On Monday, October 2, 2017, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS) announced that applicants for employment authorization will be able to request issuance of a Social Security Number (SSN) card when filing the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.   The request will be made on the same form as the EAD application, which has been modified to include the optional request.  The modified Form I-765 including the option to request SSN issuance will be required for all EAD applications filed on or after December 4, 2017 , even if the applicant is not requesting a SSN card.

Many applicants filing Form I-765 already have a SSN card, because they have previously held a nonimmigrant status that permits employment or they have previously applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.  First-time applicants for an EAD will likely require a SSN and may now apply for one when filing their EAD application.  CIS will supply the Social Security Administration certain data from the application form, and the Administration will use the data to create, issue, and mail the SSN card to the applicant.  This combined application should save applicants time and trouble and should result in more rapid receipt of the SSN card.

Applicants should be aware that they should only request SSN card issuance if they need a SSN card, as the Social Security Administration limits the number of cards an applicant may request over the course of the applicant’s lifetime.  Applicants should also take precautions against mail theft and check their mail daily to avoid loss of these important identity documents in the event of theft from mailboxes.

Applicants who wish to apply for a SSN card when applying for an EAD card should notify their Foster attorney.  Foster LLP will continue to monitor CIS procedures and changes in benefits applications and will provide additional information via future Immigration Updates© and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.