Updated Form I-765 Makes It Easier to Get an Employment Authorization Document and a Social Security Number at the Same Time

November 21, 2017
Rebeca Sanchez-Roig

There has been a significant change to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Because of a new partnership between the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), foreign nationals in certain categories or classifications can apply for work authorization and a social security number at the same time. This is important because some foreign workers in some categories and classifications need both an employment authorization document (EAD) from the USCIS and a Social Security number (SSN) from the SSA in order to legally work in the United States.

Previously…

Applicants submitted a Form I-765 to the USCIS for their EAD. Then, to receive their SSN, they submitted additional paperwork in-person at their local Social Security office. Having to submit different forms to different agencies sometimes delayed the ability of foreign nationals to start working for their employer right away.

How Does it Affect Me?

Now that these two tasks are combined on one form, the process becomes easier. When you fill out your Form I-765, there will be additional questions at the bottom of the form. These questions will ask if you want to apply for a SSN or a replacement card. If you select that you would like to do either of these, when you turn in your Form I-765, the USCIS will submit your information to the SSA for you. When your EADs are approved from the USCIS, you should receive your Social Security card from the SSA within the next two weeks.

If you are a foreign national in the United States and you wish to start working, it is very important to complete the Form I-765 right away.

For Employers

Employers are strongly encouraged to check the EADs and Social Security numbers of new hires. The USCIS recommends that employers verify the employment eligibility of employees through E-Verify. An EAD shows the employer that the individual is authorized to work in the United States during a certain time. SSNs are used to report wages to the government; this information is then used to help determine whether an individual is eligible for certain benefits.

Contact Us

Whether you are a foreign national who needs help correctly filling out and filing paperwork or whether you are an employer with questions about compliance, Sanchez-Roig Law Firm, P.A. is here to help. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you understand the steps to take to achieve your goals. Visit our website to see how we can help or give us a call today at (305) 373-5385.