Get your Green Card and Social Security Card All at Once!

The immigration services are getting better! Did you know that you can now get both your Green Card and Social Security Card at the same time now? Let’s check out some detail:

What has changed?

Before, we needed to make a separate trip to the Social Security Administration office to get our new Social Security number or card after receiving the permanent card (Green Card) to be allowed to work in the US without restrictions.

Starting from now, all applicants will be able to apply for their Social Security Number (SSN) and Green Cards all in one step.

How to apply for a Green Card and a Social Security Number Together

It’s simple! When an applicant files for a lawful permanent resident application, which is also called I-485 adjustment of status application, you will see a section that allows you to also apply for a SSN or replacement card at the same time.

That’s it! Even if you don’t need a social security number as of now, it’s better to apply all at once so you have it when you really need it. It will really save you time later on!

Before you go…Did you check out:

• My new version of EBOOK - DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!

• Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

• USCIS No Longer Accepts Written Requests to Reschedule Biometric Appointment

[Solved] RFE: You are exempt from filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, because....

Recently, I received an email from one of my dear readers. He received an RFE from USCIS and was not sure what evidence was requested and how to response to the request. So I did some research to help out and would like to share with people who received the same or similar RFE. Let's take a look!

See the whole I-485 application guide here: DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!

Request for Evidence (RFE): Exempt from filing Form I-864

Question: I received an RFE letter from USCIS with the following statement. What does it mean? How do I respond? If you could share some insights that'd be really helpful!

In the RFE letter, it states: "You indicated on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that you are exempt from filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, because you have earned or can receive credit for 40 qualifying quarters (credits) of work in the United Status as defined by the Social Security Act."

Answer: This statement relates to Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds > Public Charge > Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (Form I-944) Item Number 61. Are you exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility?

Most people would answer "No" to this question which means you are not exempt and will need to file form I-944. If you are not exempt, you should also proceed to Item Number 62. Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Form I-864).

If you are not exempt from I-864 (which most people are not), you would leave 62.a.-62.n. blank because none of them apply to your case.

*USCIS extends the response time for RFE during COVID-19. Learn more here!

How to Respond to the RFE Letter: Exempt from filing Form I-864

You should state clearly that you are not exempt from filing I-864 Affidavit of Support. When responding to the letter, I would also attach the following evidence:

• Social Security Benefit Verification Letter (prove that you have never applied or received any social security beneifts)
• Yearly earning statement (prove that you haven't earned credit for 40 qualifying quarters (credits)

You can find your record from SSA website: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/proof-of-benefits.html

I personally tried to create an account from Social Security Administration (SSA)'s website and I couldn't pass the security questions. I did some search and found that many people have the same issue. So if you are having trouble creating an account to find your records, you can:

• Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or
• Go directly to your local office - you can use this locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

I hope this article gives you some direction on how to response your RFE!

Keep reading to learn more:

• DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!
• Download my ebook to learn more filing tips and avoid simple mistakes!
• How to Overcome Public Charge I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency
• How to Include Assets for Form I-864 Affidavit of Support

*Again, this is for sharing my personal opinions only, not for providing any legal advice. See disclaimer here.

Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

Finally you received your green card and don't need a work permit to work anymore! If you were on a work visa (like H1B) before you changed it into a permanent resident, then chances are you have your unique social security number (SNN) already.

However, if you take a closer look, your social security card should have this restriction on it: "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" What does that mean? This means your social security number was issued based on your temporary work authorization. See the three types of social security cards issued by the government here. So do you need to update your social security card? Short answer - there's no rush! Let's talk more about it:

Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

First of all, you will only have one social security number for your whole life, so that number will not change. But, you can (and will eventually need to) update the social security card.

Also, it's not required to change the information on your card right away after receiving your green card unless there's a specific reason that you need to use the most up-to-date social security card information.

However, after 3 to 5 years of being a permanent resident, you will be eligible for becoming a U.S. citizen. Once you obtain your certificate of naturalization, you will be required to update the social security card and change your status to be "American". So you can wait until then to update your SS card if you want.

Also, if your last name has changed after you got married and your existing social security card still shows your single last name, then you would want to update your social security card as well so your name on these two documents match (Green Card & Social Security Card).

Read here to learn about When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Here's some basic information about SSN for newcomers:

What is an SSN for?

Social security number (SSN) allows you to pay social security tax and receive benefits like other Americans. You are actually required to have this number when you legally work in the U.S. 

In order to receive social security benefits, a permanent resident has to "earn" a minimum of 40 credits. Each year of your work will count into 4 credits so that's typically 40 quarters or 10 years of work to be qualified for the benefits. Learn more about social security benefits here.

How to Apply for an SSN

If you are new to the U.S., then it's important to get your SNN before you can start working. In your green card application, there is a question asking you if you want to apply for an SSN at the same time, remember to check "Yes"! That's the easiest way to apply for it. If for some reason, you didn't apply for your SSN when you obtained your status, you can always apply for it later when you arrive the U.S. It's just more time-consuming! Bring your green card, passport and/or other visa documents with you to your local social security office to apply for it.

Note: The social security offices suspended face-to-face service to the public until further notice. When they resume the services, you can use this link to locate your local office.

Have you applied for your social security card?

When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Receiving your green card is a big milestone! But we all know that's not the end of the story, many of us are going to obtain our U.S. citizenship eventually. Let's see when is the earliest time you can apply for it:

When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

The earliest date you can apply for your U.S. citizenship is 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent resident requirement. The requirement varies depends on how you obtained your green card. You have to be a permanent resident for:

• At least 5 years if you obtain the green card through work, direct relatives other than the spouse, or other channels
• At least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen

Be careful! USCIS will deny your application if you apply too early, so be sure you are within 90 days if you plan on starting early. You can use their Early Filing Checker here to make sure you get the dates right!

Also, once you become a US citizen, remember to update your social security card. Read this post to learn more: Do I Need to Update My Social Security Card After Receiving My Green Card?

Are you planning on getting your US citizenship earlier? I think I would! Because then I won't have to worry about leaving the country too long or in violation of something that I missed to obtain citizenship in the future. Plus, only US citizens have voting rights. What do you think? I would love to hear from you!