SSN Status change after GC Approval

[wantCShip]

Hi Friends,

I heard that after GC is approved, we have to get the SSN status changed from Temporary work authorization to Permanent Resident.

Can someone please tell me the process to do this?

Thanks
wantCShip.

 

[nkm-oct23]

Submit a form SS-5 for social security card at the nearest SSA office. Show them your Green card as proof of status. SSA will then update their records and send you a new SS card without the employment restrictions.

 

[tomy19192001]

Submit a form SS-5 for social security card at the nearest SSA office. Show them your Green card as proof of status. SSA will then update their records and send you a new SS card without the employment restrictions.

thanks for the info. My GC just been approved and would be getting it in mail in next week or so. Apart from SSA office, do I have to inform our employer too about my changed status (I would rather not if possible due to multiple personal reasons). If I have to inform my emplyer, then when: is it just now or at the time when I actually receive the GC in hand or wait till I receive my new SSN card. I am currently on H1B visa which is valid upto 2011.

 

[Jackolantern]

Apart from SSA office, do I have to inform our employer too about my changed status (I would rather not if possible due to multiple personal reasons).

In theory and principle you should update the employer. But in practical reality, the employer is only going to get in trouble if you are still working for them after the documented expiration date the employer has on file (2011). The employer won't be penalized for status changes before the expiration date unless they have "constructive knowledge" of the change. For example, if you secretly switched from H-1 to F-1 and continued working for the employer, it would be you who is in trouble for working without authorization, not the employer, because the employer has it on file that you have an H-1 until 2011.

And you as the employee would only get in trouble if you work for the employer when you're not authorized to do so, either because your status expired, or you changed to a status that doesn't allow work. Since your GC status obviously allows you to continue working for them, you're not going to be in trouble for unauthorized work.

So to summarize: neither you nor the employer will be penalized for failing to update the I-9 before the 2011 H-1B expiration date. But after that date, the employer has to request new documentation from you if you're still employed with them.

 

[tomy19192001]

thanks you jack for the invaluable info.

 

[mmed]

thanks for the info. My GC just been approved and would be getting it in mail in next week or so. Apart from SSA office, do I have to inform our employer too about my changed status (I would rather not if possible due to multiple personal reasons). If I have to inform my emplyer, then when: is it just now or at the time when I actually receive the GC in hand or wait till I receive my new SSN card. I am currently on H1B visa which is valid upto 2011.

You have to update your immigration status within certain time (one month if I recall it correctly) from the new event. To hide the GC for any reason and work on EAD for example, may be OK but for H visa, the situation is completely different. This is a visa linked to quota number , wage requirement and other consequences which supposed to be fulfilled and if you did not update that you will be (not the employer) in trouble. How much trouble you will be in, I do not know. Just imagine after few months you want to move or resign or whatever and the employer want to update your immigration as an H, and discovered that this is not the case!
For the SS update, it is an optional for your own benefit to get new card (get longer DL ….etc), with the same number without this sentence of authorization required to work or so. It is not a reason to rely on for delayed update of your employer record.

 

[TheRealCanadian]

To hide the GC for any reason and work on EAD for example, may be OK but for H visa, the situation is completely different. This is a visa linked to quota number , wage requirement and other consequences which supposed to be fulfilled and if you did not update that you will be (not the employer) in trouble. How much trouble you will be in, I do not know.

What possible trouble could the alien be in? None.

 

[Jackolantern]

You have to update your immigration status within certain time (one month if I recall it correctly) from the new event. To hide the GC for any reason and work on EAD for example, may be OK but for H visa, the situation is completely different. This is a visa linked to quota number , wage requirement and other consequences which supposed to be fulfilled and if you did not update that you will be (not the employer) in trouble.

Nope. The employee who remains work-authorized will not get in any trouble. And H1B quota has nothing to do it, USCIS already knows about the change from H1B to green card. Updating the I-9 is a company responsibility, and they are not required to update it before the expiration date of the existing I-9 unless they have "constructive knowledge" of a status change.

 

[nelsona]

... and as to changing the SS card, this is superfluous. An SS card alone is NEVER considered work authorization, so the fact that is does or does not have the "authorization" jargon on it is immaterial.

 

[Jackolantern]

... and as to changing the SS card, this is superfluous. An SS card alone is NEVER considered work authorization, so the fact that is does or does not have the "authorization" jargon on it is immaterial.

An SS card without the employment wording is considered as a valid work authorization document for the I-9 if combined with another ID like a driver's license.

Anyway, that's not the real issue being debated here. The issue is whether to notify the employer of the change from H1B to green card.