CUNY Citizenship Now

Individuals who recently became U.S. citizens and individuals for whom both their immigration status and work status in the United States recently changed, should apply for a correction of their Social Security card.  We recommend that all new permanent residents and U.S. citizens notify the Social Security Administration of their change of status, as it is important if you apply for financial aid or other government benefits.  You will keep the same Social Security number.

To obtain your corrected card you will need to:

1) Complete Form SS-5.   (You can obtain one at www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html, or by calling (800) 772-1213.  You can also visit your local Social Security office and obtain one there.)

2) Provide evidence of your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility.  Original documents or copies certified by issuing agency ONLY.  Provide at least one of the documents accepted for each category.  For a list of acceptable documents, see the table below.

3) Take your application and immigration documents to the nearest Social Security office.  The Social Security Administration prefers that you take your documents in person, since they use the United States Postal Service for all mail and cannot track documents that have been mailed.

* U.S. citizens without these documents may visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc <doc> for a list of substitute
documents.

^† Individuals on student, work or exchange visas may need to provide additional proof of immigration
status and work eligibility.  See www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc. <doc>