If you chose to apply for a Social Security card on your Form I-485, you do not need an appointment. After the Social Security Administration receives your data through the interface, they automatically issue your replacement card by mail. If you did not make this election on your form, you will need to apply in person.
“My I-485 was just approved. What documents do I need to bring to my Social Security Administration appointment to remove the DHS work restrictions from my Social Security card?”
Summary
You can skip the trip to the field office if you used this process. Your new card will arrive without the work restriction legend, fully reflecting your permanent resident status.
Your next steps depend on whether you requested a Social Security card when you filed your adjustment of status application.
If you requested a Social Security card on your Form I-485, the card is mailed to you automatically.
If you did not request the card on your Form I-485, or if it fails to arrive, you must visit a local office.
Read the full explanationHide the full explanation
Documents for an in-person appointment
If you need to apply in person, you must show original, unexpired documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work authorization.
Acceptable documents include your I-551 Permanent Resident Card, an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired foreign passport, or an I-766 Employment Authorization Document.
The agency cannot accept photocopies, notarized copies, or a receipt showing you applied for a document.
Next steps
Follow these steps based on your Form I-485 election.
Wait for the automated card
If you applied for a Social Security card on your Form I-485, you should receive your replacement card no later than 7 to 10 business days after you receive your I-551 (Green Card) from USCIS.
Apply in person if necessary
If you did not request the card on your Form I-485, or if you do not receive it after 14 days of receiving your Green Card, contact a local Social Security office. Bring your original documents to apply for the corrected card.
Legal sources
The rules for updating your Social Security card after an adjustment of status.
SSA Documents Needed for a Social Security Card
To apply for a corrected card in person, you must present original, unexpired documents proving your identity, immigration status, and work authorization, such as a Permanent Resident Card, an I-94 with an unexpired foreign passport, or an Employment Authorization Document.
When you request a replacement or a corrected Social Security card, you must show us proof of your identity, immigration status and work authorization. In addition, if you need to change or correct any information on your Social Security card, you need to show us certain documents about the change. We can only accept certain documents. ### What documents do I need to prove my identity? Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include: - I-551 Permanent Resident Card - I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with unexpired foreign passport, or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport; or - I-766 Employment Authorization Document, (EAD, work permit) from DHS.
SSA Documents Needed for a Social Security Card
The agency requires original documents or certified copies, and will not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or receipts for applications.
Important You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
SSA Documents Needed for a Social Security Card
If you requested the card on your application, it should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you receive your Green Card.
You should receive your SSN card no later than 7 to 10 business days after you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or I-551 (Green card) from USCIS.
SSA Apply For Your Social Security Number
If your card does not arrive within 14 days of receiving your Green Card, you should contact a Social Security office.
You can contact us if you do not receive an SSN card 14 days after receiving your EAD, "Green Card", or Certificate of Naturalization.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related answers
Join the SettleKit newsletter
We research the hard parts of settling in the US and write articles you will not find anywhere else. Subscribe to get each new article by email.