Getting a Social Security number as a new immigrant
Every fact links to its official source. Fees and processing times change; confirm on the linked page before you file. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
A Social Security number is needed to work, pay taxes and open many accounts. How you get one depends on whether you arrive on an immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1) or a K-1. Everything below is from SSA and State Department pages; SSA blocks some automated checks, so open the links yourself to confirm.
Immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1): the DS-260 route
- If the DS-260 asked SSA to assign a number and you answered "Yes" to both the SSN question and the "Consent to Disclosure," the State Department and DHS send your information to SSA after you are admitted. SSA: What you need to do
- SSA says that if the card hasn't arrived within 3 weeks of admission, contact SSA (1-800-772-1213) or visit an office with proof of age, identity and work authorization. Call too if your mailing address changes before the card arrives. SSA FAQ
- There is no fee for a Social Security number or card. SSA FAQ · SSA
If you didn't request it on the DS-260
- Apply at a Social Security office once you have a permanent address where SSA can mail the card. Bring the passport with the machine-readable immigrant visa, the green card if you have it, and your birth record. SSA says the card usually arrives about 2 weeks after it has everything it needs. SSA FAQ
- For people in the US, SSA says you can start online and then visit an office with documents; the card is mailed 5–10 business days after approval. SSA: request a number for the first time
K-1 entrants
- A K-1 entrant isn't a permanent resident yet. SSA says some noncitizens can get a number if they're authorized to work or have a valid non-work reason, and links its noncitizen guide from the page below. Read that guide for the documents SSA wants. SSA · State Dept K-1: SSN section
- We left out specific K-1 timing and document rules because we couldn't open SSA's noncitizen PDF for automated verification on Oct 18, 2026. Check it directly or call SSA.
FAQ
- Is there a fee for a Social Security card?
No. SSA says it doesn't charge to assign a number or issue a card. - My card didn't come after arriving on an immigrant visa. What now?
SSA says to contact it if the card hasn't arrived within 3 weeks of admission: 1-800-772-1213, or visit an office.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
