As we all already know the US allows citizens, LPRs, and selected working non-citizens to get a nine-digit Social Security number (SSN). Their department of Social Security Administration assigns you. It helps them to keep an eye on your contributions as a worker to the Social Security system. The SSN has now managed to effectively replace old forms of national identity. Moreover, they include tax purposes and other changes in it. It is also called a standard part of paperwork submitted to the United States USCIS department.
How can I find my Social Security Number?
So that’s good if you already have a Social Security Number. It must be in the form of a card. You usually have it all the time in your wallet. You need it for tax returns, bank statements, and W-2s. There are some more places where your Social Security Number might be listed. You can possibly locate it on USCIS papers that were submitted in the past. Unfortunately, you miss a lot of benefits if you do not have a Social Security number. Then you are normally permitted to write “N/A” in the box provided on USCIS applications. The vast majority of people who have nonimmigrant visas do not possess SSNs. You must try to get your Social Security number from a previous job as well. In most cases, a company has a record of an employee’s Social Security number. Make sure you get a copy of the number from your previous job.
How Immigrants can I apply for a Social Security Number?
There are basically two ways to apply for SSN as an immigrant.
Method 1 – Apply for Application with Form I-765
With this method, you have the opportunity to submit a request for labor authorization as well as a Social Security Number collectively. This means you can put an application for a Social Security number (SSN) when you submit your Form I-765 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department. Many people who apply for an adjustment of status have used this technique to ask for a SSN.
Method 2 – Apply for Application with your Immigrant Visa
Another method is to put application when you want an immigrant visa. You must provide a copy of your Social Security card with the application. This also gives you a good opportunity to request a SSN usually when you fill out form DS-260 – Immigrant Visa Electronic Application or form DS-230 – Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration. This is the easiest method to get a Social Security card without much effort. Yes because you don’t need to fill out a specialized application or visit a local Social Security office!
You surely get your SSN card from the Social Security Administration once you get to the USA. The department sends it to you with the same address that the Department of Homeland Security uses to send your green card. So you have to provide the green card address carefully. It normally takes between three and four weeks for you to get your Social Security card in the mail once you enter the state. Also, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if you fail to get the card in the mail.
When a Social Security Number Is Lost or Stolen, It Can Be Replaced
You must remember that you can only replace your Social Security card in a few cases.
- If it is misplaced
- If it is stolen by an identity thief
- If it is damaged or destroyed
The good thing is you don’t need to replace it if you know your nine-digit Social Security number. This can save your effort. But nowadays social security card replacement is a simple process. You only need to visit the website of the Social Security Administration. Here you can get all the information related to the process to replace a card.
If you want to have a new social security card because you have already suffered the damage you can apply for it without paying any fees. You can get this service at no cost. Additionally, if you are a noncitizens you are required to fill out a request for a Social Security Card. Then you need to print it and take it to the local Social Security office.
Finally
The federal government of the US in 1936 established the Social Security number. This is a simple way to keep records of individuals. These records show how much money individual Americans make over the course of their lives. Your SSN works as a form of identity and requires you to have one to get a job and social benefits. You need to be very careful about the security of your SSN number. Best of luck!
