Dougster75

Hi all,

A quick question, related primarily to the timing of all this. As background, we have GC apps in which will probably take another 2-3 months to get finalized (all going well). My wife (L2) has just received her EAD card and is thinking of registering as a substitute teacher.

As I understand it from older threads, she needs to apply for a replacement SS card having received the EAD but I'm thinking it may be a waste of time if we need to apply again for another SS card once we get GC's. Will we need new SS cards once we get GC's?

Appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks,

Doug.

Ash UK/US

Probably, the USA is SS number dependent! Example if you interview at the compant I work for you have to bring you SS card to the interview. Many phone companies (cell) require your SS number, if you apply for credit you need your SS number. Some places don't require the actual card just the number. If it were me I would just get the new one anyway.

ian-mstm

While your SS# will remain the same, you will want new cards, yes. Since almost every US government agency taps into SSA's database to confirm status, you'll want the SSA database to reflect your new status as PRs.

Ian

Duncan Roberts

I didn't get a new one when I was a PR but I did update it when I became a citizen.

Rete

You understand incorrectly.

Your wife and yourself will only exchange your social security card for one with the same number, but without the authorization by USCIS to work legend, when you receive your green cards.

The ss card with the legend and her EAD is enough for her to successfully complete the I-9 to work.

meauxna

If she has a SS card now, she does not need to get a new one because she has added an EAD.

When you become PRs, you should go in and update your status with SSA. They will issue new cards without the legend on the front (about work authorization).

When/if you become citizens, you update again, and that's it.

Dougster75

Thanks all for great replies. Very helpful and will save a trip to the dreaded SS office.

Doug.

Thydney

That wasn't necessary when I got mine they said the GC was the authority to work

Ray

Killing pigs is not work ..

Thydney

O right but killing OBL is

Ray

Yup .and very highly paid .. you would like his bonus for the week

Thydney

Wonder if they weighed him in for scrap

meauxna

The Green Card IS the employment authorization. Once you're a PR however, you may present a photo ID like driver's license + Social Security card (without the legend) as hiring documents instead of the Green Card. Some people prefer that.

The legend on the SS card is to tip the employer that they must *also* see a document evidencing work authorization.

md95065

Is the "valid for work only with DHS authorization" legend a (comparatively) recent thing? (I suppose it must be, since the DHS hasn't been around that long, but you know what I mean ...)

I still have the original social security card that I got in 1987 when I first arrived in the US on an H1-B visa and it doesn't have any such notation on it and therefore I didn't attempt to get a new one when I became a PR in 1992.

meauxna

Yes, it changed in the 90s; until then there was just one flavor of SS card.
I'm pretty sure that's the origin of the legend.

This is a chronological summary of the milestones of the E-Verify Program (the electronic employment eligibility verification program formerly known as the Basic Pilot Program).