New cooperation between USCIS and the SSA: Form I-765 update

Earlier this week, USCIS announced the agency was engaging in a new information-sharing partnership with the Social Security Administration ("SSA"). As a result of this collaboration, foreign nationals in certain non-immigrant statuses may request issuance of a social security number ("SSN") as part of their applications for work authorization via Form I-765.  Previously, applicants needed to submit documentation and their Form I-765 for USCIS to produce an Employment Authorization Document ("EAD"), and then they would separately have to provide documentation in-person at their local SSA office to obtain an SSN.

The new version of the Form I-765, bearing an edition date of 07/17/17, includes the question "Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security Card?" and an additional box to check for consent to disclosure of information to the SSA for assigning an SSN and issuing a card.  Between now and December 3, 2017, USCIS is accepting this new version of the form and will also continue to accept the prior version of the form with the edition date 01/17/17.  On December 4, 2017, USCIS will only accept the most up-to-date version.