This is an exhibit of the DoS handout provided to aliens issued immigrant visas.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENTS
We are pleased you intend to immigrate to the United States. 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). A SSN will help you
to work in the United States, to conduct business 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.
If You Requested a Social Security Number When You Applied for Your Visa
If you, your parents, or proper applicant requested an SSN card as part of your visa
application, [U.S. Department of State (DoS) Form DS-230 (Part II, Questions 43a and
43b) or electronic form DS-260 (question 63a and 63b)], when you arrive in the United
States, the U.S. DoS and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will send
the Social Security Administration (SSA) the information needed to issue you an SSN
card.
The Social Security Administration will automatically assign you an SSN and issue
you a Social Security card after you arrive in the United States. If you already have
an SSN, a replacement card will be issued. You do not need to fill out a special application
or go to a Social Security office to get an SSN.
The SSN card is mailed 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. You do not need to go to a Social Security office
to receive a replacement card.
IMPORTANT: Call SSA (1-800-772-1213), 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.
If you call us, please have this letter with you. It will help us answer your questions.
If You Did Not Request a Social Security Number When You Applied for Your
Visa
You must visit a Social Security office to apply for an SSN if you did not request
an SSN card as part of your visa application when you arrive in the United States.
When you have a permanent address, please call SSA (1-800-772-1213) to find out where
to apply for an SSN card.
When you visit a Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card, take
the following papers with you:
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•
Your passport with your Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) or Permanent Resident
Card (Form I-551) if you have it for each member of your family applying for a Social
Security number., and
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•
Your birth certificate and a birth certificate for each member of your family applying
for a Social Security number.
Applicants 12 years old and older must visit the office in person to be issued an
original SSN card
If you are applying for a replacement card, you will only need your passport with
your MRIV or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), if you have received it.
A Social Security representative will assist you in the completion of the application.
You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after we have everything we need to
process your application. It may take longer if we need to verify any of your documents.
Additional Information
The information you give us for getting an SSN is confidential. This means that we
do not share your information 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 SSA (1-800-772-1213)
.In the United States, you may call the telephone number listed for the Social Security
office in the local telephone directory under “United States Government” or Social
Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.
You can also find the nearest Social Security office using the office locator tool
on the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov . If you need to contact us before you leave
for the United States, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area. In the
Philippines, contact the Veteran's Affairs Regional Office in Manila.