To apply for a Social Security card, an employee-sponsored immigrant should follow these instructions provided on the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website:
- Verify eligibility: To apply for a Social Security card, the employee-sponsored immigrant must have an authorized employment visa and be authorized to work in the United States.
- Gather documents: The immigrant must provide original documents showing their immigration status, work authorization, age, and identity. Acceptable documents include a foreign passport, Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document), and Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
- Complete Form SS-5: The immigrant should complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, which can be found on the SSA website or obtained in-person at a local SSA office.
- Submit application and documents: The immigrant must submit the completed Form SS-5 and original documents to a local SSA office. In some cases, the immigrant may be able to submit the application and documents online or by mail.
- Wait for the card: After the SSA verifies the immigrant’s documents and information, a Social Security card will be issued and sent to the immigrant’s mailing address. The processing time may vary, but it typically takes 2 weeks to receive the card in the mail.
- If you return to the office where you applied a few days after submitting your application, the office can often provide you with the social security number that has been assigned to you.
Note: There is no charge to apply for a Social Security card. The SSA advises against using any third-party services that charge a fee to complete the application process, as these services are not affiliated with the SSA and may be fraudulent.
Central Arkansas Social Security Office
Check the locator for the most accurate information, but this is the Little Rock office contact:
