A Social Security Number is an important identifying number issued by the Social Security Administration through a Social Security Card. A Social Security Card usually contains a Social Security Number, the name to whom the card/number is issued, and annotation of the conditions for employment. Social Security Numbers have been used by government agencies, credit checking systems, schools, healthcare systems, insurance and many other institutes as the major personal identification information.

A Social Security number will assist in obtaining social security benefits, a driver’s license, credit cards, home loans, accessing to insurance and healthcare system, attending schools, etc. In addition, it is also an important and required part of employment authorization and is required on the I-9 form for employment eligibility verification. However, since only certain individuals can legally work in the U.S. there are three different types of Social Security Cards that vary depending on the citizenship and immigrant legal status of the individual.

2. The Non-restricted Social Security Cards

Nonrestricted Social Security Cards are issued to individuals who have authorization to work indefinitely in the U.S. This group includes U.S. Citizens, legal permanent residents, refugees and those granted asylum. This type of card is valid for use on the I-9 forms and allows the individual to work in the U.S. without restriction. The card bears only the individual’s name and Social Security Number. Both U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who apply for a Social Security Card will need to submit proof of legal status when they apply with Social Security Administration.

3. The Restricted Eligibility Social Security Cards

Aliens with work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be issued a restricted card.

These cards bear the individual’s name and Social Security number but are marked with the phrase “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” Individuals who receive this card are allowed to work legally only with DHS authorization and are limited to employment allowed by their DHS authorization. Aliens who are eligible include those whose status allows them to work under certain conditions such as F-1, J-1 or M-1 students or H-1 or H-2 workers.. For example, an H-1B status holder is able to use his/her Social Security Card for employment only with the employer who petitioned on his/her behalf. The alien would not be allowed to secure other work with his restricted card unless he received other permission from DHS.

F-1 students are allowed to engage in part time campus work with their status. Thus, the Social Security Administration will issue SSN only to those F-1 students who received on campus job offers or F-1 students with DHS special authorization documents, such as EAD. Those with J-1 status must provide a letter from their sponsor verifying their employment along with their application for a Social Security Card.

Restricted Social Security Cards are also issued to aliens who receive DHS permission to work with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). For example, a J-2 spouse of an exchange visitor is not automatically authorized to work with his/her status. However the spouse is eligible to apply for an EAD with DHS. In addition, EAD is also available to F-1 students through an Optional Practice Program (OPT). Furthermore, an I-485 applicant is eligible to receive derivative EAD benefits while the adjustment case is pending. Once the EAD is approved, the alien beneficiary can apply for a restricted Social Security Card.

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