On August 9, local time, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy: effective immediately, immigrants applying for permanent residency (Green Card) can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) concurrently during the status adjustment application process.
The U.S. Social Security Number is the number on the Social Security card. After new immigrants arrive in the United States, they must first apply for a Social Security card at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in their city or nearby area. This card has a wide range of applications. Previously, new immigrants could only apply for an SSN at the SSA.
Now, USCIS has updated Form I-485 (the application form for a Green Card or status adjustment) to include questions related to applying for an SSN or changing the Social Security card. New immigrants can apply for an SSN by filling out the form, meaning that starting from August 9, 2021, applicants can apply for an SSN concurrently when submitting Form I-485, and the application fee remains the same as before.
USCIS stated that after approving Form I-485, USCIS will typically electronically transmit the data to the SSA. Upon receiving the data, the SSA will automatically assign an original SSN or issue a replacement card based on the circumstances, and applicants will not need to go to the SSA again to complete the related procedures.
According to USCIS data, 576,000 people submit Form I-485 applications each year. It can be said that this reform by USCIS greatly facilitates applicants. USCIS Director Jaddou stated that this expanded cooperation between USCIS and the SSA is one of the ways to make the U.S. immigration system more efficient and save applicants' time.
In fact, since President Biden took office, there has been a continuous push for immigration reform to facilitate the path for many immigrants to come to the United States. Previously, USCIS updated its policy manual, including expedited processing of cases, extending the EAD limit for immigration applicants to two years, issuing requests for additional evidence and notices of intent to deny, etc. Subsequently, USCIS further simplified case processing procedures, reducing Green Card interviews, among other measures. All these actions demonstrate that USCIS is continuously optimizing, improving, and enhancing various immigration services to increase processing efficiency. This also indicates that immigration policies during the Biden administration may become more rational, open, and humane.
Currently, the EB-5 Regional Center Program is still on hold. When and in what manner it will be reauthorized remains to be seen. WorldWay Immigration will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as soon as they become available. For more details, please call the WorldWay Immigration service hotline: Mainland China: 400-138-2929 Hong Kong: (852) 2802 8798.
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