SSN after Green Card approval from B-2

[KAP2019 187]

My I-485 was approved last week and card was mailed yesterday. I was thinking that SSN would come automatically because I recall checking box to request this, but now I'm realizing that was on the I-765, not the I-485. 

So, is it correct that I have to apply to SSA for an SSN? Also, it looks like offices are still closed (since March 2020). I'm a little wary of mailing green card, birth certificate, passport, etc. to SSA in order to get SSN. Have others done this? 

Thanks for your advice! And sorry if this is in the wrong place, couldn't find my answer elsewhere.

[HRQX 4,145]

6 minutes ago, KAP2019 said:

Also, it looks like offices are still closed (since March 2020).

It varies. Some offices may be able to accommodate in-person appointment: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN)

We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:

• Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.
• Individuals who need to update or correct their SSN information (such as your name, date of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resources, or medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (for example filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).

If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.

 

Some had to complain to local congressman in order to get in-person appointment:

 

[Chocobo 196]

16 minutes ago, KAP2019 said:

My I-485 was approved last week and card was mailed yesterday. I was thinking that SSN would come automatically because I recall checking box to request this, but now I'm realizing that was on the I-765, not the I-485. 

So, is it correct that I have to apply to SSA for an SSN? Also, it looks like offices are still closed (since March 2020). I'm a little wary of mailing green card, birth certificate, passport, etc. to SSA in order to get SSN. Have others done this? 

Thanks for your advice! And sorry if this is in the wrong place, couldn't find my answer elsewhere.

Hi,

 

Did you file the I-765?  If so and you checked "yes" then the SSN will come automatically.  

[HRQX 4,145]

16 minutes ago, Chocobo said:

Did you file the I-765?  If so and you checked "yes" then the SSN will come automatically.  

Odds are I-765 won't be adjudicated since I-485 was approved first. If I-765 not adjudicated then that means USCIS won't forward the SSN request to SSA.

[KAP2019 187]

3 hours ago, HRQX said:

It varies. Some offices may be able to accommodate in-person appointment: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN)

We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:

• Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.
• Individuals who need to update or correct their SSN information (such as your name, date of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resources, or medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (for example filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).

If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.

 

Some had to complain to local congressman in order to get in-person appointment:

 

Thanks. I'll give them a call. 

[Co6aka 18]

FWIW, my local SSA office told me that applying directly is usually much faster.

[LiCaoli 14]

18 hours ago, KAP2019 said:

Thanks. I'll give them a call. 

I am in the exact same situation. My GC was mailed yestarday, but my EAD never got approved, since the GC was faster. I also checked the box to get the SSN automatically, but I'm not sure what will happen, I'm afraid they won't mail the SSN automatically and I'll have to apply, which means trying to get an in person appointment at SSA, so frustrating.

Please let me know if you get any updates. I think I'll wait until the GC is here to give them a call.

 

[KAP2019 187]

11 hours ago, LiCaoli said:

I am in the exact same situation. My GC was mailed yestarday, but my EAD never got approved, since the GC was faster. I also checked the box to get the SSN automatically, but I'm not sure what will happen, I'm afraid they won't mail the SSN automatically and I'll have to apply, which means trying to get an in person appointment at SSA, so frustrating.

Please let me know if you get any updates. I think I'll wait until the GC is here to give them a call.

 

My local SSA is only open for "dire need" appointments. So, I may take a chance and mail documents by certified insured mail! 

[LiCaoli 14]

7 hours ago, KAP2019 said:

My local SSA is only open for "dire need" appointments. So, I may take a chance and mail documents by certified insured mail! 

I've just called my local SSA office and they were surprisingly helpful, I provided them with some of my information and I should wait for their call (within a day) to schedule an in-person appointment.

 

Also, if you need to get a job, I'd say that's a 'dire need'. They state in their webpage this:

 

I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN)

We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:

• Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.

Edited March 4, 2021 by LiCaoli

[LiCaoli 14]

7 hours ago, KAP2019 said:

My local SSA is only open for "dire need" appointments. So, I may take a chance and mail documents by certified insured mail! 

I forgot to say that USCIS guide for new immigrants say:

 

As a permanent resident, you must:

● Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times.

 

Page 20: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf

 

AND

 

After We Grant Your Green Card

We issue a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid Green Card in your possession at all times.

 

AND check this website:

 

If you are 18 or older, you do have to carry your green card with you. Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have “at all times” official evidence of LPR status. 

Failing to have your green card with you is a misdemeanor and if you are found guilty you can be fined up to $100 and put in jail for up to 30 days. (I.N.A. Section 264(e).) A copy is not good enough, because the law does not use the word “copy” or refer to “other evidence” of LPR status.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

 

[KAP2019 187]

1 hour ago, LiCaoli said:

I've just called my local SSA office and they were surprisingly helpful, I provided them with some of my information and I should wait for their call (within a day) to schedule an in-person appointment.

 

Also, if you need to get a job, I'd say that's a 'dire need'. They state in their webpage this:

 

I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN)

We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:

• Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.

Thanks. This motivated me to call again. They said to just email a copy of my documents and they will call me to arrange an appointment! Much better than mailing all these important things. And you're right, we're supposed to carry our green card at all times. I was thinking a copy would suffice for this, but apparently not! 

[LiCaoli 14]

14 minutes ago, KAP2019 said:

Thanks. This motivated me to call again. They said to just email a copy of my documents and they will call me to arrange an appointment! Much better than mailing all these important things. And you're right, we're supposed to carry our green card at all times. I was thinking a copy would suffice for this, but apparently not! 

Awesome! I'm glad it worked out for you! I should get my GC tomorrow, so I'm really excited!

[KAP2019 187]

Just now, LiCaoli said:

Awesome! I'm glad it worked out for you! I should get my GC tomorrow, so I'm really excited!

Congrats!!!

Mine's coming today!! 😀

[LiCaoli 14]

 

I went to the SS office for my appointment today! It was super fast (5 minutes) and everyone was kind. They said I should receive the card in the mail within 2 weeks. 

[KAP2019 187]

Mine is finally coming in the mail today. I had to wait a couple weeks for an in-person appointment, which was last Thursday.