Updated Form 1-485 Allows Concurrent Green Card & Social Security Application
Following changes to Form-485, US Green Card applicants are now able to request a new social security card while their permanent residence application is pending.
The change has been implemented by USCIS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to allow US, permanent residence applicants, to use Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to apply for either a new Social Security number or a replacement Social Security card.
USCIS has advised filing fees are not set to increase for Form I-485.
Proving employment eligibility
All employees must provide documentation to prove their identity and eligibility to work in the US. The change means Green Card applicants can now rely on a Social Security card to prove their employment eligibility.
Under previous rules, applicants for US permanent residence who did not already have a Social Security number were required to file additional documentation to prove their work authorization, and also had to attend at a Social Security office to obtain a new or replacement unrestricted Social Security card.
The revised I-485 includes four additional questions for applicants to apply for a new Social Security number or replacement card rather than visiting a local Social Security office in person.
The questions relate to the issuance of a new or replacement Social Security card, including whether the foreign national would like the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue a new card after the issuance of the green card.
Applicants who already have a Social Security number can use the revised form to request a replacement Social Security card.
USCIS will process the completed form and once approved, share relevant information with the SSA electronically SSA will then automatically assign the applicant a new Social Security card or issue a replacement.
After a foreign national’s Green Card application is approved, they are eligible for a SSN that permits them to work without restriction.
Once an applicant has received Form I-551 from USCIS, they should receive a new Social Security card from the SSA in two weeks.
This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
