United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a press release that those applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status can now apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Earlier, the applicants had to apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security office.
USCIS is revising Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card. After approving Form I-485, in most cases USCIS will electronically transmit the data to the Social Security Administration. Upon receiving the data, the Social Security Administration will automatically assign an original SSN or issue a replacement card, as appropriate. This partnership with the Social Security Administration will not increase the filing fee for Form I-485.
This change to Form I-485 is effective immediately, and applicants can begin filing with the updated form from August 9, 2021.
*Tanvi Singh, Editorial Assistant has reported this brief.