Updating Social Security

O

ORF757

Registered Users (C)
I just got home from social security office. I was naturalized 5 days ago and I asked them to update my status. She asked for my driver's license and certificate of naturalization. While updating my status, the officer said the immigration could not verify my information, probably because the certificate is too new (that's what she said), and they're going to send more information to them. But once they confirmed the authenticity of my documents, they'll send me a new SS card and it may take up to 4 weeks. I'm not complaining or anything, but I'm just wondering why do I have to wait just to get it updated.

First of all, I didn't ask for a new card and secondly, why can't they verify my information? and why do I have to wait? Most people that got their SS updated the same day and didn't have to wait. And finally, how would I know if its updated? Are they going to send me a letter?
 
ORF757 said:
I just got home from social security office. I was naturalized 5 days ago and I asked them to update my status. She asked for my driver's license and certificate of naturalization. While updating my status, the officer said the immigration could not verify my information, probably because the certificate is too new (that's what she said), and they're going to send more information to them. But once they confirmed the authenticity of my documents, they'll send me a new SS card and it may take up to 4 weeks. I'm not complaining or anything, but I'm just wondering why do I have to wait just to get it updated.

First of all, I didn't ask for a new card and secondly, why can't they verify my information? and why do I have to wait? Most people that got their SS updated the same day and didn't have to wait. And finally, how would I know if its updated? Are they going to send me a letter?
Click to expand...
I dont have answers, but like to share my experience with updating SS after Citizenship. I went to SS office after I got my passport and passport card. Just for the kick of it, I took passport card instead of passport book to update my status with SS. The lady asked me if wanted new SS card, I showed my card and asked her back if I needed new card. She said no, I dont need new card. Then, I gave passport card as proof of citizenship. She said its first time she is looking at a pp card. After spending 5 minutes on her system and 10 minutes with her supervisor, she said their SS system is not updated yet to accept passport cards. She apologized and asked me to bring passport book or nat certificate instead. I had to go back with passport book and she just updated their system. No new ss card.
 
ORF757 said:
First of all, I didn't ask for a new card and secondly, why can't they verify my information? and why do I have to wait?
Click to expand...

Because not all the databases are updated right away. Didn't you have this problem when you became a permanent resident?

It'll take SSA 4-6 weeks to update everything. Big deal.
 
ORF757 said:
I just got home from social security office. I was naturalized 5 days ago and I asked them to update my status. She asked for my driver's license and certificate of naturalization. While updating my status, the officer said the immigration could not verify my information, probably because the certificate is too new (that's what she said), and they're going to send more information to them. But once they confirmed the authenticity of my documents, they'll send me a new SS card and it may take up to 4 weeks. I'm not complaining or anything, but I'm just wondering why do I have to wait just to get it updated.

First of all, I didn't ask for a new card and secondly, why can't they verify my information? and why do I have to wait? Most people that got their SS updated the same day and didn't have to wait. And finally, how would I know if its updated? Are they going to send me a letter?
Click to expand...

If your current SS card had restrictions, e.g. valid only with DHS or USCIS or whatever it says authorization they will issue a new card without restrictions. You are a citizen now, why would you like to have a social security card that has restrictions on it. Actually people with Green Cards can also apply for new social security cards without restrictions. I did it when I got my green card so I didn't need to do it again when I became a citizen.

It takes some days for the information about your citizenship to get from USCIS to social security. In my case I waited to get my passport (which at the time it was close to 4 weeks) to go to the social security office. By the time I went there it seems the databases were already in sync. It pays to wait a few weeks before going to social security office. Anyway, no harm done, it will just take a few more days for your status to be updated and you don't need to make another trip, so all in all it's pretty much the same experience if you go early or you wait a few weeks to go. The only minor difference is that going early and having to change the card might lead to being a few more days without social security card, and if one doesn't have the passport yet it might lead to one not being able to start a job if that were the case.
 
No, I don't have any restrictions. They didn't say anything about restrictions, she said they'll send me a new card once they're done confirming my documents. Well, I think I'll just have to wait then.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Huracan said:
The only minor difference is that going early and having to change the card might lead to being a few more days without social security card, and if one doesn't have the passport yet it might lead to one not being able to start a job if that were the case.
Click to expand...
Why do you think so? They did not take an old card from me, so I got to keep it. But I had to replace the card since it had restrictions written on it.

ORF757 said:
No, I don't have any restrictions. They didn't say anything about restrictions, she said they'll send me a new card once they're done confirming my documents. Well, I think I'll just have to wait then.
Click to expand...
Just to put you to rest, I will tell you my story with SSA. After my wife and I received our naturalisation certificates, we immediately went to the SSA. We filled out same forms, but we were processed by different SS clerks. We got the same answer that they needed to verify our status with the USCIS, and it may take up to 4 weeks. My wife got a letter from that office the next day, and the new SS card several days later. I got my letter in 2 weeks, and the new card - the next day after the letter. Now, consider this: we took Oath on the same day at the same office, and we went to the same SS office. The dates of approval on the SS cards were different for me and my wife. Why so much difference in time given identical conditions? Who knows. So, relax and try not to search for any logic in bureaucratic machine ;) Besides, since you don't need a new card, you can just present your current card and your DL to be eligible for I-9.
 
Huracan said:
If your current SS card had restrictions, e.g. valid only with DHS or USCIS or whatever it says authorization they will issue a new card without restrictions. You are a citizen now, why would you like to have a social security card that has restrictions on it. Actually people with Green Cards can also apply for new social security cards without restrictions. I did it when I got my green card so I didn't need to do it again when I became a citizen.

It takes some days for the information about your citizenship to get from USCIS to social security. In my case I waited to get my passport (which at the time it was close to 4 weeks) to go to the social security office. By the time I went there it seems the databases were already in sync. It pays to wait a few weeks before going to social security office. Anyway, no harm done, it will just take a few more days for your status to be updated and you don't need to make another trip, so all in all it's pretty much the same experience if you go early or you wait a few weeks to go. The only minor difference is that going early and having to change the card might lead to being a few more days without social security card, and if one doesn't have the passport yet it might lead to one not being able to start a job if that were the case.
Click to expand...

Hello,

If the Social Security database is going to be updated by the USCIS regarding the change in your status, then why do we have to go to the SS office and ask them to update our status? (other than to get new cards to replace one with restrictions).
 
König said:
Why do you think so? They did not take an old card from me, so I got to keep it. But I had to replace the card since it had restrictions written on it.
Click to expand...

It is possible that each SS office or person do things differently, as you pointed out in the rest of your post. I believe they took my card with restrictions at the very time I applied for one without restrictions when I got my Green Card. This was over seven years ago, so either my memory is fuzzy or there is no rhyme nor reason to how they do things. However, even with what you say you would have a little problem to start a job, as the SS card would have restrictions and you wouldn't have any USCIS/DHS document to prove you can work as they have taken your GC at the oath ceremony ;) Anyway, this is just an academic discussion as in the end, one, two or three weeks later everything is alright, SS card, passport, etcetera.
 
Timali said:
Hello,

If the Social Security database is going to be updated by the USCIS regarding the change in your status, then why do we have to go to the SS office and ask them to update our status? (other than to get new cards to replace one with restrictions).
Click to expand...

Perhaps they check your status if you drop by the office to update your status, but they don't if you don't drop by the office ;)

As I pointed earlier, one can remove restrictions right after obtaining the Green Card.

On a serious note, with E-Verify I am not sure how necessary is to drop by the SS office. For me it is a moot point, I have already done it but for other people I don't know what to say. It would be good if someone asks a social security employee if this is still needed. The website still says it is good to go and update the status.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#immigration
 
I went to SS office after my Oath today and the lady took away my SSN card and said, systems are not yet updated and they will verify with USCIS and will send me the card within 30 days.
So now I do not have any SSN card. guess its okay since I don't need to change job at this moment.
 
truedesi said:
I went to SS office after my Oath today and the lady took away my SSN card and said, systems are not yet updated and they will verify with USCIS and will send me the card within 30 days.
So now I do not have any SSN card. guess its okay since I don't need to change job at this moment.
Click to expand...

That's why it might be better to wait until you have the passport book and/or passport card in hand and go to update the status with the passport. If they take the card away you can still apply for a job with the passport (no need of the social security card). I know that most people might not be affected by this, but if someone asks for the most logical order for doing things for me it is: apply for passport then use passport to update social security.
 
absrao said:
I dont have answers, but like to share my experience with updating SS after Citizenship. I went to SS office after I got my passport and passport card. Just for the kick of it, I took passport card instead of passport book to update my status with SS. The lady asked me if wanted new SS card, I showed my card and asked her back if I needed new card. She said no, I dont need new card. Then, I gave passport card as proof of citizenship. She said its first time she is looking at a pp card. After spending 5 minutes on her system and 10 minutes with her supervisor, she said their SS system is not updated yet to accept passport cards. She apologized and asked me to bring passport book or nat certificate instead. I had to go back with passport book and she just updated their system. No new ss card.
Click to expand...

Did you have fill out SS form or did you just show your passport book?
 
Timali said:
Hello,

If the Social Security database is going to be updated by the USCIS regarding the change in your status, then why do we have to go to the SS office and ask them to update our status? (other than to get new cards to replace one with restrictions).
Click to expand...

Exactly! After reading this, I believe you're right. USCIS updates Social Security, so if there's no restrictions on your present Social Security Card, there's no need to inform Social Security after citizenship.
 
Huracan said:
That's why it might be better to wait until you have the passport book and/or passport card in hand and go to update the status with the passport. If they take the card away you can still apply for a job with the passport (no need of the social security card). I know that most people might not be affected by this, but if someone asks for the most logical order for doing things for me it is: apply for passport then use passport to update social security.
Click to expand...

I would agree with you since not having SSN card in my possession is not a good feeling and who knows I might need it anytime.
 
rjmco said:
Did you have fill out SS form or did you just show your passport book?
Click to expand...
The clerk/guards at the entry made me fill out a form. I guess thats because there is option there (on their entry machine) for 'I just want to update my citizenship status'. Then I showed the passport, she made some entry on computer, sign piece of printed paper and done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top