Once a Numident record is established, you may use the information shown on the Numident
to verify a parent’s relationship for future SSN applications. If the application
is for an original SSN, or if Numident data does not match information shown on the
application for an SSN card, the applicant must provide the following evidence:
U.S.-born natural child
For a child born in the U.S., the child's birth certificate establishes the relationship
for a natural parent.
U.S.-born adopted child
For a child adopted in the U.S., the child’s birth certificate establishes the relationship
for an adoptive parent. When no birth certificate showing parent’s names is available,
the adoption decree establishes relationship.
Stepchild of applicant
To establish a step-parent relationship, obtain evidence of:
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The stepchild’s relationship to the child's natural parent, and
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The marriage of the natural parent to the applicant.
Foreign-born natural child
A foreign birth certificate establishes relationship for a natural parent of a foreign-born
child.
When the applicant does not have the child’s birth certificate to submit, use the
following to support an allegation of a parent/child relationship indicated on the
Applicant Information screen during an in-person interview or in block 17 on Form
SS-5:
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visas issued by the Department of State (DOS) at about the same time,
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admission to the U.S. at the same time and place, or
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passports showing the same family name.
The mother’s name or father’s name shown on the application or given in the interview
must correspond to the applicant relationship allegation. If there is a serious question
regarding parental status, and no such documentation is available, document the applicant
as a Relative with Custody, RM 10205.045.
The following are examples of combinations of documents that, along with an allegation
of parent relationship on the application, establish the parent/child relationship
for a foreign-born child:
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DOS issued an L-1 visa for the intra-company transferee and issued L-2 visas for the
spouse and children;
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DOS issued the family members immigrant visas and they all arrive in the U.S. at the
same time;
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The foreign passports show the same family name for both parent and child; or
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The child does not have their own passport, but is included on the mother’s passport.
Foreign-born adopted child
Foreign-born non-citizen children brought into the United States for adoption or adopted
overseas, have an immigrant visa showing the “IV category” as either IR-3 (child adopted
abroad) or IR-4 (child coming to U.S. for adoption). DHS admits the child as an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Evidence of a foreign adoption (when the visa code is IR-3) or foreign custody papers
(when the visa code is IR-4) establish the applicant’s relationship to the child (e.g.,
adoptive parent, prospective adoptive parent with legal custody, or U.S. based adoption
agency with legal custody).