What steps do green card holders take to apply for Social Security online versus in person?
Executive summary
Green Card holders can often obtain a Social Security number (SSN) without a separate in‑person visit by requesting a card at the same time they apply for immigration benefits (I‑485, I‑765, DS‑260/DS‑230); when that happens SSA typically mails the SSN card within about 7–14 days after USCIS/DHS issues the green card or EAD [1] [2] [3]. If you did not request an SSN through USCIS/DoS, SSA guidance says you must complete Form SS‑5 and may need to visit a local SSA office or Card Center with original documents to finish the application [2] [4].
1. How automated paths work — “apply once, get mailed the card”
USCIS and the Department of State can collect SSN requests on immigration forms and transmit the information directly to SSA so new permanent residents receive cards by mail without visiting an SSA office. If you checked the SSN box on Form I‑485 or I‑765 (or asked on your immigrant visa application DS‑260/DS‑230), SSA will issue and mail a card—SSA says you should receive it no later than 7–14 days after you receive your green card or EAD from USCIS [1] [2] [3]. Legal and immigration help sites note this consolidated process was implemented to spare applicants extra trips and paperwork [5] [6].
2. When an in‑person visit becomes necessary
SSA publications and forms make clear that automated issuance does not cover every case: if the agency lacks required information or you did not request the SSN during the immigration filing, you must complete Form SS‑5 and may need to appear in person at a local Social Security office or Card Center with original documents proving identity, age and immigration status (for example, passport, I‑551/Green Card or EAD) [2] [4] [7]. SSA’s replacement‑card guidance says after starting an online or paper process, you often must visit an office with supporting documents within a specified time window to finish processing [4].
3. What to expect online: steps, timelines and tracking
If you applied for the SSN as part of a USCIS or DoS application, the main “online” element is checking the request box on those immigration forms; SSA receives the data electronically and mails the card, typically within about two weeks after USCIS/DHS action [1] [2] [3]. For applicants who begin an SSA online replacement request or use SSA’s web tools, SSA and third‑party trackers advise logging into a my Social Security account to view application status or calling 1‑800‑772‑1213 if there’s a delay [8]. Available sources do not mention a fully end‑to‑end SSN card application portal for green card holders outside the USCIS/DoS transmission process beyond standard online start forms and appointment‑making (not found in current reporting).
4. Documents you will be asked to show — originals matter
SSA requires proof of identity, age and immigration status; common documents listed are passport, birth certificate, Form I‑551 (Green Card) or EAD. SSA guidance and informational leaflets stress bringing original documents or certified copies when you must visit an office; they also warn SSA may be unable to process the request if needed information is missing [2] [7]. If your prior card carried employment restrictions, SSA instructs you to provide evidence of your permanent resident status to remove those restrictions [9].
5. Common timelines, problems and remedies
If you applied through USCIS/DoS and don’t receive the card within the stated window—SSA and immigration flyers advise contacting SSA if you have not received the card 14 days after receiving your green card or EAD; some consumer guidance uses a 2–3 week benchmark before contacting the local office [1] [10] [2]. If SSA did not receive the necessary data from USCIS/DoS, you will need to file Form SS‑5 and may have to appear in person [7] [2].
6. Competing perspectives and limitations in reporting
Government sources emphasize the automated option through USCIS/DoS as the preferred, faster route [3] [1]. Legal help and older community guides still advise preparing to visit an SSA office and to bring original documents in case the automated transfer fails—reflecting a mixture of policy change and on‑the‑ground variability [9] [5]. Reports claiming new broad online programs beyond USCIS/DoS transmissions (for example, third‑party coverage of fully remote SSN issuance) are either absent or not confirmed in the cited SSA/USCIS materials (not found in current reporting).
If you want, I can draft a simple checklist you can print and bring to an SSA office or a script to use when checking status with SSA that cites the exact forms and timelines above [2] [1].