Immigrating to the United States is not a simple process, and all sorts of complications arise if you don't complete every step on the check list. Once you have been approved as a U.S. citizen, you will still need to secure a job, find a home, and work with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that your transition to an American resident runs smoothly. One very important step in the citizenship process is getting a United States social security number. This personalized set of numbers is issued by the United States government. Social security numbers aid the government in keeping track of your financial standings and the benefits you are eligible to receive.

Banks, schools, universities, and other agencies will also use this number to identify you. Oftentimes, to rent an apartment or buy a home you will need to provide the real estate with these ten digits. Only permanent US residents are allowed one of these special numbers. If you are currently trying to obtain your legal residency, you will need to wait for your social security card. Once you are eligible, you will want to get in contact with the Social Security Administration. There are SSA offices scattered all around the United States and there are many ways to find the one closest to you. You may want to ask family or friends if they know of a local office, or call the Social Security Administration hotline. The address of a nearby office is most likely listed in the blue pages of your phone book and it can also be found online.

If you asked for a Social Security number when you applied for an immigrant visa, you may be able to bypass the application process. To skip the paperwork, you must have been 18 or older at the time you applied for your immigrant visa, and must have applied before October 2002. If you meet these qualifications, then the Department of State and Homeland Security already sent your information to the Social Security Administration. The Administration will assign you a number and then mail you your Social card. They will use the same address that you gave the UCIS for your permanent resident card. In most cases, your SSN card will arrive within 3 weeks. If you didn't receive your card, or you made a change of address, then you should notify the SSA promptly.

Some people will need to complete the application process at the SSA in order to receive a number. Anyone who applied for a visa before October 2002, was under 18 when he or she arrived in the US, or did not ask for a social security number when applying for an immigrant visa needs to visit the office for assistance. If you do not speak English, the Social Security office near you can provide an interpreter for you free of charge. Once you have contacted the SSA office nearest your home, a representative will help you apply for your number. You will need to bring a birth certificate, passport, or another document that states your place of birth. You will also want to bring documents that prove your immigration status and your approval to work in the U.S. Often you can provide this information on your permanent resident card or a passport with an immigration stamp. Visa labels are also acceptable.

Once you have completed your application, the government will assign you a SSN and you should receive your card in the mail within three weeks. Sometimes it may take a bit longer if the SSA needs to verify your documents. If months have gone by and you have not received your card, contact the SSA. You want to make sure that the card was not intercepted. When a SSN is stolen it is considered identity theft. Anyone who illegally obtains your card has the ability to assume your identity and use your bank accounts. Make sure to take very good care of your new card so that this does not become an issue in the future.