Will I need a new SS card? (F-1 DHS Authorization to Citizenship)

[el_greco 20]

I entered the US in 2009 as an F-1 graduate student, so I obtained a social security card to receive my wages from the University during my graduate studies. This card states "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION", but I have used it for employment after my graduation in the past 5 years with no issues. 

 

After graduate school I applied for OPT and received an EAD, but before the expiration of my OPT I got married to a USC, we filed for AOS, and I became an LPR (first conditional, then conditions were removed early 2020). Eventually I applied for Naturalization, had my interview a few days ago, and now I am waiting for my Oath Ceremony, and start thinking about the next steps, primarily a US Passport, as I would really like to be able to visit my family as soon as it is possible again.

My question is about whether I truly need a new Social Security card (without the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" stipulation), and in that case, can I wait until it is safe to apply in person at the SSA? Will keeping my original SS card somehow affect my US Passport application, once I get the certificate of naturalization?

[milimelo 4,494]

Yes, you want to update the SS card. 

[Mike E 11,740]

It would be good to get a new SS card that drops the 

2 hours ago, el_greco said:

This card states "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION", but I have used it for employment after my graduation in the past 5 years with no issues. 

 

[...]

My question is about whether I truly need a new Social Security card (without the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" stipulation), and in that case, can I wait until it is safe to apply in person at the SSA? Will keeping my original SS card somehow affect my US Passport application, once I get the certificate of naturalization?

Were it not for COVID it would be a good idea to get a new SS card so that drops the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" so that future I-9 certifications for future jobs are simpler.

 

With COVID, SSA is requiring LPRs to mail their green cards as offices are closed except by appointment and generally SS card replacements don't get appointments.

 

It is a misdemeanor for you to not carry your green card on your person. In addition, trusting SSA to not lose your green card is high risk.

 

Wait for SSA to re-open for normal operations.

Edited January 5, 2021 by Mike E

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

2 hours ago, Mike E said:

It would be good to get a new SS card that drops the 

Were it not for COVID it would be a good idea to get a new SS card so that drops the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" so that future I-9 certifications for future jobs are simpler.

 

With COVID, SSA is requiring LPRs to mail their green cards as offices are closed except by appointment and generally SS card replacements don't get appointments.

 

It is a misdemeanor for you to not carry your green card on your person. In addition, trusting SSA to not lose your green card is high risk.

 

Wait for SSA to re-open for normal operations.

He’s already done his n400 interview. He won’t have his green card after his oath ceremony (and no point sending it in now). It’s his naturalization certificate he would have to send in, assuming he’s comfortable doing that. Many as you say are waiting for offices to reopen in person. 
 

 

 

Edited January 5, 2021 by SusieQQQ

[JrGoldMiner 63]

I'd wait for it to re-open. Personally, I wouldn't not send NC to SSA by mail. Not in this life. 

 

Do they issue a new number after the status update or just the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" is dropped in the new SSN card? Thanks.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

45 minutes ago, JrGoldMiner said:

I'd wait for it to re-open. Personally, I wouldn't not send NC to SSA by mail. Not in this life. 

 

Do they issue a new number after the status update or just the "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" is dropped in the new SSN card? Thanks.

You keep the same SSN.

if you had a permanent green card before it shouldn’t even have that notation on it. Mine doesn’t.

[NEW CITIZEN 151]

Number won't change, SS number not necessary for passport.

 

Satus change with SS is basically for SS benefits.