Social Security Card FAQs

Social Security Card FAQs

Q: I received my employment authorization document (EAD). When will I get my Social Security card? 

A: If you requested a new Social Security card on your application for employment authorization (Form I-765), your Social Security card will generally be sent to you in the mail about 2-4 weeks after you received your employment card. However, please note that we have been seeing delays related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Q: It has been more than one month since I received my EAD but I still haven’t received my SS card. Is there anything I can do?

A: If it has been at least one month since you received your EAD but your SS card still has not arrived, you should contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to find out if they are currently open to the public, and if so, whether appointments are required. 

If your local SSA office is open, you should bring the following ORIGINAL documents:  

  • Form SS-5 (available here) – only need page 5
  • Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
  • Passport
  • EAD
  • If you changed your name upon marriage: Marriage certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)

When you arrive, you should inform the worker of your situation: “USCIS approved my work authorization on [date] (provide the exact date on your EAD), but I still haven’t received my Social Security card.” If the worker is able to find you in their computer system, they should be able to give you your new Social Security Number (SSN), even if the actual card hasn’t been printed yet. If the worker is not able to find you in the system, you can submit a new application to speed up the process. There is no fee. Rest assured that you will only be assigned one SSN, so there’s no risk of receiving multiple cards.

Before you arrive at the SSA office, be sure to fill out the Form SS-5 (page 5 only) to the best of your ability. If you need additional help filling out the form, the SSA worker will help you.

  • On line 5, be sure to check the “Legal Alien Allowed To Work” box. 
  • On line 11, check “Yes”
  • On line 12, instead of your name, write “N/A – I-765 approved but card not received”
  • On line 13, write “N/A”

Q: How do I find my local Social Security Administration (SSA) office?

A: You can search by entering your zip code online here. Also, the SSA offices in Hawaii are listed below:

OAHU
FED BLDG RM 1-114
300 ALA MOANA BLVD
HONOLULU, HI 96850
1-855-572-4879

970 MANAWAI STREET
KAPOLEI, HI 96707
1-855-572-4866

HAWAII (BIG ISLAND)
111 E PUAINAKO ST STE 710
HILO, HI 96720
1-855-572-4860

KAUAI
4334 RICE ST STE 105
LIHUE, HI 96766
1-855-572-4842

MAUI
2200 MAIN ST STE 125
WAILUKU, HI 96793
1-855-572-4863

Q: I just entered the US on a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. Can I get a Social Security card?

A: Yes, but please note you are not yet authorized to accept employment in the US. You will be able to work in the US after you are married, have filed for adjustment of status (Form I-485) and employment authorization (Form I-765), and your I-765 application has been approved by USCIS. If you still would like to obtain an SSN before you are authorized to work (for example, if you need it to open a bank account, apply for a credit card, etc.), you may do so. As early as possible after your US entry date (and at least one month before your I-94 expires), you may contact your local SSA office to find out if they are currently open to the public, and if so, whether appointments are required. There is no fee to apply for a Social Security card.

You should bring the following ORIGINAL documents to the SSA office:  

  • Form SS-5 (available here) – only need page 5
  • Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
  • Passport with K-1 visa and entry stamp
  • Printout of I-94 admission record, available here 
  • If you are already married and changed your name upon marriage: Marriage certificate

Before you arrive at the SSA office, be sure to fill out the Form SS-5 (page 5 only) to the best of your ability. If you need additional help filling out the form, the SSA worker will help you.