You should receive your card about 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application. If we need to verify any document with the issuing agency, it may take longer.
What if I change my address after I fill out all the forms?
If you change your mailing address after arriving and before you receive your Social Security card, call us. If you change your mailing address after arriving and after receiving your Social Security card, you do not need to contact us.