The Social Security Number (SSN) serves as a vital piece of identification in various processes and is commonly used for verification purposes in the United States.
While the SSN is intended to be a unique identifier for individuals, it is technically possible for someone else to share your number, although it is a relatively rare occurrence.
Obtaining Social Security Number In Various Visa Scenarios
There are two ways for immigrants to apply:
– When applying for a visa as an immigrant, you can do so with the US Department of State in your country of residence before traveling to the US.
You will almost always avoid having to go to a Social Security office once you arrive in the United States if you apply for your Social Security number and card at the same time you apply for your immigrant visa.
– Contact the Social Security office in your area if you are residing legally in the United States.
The list of documents you need to bring when you visit the Social Security office is explained in the section below.
Depending on the type of visa you hold, there are two ways to apply if you are a nonimmigrant in the U.S. but are not authorized to work.
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SSN Application for Authorized Workers
– If you are present in the country legally and submit an application to DHS, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), for work permission or permanent residence status, you may do so.
The same I-485 (Application for Lawful Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status) and
I-765 (Application for Lawful Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status) USCIS application forms can be used for this.
– To apply for the SSN and card, you must contact your local Social Security office if you are in the country legally and your visa permits you to work there.
Many people mistakenly believe that their SSN is unique despite the fact that there are millions of others with the same number.
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