The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulates the granting of work authorization documents to foreign nationals seeking employment in the United States. As of October 2, 2017, the USCIS has enacted a joint effort with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help foreign workers obtain Social Security numbers in a faster and easier process. Our firm helps clients understand their options concerning employment visas and other documents related to U.S. employment. This new initiative will benefit many foreign nationals and provide a simplified process that will help companies obtain Social Security numbers for prospective employees.
Here’s what you need to know:
What the New Form Means for Foreign Nationals
The new form comes through the combined endeavors of the USCIS and the SSA. Foreign nationals in certain categories who want to work in the United States have to obtain both an employment authorization document (EAD), as well as a Social Security number (SSN). Formerly, the law required them to file 2 separate forms, as well as make an in-person appearance at a Social Security office.
Now, however, foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. can simply fill out one form. This form includes additional questions that will provide information directly to the Social Security Administration. With this new form, workers do not need to make an in-person visit to their local Social Security office in order to obtain an SSN. They can simply file a single document to get both their EAD and SSN.
How to File the New Form
Foreign nationals who are eligible for employment in the U.S. will be able to obtain an EAD and SSN through the new USCIS form. This document, Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, has been updated with the new changes to allow prospective workers to apply for a SSN at the same time as their EAD. In order to properly file the document, a worker must include his or her full name, mailing address in the U.S., eligibility category, and date of birth. Applicants must also sign the form. If the form is not signed, it will be rejected and returned.
There is a $410 fee for filing the Form I-765. However, workers who are filing in certain categories may also have to file an $85 fee for biometric services in addition to the filing fee. This is required if a worker is a beneficiary of an employment-based immigration petition, is facing unique and compelling circumstances, is a spouse or unmarried dependent child of a beneficiary of an employment-based immigration petition, or is asking for consideration in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Once the EAD is received, the applicant should receive their SSN automatically within 2 weeks.
Call Our Dallas Immigration Lawyers for More Information at (844) 299-5003
At Akula & Associates P.C., we have guided numerous companies through the process of obtaining EADs and SSNs for their employees and staff. Whether you are a start-up business or a fortune 500 company, our firm can provide diligent and informative services. We have a thorough knowledge of federal and state immigration laws and can work hard to help you seek a beneficial outcome.
Contact us today to discuss your case with one of our passionate immigration attorneys.