Key Takeaways
• As of March 19, 2025, most new immigrants must apply for their Social Security Number in person.
• Green card holders still receive their Social Security Number automatically under the paused EBE program.
• SSA offices face delays and longer wait times due to increased in-person applications and reduced staff.
For many new immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸, getting a Social Security Number is one of the most important first steps after arrival. This number is needed for work, opening a bank account, paying taxes, and many other daily activities. In 2025, the process for getting a Social Security Number has changed, especially for those with Employment Authorization Documents and newly naturalized citizens. The automatic system that once made this process easier is now paused, so understanding each step is more important than ever.
Let’s walk through the entire journey, from checking if you need to apply in person to finally receiving your Social Security card. This guide covers what you need to do, what to expect at each stage, and how long each part might take. By following these steps, you can avoid common mistakes and delays.
Overview of the Social Security Number Process for New Immigrants in 2025
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number given by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is used to track your earnings, pay taxes, and access many services in the United States 🇺🇸. In the past, many immigrants received their SSN automatically through a program called Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE). This program allowed people with approved work permits (Employment Authorization Documents, or EADs) and new citizens to get their SSN by mail without visiting an SSA office.
However, as of March 19, 2025, the EBE program has been suspended. This means that most new immigrants must now apply for their SSN in person at a Social Security office. Only green card holders (lawful permanent residents) still get their SSN automatically. Everyone else, including those with EADs and newly naturalized citizens, must follow a new, more involved process.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Status
Before you start, it’s important to know which group you belong to. This will decide if you need to apply for your SSN in person or if you will get it automatically.
- Green Card Holders (Lawful Permanent Residents): If you have a green card, you will still receive your SSN automatically through the EBE program. You do not need to visit the SSA office unless there is a problem or you do not receive your card within three weeks.
- EAD Holders (Employment Authorization Document): If you have an EAD but are not a green card holder, you must apply for your SSN in person. The automatic system does not apply to you right now.
- Newly Naturalized Citizens: If you have just become a U.S. citizen, you also need to visit the SSA office to update your status and get your SSN if you do not already have one.
Estimated Timeframe: Checking your status and eligibility can be done immediately. If you are unsure, you can visit the SSA’s official website for more information.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gathering the right documents is key to a smooth application. Missing paperwork is one of the main reasons for delays.
- For EAD Holders:
- Your original Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766). You can find more about this document on the USCIS website.
- Proof of identity, such as your passport or another government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of age, which can be your birth certificate or passport.
- For Newly Naturalized Citizens:
- Your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport.
- For All Applicants:
- Any other documents that prove your immigration status or identity, if requested by the SSA.
Estimated Timeframe: Collecting documents can take a few days, especially if you need to request copies from your home country. Make sure all documents are original; photocopies are not accepted.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form SS-5
The next step is to fill out Form SS-5, which is the official application for a Social Security card. This form asks for basic information like your name, date of birth, and immigration status.
- You can start this process online using the SSA’s Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP). This tool helps you fill out the form and schedule an appointment at your local SSA office.
- If you prefer, you can download Form SS-5 and fill it out by hand.
Estimated Timeframe: Completing the form online usually takes about 30 minutes. If you do it by hand, allow extra time to print and fill out the form carefully.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment at Your Local SSA Office
Because the automatic system is paused, you must visit an SSA office in person. After you finish the online application, you can use the SSA website or call your local office to schedule an appointment.
- Expect longer wait times. With the EBE program suspended, an extra 60,000 to 75,000 people per week are now applying in person. This has created a backlog, and some offices are busier than ever.
- SSA workforce is smaller. The SSA has about 12% fewer workers than before, and some offices have closed. This can make it harder to find an appointment quickly.
Estimated Timeframe: It may take 1–3 weeks to get an appointment, depending on where you live. In busy cities, it could take longer.
Step 5: Attend Your SSA Appointment
On the day of your appointment, bring all your original documents and your completed Form SS-5. Here’s what to expect:
- Check in at the office. Arrive early, as there may be a line.
- Meet with an SSA representative. They will review your documents, check your immigration status, and make sure your application is complete.
- Answer any questions. The SSA may ask about your work authorization, your address, or your immigration history.
Estimated Timeframe: The appointment itself usually takes 30–60 minutes, but you may wait longer if the office is busy.
Step 6: Receive Your Social Security Card
After your appointment, the SSA will process your application. If everything is in order, your Social Security card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided.
- For green card holders: The card usually arrives within three weeks of your arrival or adjustment of status.
- For EAD holders and newly naturalized citizens: Processing times can be longer because of the current backlog. Some people may wait four weeks or more.
What if there are delays? If you do not receive your card within the expected time, contact your local SSA office or check the status online. Sometimes, missing documents or problems with your immigration status can cause delays.
Step 7: Update Your Records as Needed
Once you have your Social Security Number, you may need to update your records in the future. For example:
- If you become a U.S. citizen later: You must update your citizenship status with the SSA. This means bringing your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport to the SSA office and filling out Form N-400 if you haven’t already.
- If you change your name: Bring legal documents showing your new name (like a marriage certificate) to the SSA office.
- If you lose your card: You can request a replacement by visiting the SSA office with the right documents.
Estimated Timeframe: Updating records or getting a replacement card usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on office workload.
What to Expect from Authorities at Each Stage
Throughout this process, the SSA will check your documents carefully. They want to make sure you are eligible for a Social Security Number and that your information matches what is on file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If there are any problems, such as a mismatch in your name or immigration status, the SSA may ask for more documents or time to verify your information.
Employers and HR Departments: What You Need to Know
If you are an employer or work in human resources, it’s important to understand these changes. New employees may not have their Social Security Number right away, especially if they are EAD holders or new citizens. You should:
- Allow extra time for new hires to get their SSN.
- Explain the process to new employees so they know what to expect.
- Check the employee’s work authorization using their Employment Authorization Document while waiting for the SSN.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes have made onboarding new immigrant employees more complicated. Employers should be patient and flexible, as delays are often outside the employee’s control.
Why Did the Process Change? Background and Policy Context
The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program was designed to make life easier for immigrants by letting them get their Social Security Number automatically. The SSA and USCIS worked together to share information, so people with new work permits or citizenship did not have to visit an SSA office.
But in March 2025, the SSA paused this program for a 90-day review. As of July 2025, the program is still suspended, and there is no clear date for when it will start again. This has affected millions of immigrants. In 2024 alone, more than 3.24 million work permits were issued, and now an extra 60,000 to 75,000 people each week must apply in person. The SSA is struggling to keep up, especially with fewer workers and some offices closed.
Practical Implications for Immigrants and Their Families
- Longer wait times: With more people applying in person, expect delays at every stage.
- More paperwork: You must bring original documents and fill out forms carefully.
- Possible barriers: Without a Social Security Number, it can be hard to start a job, open a bank account, or access some services.
- Uncertainty: There is no guarantee when, or if, the automatic system will return.
Expert Perspectives and Community Impact
Immigration experts and advocates warn that these changes make it harder for immigrants to settle in the United States 🇺🇸. Without a Social Security Number, many doors remain closed. Some people may lose job offers or have trouble renting a home. Others may struggle to access healthcare or government benefits.
Employers also face challenges. They must wait longer for new hires to get their SSN, which can slow down business operations. HR departments need to update their onboarding processes and help new employees understand the new rules.
What Can You Do to Make the Process Easier?
- Start early: Begin gathering documents and filling out forms as soon as you arrive or receive your EAD.
- Double-check your paperwork: Make sure all documents are original and up to date.
- Be patient: Delays are common, but staying organized can help.
- Ask for help: If you have questions, contact your local SSA office or visit the SSA’s official website for the latest updates.
Looking Ahead: Will the Process Change Again?
The SSA is still reviewing the EBE program. Policy advocates are pushing for the automatic system to return, saying it would help immigrants and reduce the burden on SSA offices. As of July 2025, there is no news about when, or if, the program will start again. Keep checking official sources for updates.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- If you are a green card holder, you will get your SSN automatically. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the SSA.
- If you have an EAD or are a new citizen, you must apply in person at an SSA office. Expect longer wait times and bring all original documents.
- Employers should adjust onboarding procedures and be patient with new hires.
- Stay informed by checking the SSA website and official government sources for updates.
By following these steps and staying organized, you can get your Social Security Number as smoothly as possible, even with the current challenges. Remember, this number is your key to many opportunities in the United States 🇺🇸, so it is worth the effort to get it right.
For more information, visit the Social Security Administration’s official page on Social Security Numbers. This site has the latest forms, instructions, and updates on any policy changes.
The process may feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Many people are going through the same steps, and help is available if you need it. Stay patient, keep your documents safe, and take each step one at a time.
Learn Today
Social Security Number (SSN) → A unique identifier issued by SSA to track earnings, taxes, and access services in the U.S.
Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) → A suspended program that automatically issued SSNs to eligible immigrants upon arrival or status change.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A work permit allowing non-citizens to legally work while applying for SSNs in person.
Form SS-5 → The official application form required to apply for a Social Security card at SSA offices.
Naturalized Citizen → A non-native person granted U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and legal requirements.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Social Security Number process for new immigrants changed in 2025. Now, most must apply in person, causing delays and more paperwork. Green card holders remain exempt, receiving automatic issuance. This shift challenges immigrants and employers, who must be patient and well-prepared to navigate the new application steps effectively.
— By VisaVerge.com
