Received Green Card but waiting on Social Security Card. Should I go to the SSA office?
u/Plugartir/USCIS10 feb 2026
I was approved 01/31, got my SSN in post today 02/10 (automatically), so 7 working days.
Yes—you can go through SSA for an SSN with your valid C09 EAD despite the pending I-485 request, and SSA can take your original Russian birth certificate for evaluation.
“I'm an F-1 student with a pending marriage-based I-485 and just received my C09 EAD, but I don't have an SSN yet. Since I already requested an SSN on my I-485, can I still go directly to the SSA office to apply for one using my EAD? Also, what documents do I need to bring, and will the SSA accept my original Kazakhstan birth certificate in Russian, or do I need a certified English translation?”
Resumen
Your I-485 request does not stop you from seeking an SSN with your valid work permit while the green-card case is pending. Bring the Russian original: the possible extra step is SSA's authorized translation, not a translation you must buy before your visit.
Your next move depends on whether you also checked the SSN-request box on your work-permit application.
Only requested an SSN on I-485apply now
Apply through SSA now using your valid ; the request ordinarily produces a card after green-card approval, while SSA's instructions permit a work-authorized person to apply directly instead of relying on the automatic process. SSA must check for an existing or pending record before starting a new application. [SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html); [SSA, Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10107.pdf); [SSA RM 10205.700](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700)
Also requested an SSN on I-765allow 14 days
That separate request should bring a card within 14 days after your EAD. If it has not arrived after that, contact SSA with your EAD: its procedure is to search for your number or pending application and resolve that record, starting a new application only if it finds none. [SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html); [SSA RM 10205.700](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700)
In either case, tell SSA that you already requested an SSN on your pending I-485 so it can check for an existing or pending record.
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Watch out for
Your I-485 request does not arrive with your EADAn SSN requested on normally follows approval of that application; SSA says the card should arrive within 14 days after the green card, not the earlier work permit. You do not have to wait for the green card to seek an SSN using your valid . [SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html)
Check whether you also requested one on I-765If you requested an SSN on your work-permit application too, SSA says its card should arrive no later than 14 days after your EAD. If it does not, tell SSA about both requests so it can look for an issued number or pending application before starting a new one. [SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html); [SSA RM 10205.700](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700)
A Russian original may still need translationBring the original birth certificate; you do not have to obtain a certified English translation before presenting it. If SSA needs its contents and there is no acceptable translation, its procedure calls for an authorized translation and permits the SSN application to remain pending while that is done. An independently purchased translation is not automatically an SSA-authorized one. [SSA RM 10210.210](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210210); [SSA GN 00301.330](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200301330); [SSA GN 00301.350](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200301350)
Student job-letter rules are a different routeThe school and employer letters used for some F-1 on-campus jobs are not the proof of work authorization you are relying on. SSA expressly says a currently valid EAD is sufficient evidence of an F-1 student's immigration status and work authorization even without an I-94 or I-20. [SSA RM 10211.240](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211240)
Próximos pasos
These steps help SSA find any earlier request, review your documents, and process one SSN for you.
Before starting another application
Check whether your I-765 also requested an SSN
If you requested an SSN on I-765, SSA says to expect its card no later than 14 days after receiving your EAD; if it has not arrived, proceed to SSA and disclose that request. If you requested an SSN only on I-485, you can proceed now rather than wait for green-card approval. [SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html)
Requisitos
Your I-765 application or a copy of its SSN-request answers
The date you received your EAD
Before your SSA visit
Gather your original documents
SSA asks for current immigration documents and an unexpired foreign passport, and for your foreign birth certificate if you have it; ordinary photocopies are not accepted. Your valid EAD is sufficient F-1 status and work-authorization evidence even without an I-20 or I-94. Present the Russian original as it is; SSA arranges an authorized translation if needed and may hold the application pending it. [SSA, Noncitizens](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf); [SSA RM 10211.240](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211240); [SSA RM 10210.210](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210210)
Requisitos
Your current Form I-766 C09 EAD
Your unexpired Kazakhstan passport
Your original Kazakhstan birth certificate in Russian
Within 45 days if you start online
Start the SSN request and visit SSA
Start at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time and make an appointment for any required visit to a Social Security office or Card Center. Bring the required documents within 45 calendar days of starting online; the SSN and card cost $0. Tell SSA you requested an SSN on your pending I-485 and whether you also requested one on I-765. SSA can search for an existing or pending record before processing a new application and must verify your immigration documents with DHS. [SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf); [SSA, appointments](https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/mip/2026-06-01-d.html); [SSA RM 10205.700](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205700); [SSA, Foreign Workers](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10107.pdf)
Requisitos
The documents above
An address where you can receive your card
Otras personas que pasaron por esto
You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.
Fuentes legales
This answer uses the Social Security Administration's published instructions, publications, and Program Operations Manual.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
The automatic SSN request is transmitted after USCIS approves the particular application carrying that request.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
EBE process
SSA receives EBE enumeration data after USCIS approves the Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), or Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
SSA, Apply for Your Social Security Card
An SSN requested on I-485 is associated with receiving the permanent resident card, not merely the EAD.
SSA, Apply for Your Social Security Card
Form I-485
You should receive your SSN card no later than 14 days after you receive your Permanent Resident Card/Form I-551/ “Green Card” from USCIS.
SSA, Apply for Your Social Security Card
A separate SSN request on I-765 has its own expected delivery time after the EAD arrives.
SSA, Apply for Your Social Security Card
Form I-765
You should receive your SSN card no later than 14 days after receiving your EAD.
SSA, Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
SSA provides a direct-application route rather than requiring every work-authorized applicant to use the automatic route.
SSA, Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
Applying directly with SSA
If you are unable or choose not to file for an SSN using EAE or EBE to apply for a work-authorized SSN, visit our Request a Social Security number for the first time page at www.ssa.gov/number-card.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
SSA checks for a pending application using the number on the immigration record.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
EBE applicant without an existing SSN
Go to SSNAP and select Retrieve Application. Search for a pending application using the applicant’s ARN.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
An earlier request is not a bar to a new application if SSA finds no matching pending record.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
EBE applicant without an existing SSN
If you do not find a pending record in SSNAP that you determine belongs to the applicant, start a new application, and have the applicant submit all necessary evidence.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
The EAD and an unexpired Kazakhstan passport are the key documents to bring for identity and work-authorized status.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
What documents do you need?
To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, you will need to show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport.
SSA POMS RM 10210.290
SSA asks a foreign-born applicant for their foreign birth certificate when it is already available or readily obtainable.
SSA POMS RM 10210.290
Proof of age
If a foreign-born person has the foreign birth certificate in their possession or can readily obtain a properly certified copy within ten business days, ask them to submit it.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
An original Kazakhstan certificate qualifies as the type of record SSA asks to see; an ordinary photocopy does not.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
Important
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
SSA POMS GN 00301.330
SSA arranges a translation when it needs to review a foreign-language document; the applicant need not first purchase one.
SSA POMS GN 00301.330
Overview of translation process
If a person submits a foreign-language document that we need to review to determine entitlement, we will have it translated.
SSA POMS RM 10210.210
A needed translation can delay completion, but SSA's procedure allows the application to be entered while translation is pending.
SSA POMS RM 10210.210
Reviewing evidence for an SSN card
Enter the application in SSNAP, pending receipt of the translation as provided in RM 10205.310.
SSA POMS GN 00301.350
A private translation is not automatically an SSA-authorized translation.
SSA POMS GN 00301.350
Authorizing non-SSA translators
A non-SSA translator must submit a statement of qualifications to the SSA FO manager.
SSA POMS RM 10211.240
The F-1 student's valid EAD suffices for immigration status and work authorization without the usual student documents.
SSA POMS RM 10211.240
Exception for valid EAD
EXCEPTION: If the F-1 student has a currently valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) such as an I-766, the EAD is sufficient evidence of immigration status and employment authorization, even in the absence of an I-94 and an I-20.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
SSA's first-number process starts online and requires any in-person document visit within 45 days.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
How do I get an SSN and card?
On this page, you will answer a series of questions to determine whether you can start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office or Card Center within 45 calendar days to complete the application.
SSA, A Faster and More Convenient Way to Request a Social Security Number and Card
SSA asks people who need an office visit to arrange an appointment.
SSA, A Faster and More Convenient Way to Request a Social Security Number and Card
How It Works
If you need to visit a local Social Security office or card center, please make an appointment.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
An original SSN application and card are free.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
What does it cost?
There is no charge for an SSN and card.
SSA, Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
A direct application requires an immigration-document check before SSA assigns a number.
SSA, Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
Applying with Social Security
If you file an application with Social Security, we must verify your documents with DHS before assigning you an SSN.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
An employer uses the SSN to report wages.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
Does a noncitizen need an SSN?
Employers use an SSN to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
The number can also answer a bank's request when opening an account.
SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card
Your Social Security Number and Card
Many financial institutions, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number when you open an account.
These are SSA's official rules as published on the cited dates; rules and procedures can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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