Social Security

If Your Client is an Immigrant

Your client must be a legal alien or a citizen of the U.S. to receive a Social Security card and may need to provide the following information when applying:

• Birth certificate
• Passport/Visa/work papers
• Other acceptable documentation (e.g., military records or school identification card)

If your client has paperwork that shows legal alien status in the U.S., such as Forms I-551, I-94, I-688B, or I-766, he/she must bring them to the enrollment appointment.

The Social Security Administration has a new process for non-citizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the immigration process. Now, people age 18 and older applying for immigrant visas with the U.S. Department of State also can apply for SSN cards at the same time.

For more information on Social Security's immigration policy, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/immigration/.