New USCIS Form Allows Foreign Nationals to Apply Simultaneously for Work Authorization and Social Security Number

On October 2, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new partnership between USCIS and the Social Security Administration (SSA), which allows certain categories of foreign nationals to apply for both work authorization and a Social Security number through a single form – the updated Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Prior to this partnership, applicants needed to wait for their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards to be approved by USCIS, then submit separate paperwork at their local Social Security office to obtain a Social Security Number. 

The new Form I-765 contains additional questions, which enable applicants to apply for a Social Security Number without a separate visit to the Social Security office. Under the streamlined process, USCIS will transmit the applicant’s information directly to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applicants who submit the new I-765 form version to USCIS should expect to receive their Social Security cards within two weeks of receiving their approved EAD cards from USCIS.

For legal advice regarding obtaining employment authorization or eligibility to apply for a Social Security number, please contact Murphy Desmond at (608) 270-5550 to schedule a consultation with Immigration Attorney Practice Leader Glorily A. López and Associate Attorney Maryam Ghayyad.