​Important Update: Suspension of Automatic SSN Issuance for Green Card Holders, Work Permit Holders, and New Citizens​

Starting in 2025, a major change in immigration processing is affecting thousands of immigrants each week. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have suspended their coordination under the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program. As a result, immigrants approved for work permits, green cards, and even U.S. citizenship must now apply for or update their Social Security Numbers (SSNs) directly with the SSA, a step that was previously handled automatically in many cases.

This change may seem small on paper, but in practice, it creates new responsibilities, potential delays, and complications for people navigating the immigration system.

What Was the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) Program?

The EBE program allowed immigrants to request a new SSN or update their status with the SSA as part of their immigration application with USCIS. For example:

• Someone applying for a work permit (Form I-765) could check a box requesting a Social Security Number.

• A person applying for permanent residency (green card) through Form I-485 could do the same.

• A new U.S. citizen approved through Form N-400 could have their records automatically updated with the SSA.

In these cases, USCIS and SSA would exchange information behind the scenes, and applicants would either receive their SSN by mail or have their records updated without ever contacting the SSA themselves.

But that convenience has now come to an end.

What Has Changed?

As confirmed by internal SSA and USCIS communications and reported by trusted sources, the SSA has suspended the EBE program “until further notice.” This change appears to have taken effect quietly in early 2025.

This means USCIS is no longer sending data to SSA to request new SSNs or update a person’s citizenship status. Even if an immigrant checks the box on the I-765 or I-485 requesting an SSN, it will no longer be processed automatically.

Who Is Affected?

If you or a loved one has recently been approved for any of the following, this change applies to you:

• A work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD)

• A green card (permanent resident status)

• U.S. citizenship through naturalization

Whether you are getting an SSN for the first time or updating an old one (e.g., changing your status from "non-citizen" to "U.S. citizen"), you will now have to do it in person by visiting your local SSA office.

What You Must Do Now

If you are affected, follow these steps to apply for or update your SSN:

1. Complete Form SS-5

This is the official application for a Social Security card. It can be downloaded from the SSA website

2. Gather Your Documents

Bring original documents that prove:

• Identity (passport, state ID, etc.)

• Immigration status (EAD card, green card, or Certificate of Naturalization)

• Age (birth certificate or passport)

Photocopies are not accepted — only originals or certified copies.

3. Schedule an Appointment

SSA field offices typically require appointments for new SSN applications and updates. Call your local SSA office or use the SSA’s online tools to book.

4. Attend the Appointment

Visit the office, submit your application and documents, and wait for your new SSN card or confirmation of the update. Processing times vary depending on office staffing and backlog.

Why This Matters

This change is more than a bureaucratic shift, it affects real lives.

Without an SSN, immigrants cannot:

• Start a new job

• Pay taxes

• Open bank accounts

• Access certain health benefits or housing

Before this change, many new arrivals or status adjustees never needed to visit SSA, everything happened automatically. Now, they face new hurdles at a time when SSA is understaffed and field offices are already overwhelmed.

Reports suggest 60,000 to 75,000 more people per week may now need to visit SSA offices due to this policy shift. That means longer wait times, more paperwork, and more room for mistakes or delays.

Our Advice: Don’t Wait

If you or a loved one has recently been approved for a work permit, green card, or U.S. citizenship and do not yet have an SSN or need to update SSA records, contact the SSA as soon as possible.

We are monitoring these changes closely and assisting our clients with every step, from documentation to understanding their rights. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. This new policy is frustrating, but with the right guidance, we can help you get through it.