Update social security card once green card is received

[Cecile and Bryan 0]

I got my green card a few days ago and just remembered that I need to go back to the Social Security Office to have them update my card (mine says I can "work with DHS authorization"). I tried to find a topic here about it, but couldn't find a lot of details.

I suppose I will need to bring my green card and a copy of their SS-5 form (application for social security card). What else will I need to bring?

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I got my green card a few days ago and just remembered that I need to go back to the Social Security Office to have them update my card (mine says I can "work with DHS authorization"). I tried to find a topic here about it, but couldn't find a lot of details.

I suppose I will need to bring my green card and a copy of their SS-5 form (application for social security card). What else will I need to bring?

That's all you need.

[Nina+Matt 0]

oops, i totally forgot about that! i got my gc february of last year.... is that a crucial thing that needs to be changed or doesnt it matter?

[Cecile and Bryan 0]

@NichNick: Thank you! So, no birth certificate, driver license, etc?

@Nina+Matt: they say the status should be updated everytime it changes (green card, citizenship).

[JeremyR 8]

oops, i totally forgot about that! i got my gc february of last year.... is that a crucial thing that needs to be changed or doesnt it matter?

There was a thread on here not too long ago about someone who forgot to get a new card less the 'DHS auth' endorsement and it caused them problems at Removal of Conditions time.

IIRC, they had problems getting their employer to accept a combination of a 'Valid only with DHS authorization' SS card, expired GC and RoC extension letter as proof of employment authorization. They ended up going around in circles with their employer refusing to accept the documents, the SSA refusing to issue a new card without the endorsement (because their GC had expired) and USCIS refusing to issue a I-551 passport stamp because they were (correctly) adamant that they already had all the proof they needed. I don't know how it resolved in the end. I'll try and dig up the thread.

I haven't got my card updated yet (had my GC about 8 weeks) because it's rather awkward for me to get to the SSA office right now but having read that thread, I'm gonna make damn sure I do it fairly soon!

[JeremyR 8]

Found it.

Unrestricted Social Security Refused, Greencard expired - NOA1 with 1 yr extension provided

[JeremyR 8]

@NichNick: Thank you! So, no birth certificate, driver license, etc?

Going from memory here, I think that the SS-5 stipulates that you shouldn't use the same document to prove both your identity and legal status, doesn't it?

I'm sure that 99% of SSA workers wouldn't care but just in case you get one who's a stickler for the rules, you might want to take your DL so you can prove identity with that and status with your GC.

That said, assuming you'll be driving to the SSA office, you might want to take your license with you regardless?

[Cecile and Bryan 0]

Well, I just went this afternoon with my GC and my driver's license (also marriage certificate just in case because my DL is still in my maiden name) She asked if I had any docs with my new name aside from my SScard, I said no. She still continued processing my application, but then said that there was something strange, in the immigration files, I'm still under my maiden name (doesn't make sense since GC is in married name), so they have to do the application "manually", which should take a little longer, 4 weeks or so.

[Nina+Matt 0]

so does that mean youll get a new card that wont have the "valid for work only with dhs authorization" add on?

[Kinito_2k3 5]

Well, I just went this afternoon with my GC and my driver's license (also marriage certificate just in case because my DL is still in my maiden name) She asked if I had any docs with my new name aside from my SScard, I said no. She still continued processing my application, but then said that there was something strange, in the immigration files, I'm still under my maiden name (doesn't make sense since GC is in married name), so they have to do the application "manually", which should take a little longer, 4 weeks or so.

That is BS. She obviously didn't know what she was doing. I faced the same situation in MO. Just go back there, and talk to someone knowledgeable! Your card should be in your mailbox within 7 days (yes I know the official timeframe is 2 weeks). Just curious, which office did you go to?

Bon courage!

Seb

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

so they have to do the application "manually", which should take a little longer, 4 weeks or so.

It doesn't really matter how long it takes, so just wait on it. You have a number and a green card and getting a new SS card isn't critical really. I don't even know where my actual SS card is. I have the number memorized and any time it's needed, I just tell it or write it. It's not a card you typically show. But that's kinda weird how little quirky things pop up at different SS offices.

[Cecile and Bryan 0]

Nina+Matt: Yes that is what I should receive.

Kinito_2k3: I don't know if it was BS or not, but considering that when I got there the first time (in October after getting married) there was a problem because my immigration file said I was there on a B1 even though my I-94 said K-1 (the theory is that the guy at POE messed up when entering information online), I would not be surprised if there was other little problems on the immigration file.

As Nich-Nick said, I'm not that concerned, as long as I receive it in a not-too-distant future. It doesn't really matter if it takes 7 days or 7 weeks, since I still have the old one.

By the way the office I went to was in St. Louis, MO.