As of June 25, 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began changing the way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued.   This new method is referred to as “randomization,” and it’s supposed to prevent SSA from running out of SSNs in certain states.  Also, as the SSN is increasingly used by public and private entities in conjunction with other tools and processes for identity verification, instances of SSN fraud, misuse, and identity theft are also on the rise. SSN randomization will help protect an individual’s SSN by making it more difficult to reconstruct an SSN using public information.

Evidently the current SSN assignment process limits the number of SSNs that are available for issuance to individuals in each state.  Changing the assignment process will extend the longevity of the 9-digit SSN in all states.

So What has Changed About Social Security Numbers?

When SSN Randomization began, the following changes took effect effect regarding how Social Security Numbers are issued:

• SSA will no longer issue SSN’s based on geography (state and local area);
• SSA will eliminate the significance of the highest group number and will freeze the Highest Group List in time and will use the list to validate SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date;
• Previously unassigned area numbers will be introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999.

What you need to know

If you are using scanning programs that screen for bogus SSNs by applying the former rules of geographical significance, “highest group” listing or formerly unassigned three-number combinations, you would want to inquire if the program has been updated to accommodate the new randomization of assignment of SSNs.  It is also worthwhile to know that SSA has never assigned an SSN

• with the first 3 digits of 000, 666, or 900 series; and
• prior to June 25, 2011, SSN has never assigned an SSN with the first 3 digits of 000, 666, above 772 in the 700 series, 800 series and 900 series.
• SSN has never assigned an SSN with the 2nd digits of 00 or the last 4 digits of 0000.

You can find out more about randomization here For FAQ’s, here and here for an Overview of the SSNVS Verification System.

We have received many emails and telephone calls regarding the new position taken by the CA Board of Nursing that now requires that an RN have a work authorized social security number in order to apply for licensure.

There is a general misunderstanding concerning this issue; namely, there are social security cards that are issued for identification purposes that do not permit work – and there are SS cards that permit work and are annotated with work authorization.

There are 3 types of Social Security Cards:

1) Unrestricted Social Security Card:  If you are a US citizen or a permanent resident, you are permitted to work with any US employer without permission from a government agency.

2) Restricted Card:  This social security card has an annotation: VALID FOR WORK WITH  USCIS AUTHORIZATION.  This type of card is issued to temporary visa holders such as H-1B, TN, E-3 or L-1 who are working for a US sponsoring employer.  Note that H-4 visa holders are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number and cannot be employed, but can hold a driver’s license, open bank account(s) and obtain ITIN (see below) for IRS Tax purposes.

3) A Non-Work Social Security Card: This card has the annotation NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT. This card is issued on a limited basis in certain types of situations such as in order to receive federal, state or locally funded benefits or if a state requires it to receive public assistance.

What is an ITIN number? ITIN numbers are for IRS identification and tax purposes and do not authorize work or provide social security benefits.  For more information:  http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

What is an EIN Number? EIN numbers, also known as FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Numbers) or TIN (Tax Identification Numbers), are issued by the IRS to employers operating in the USA for identification purposes.  In essence, it is the corporate equivalent to a social security number.  It is issued to individual business owners for identification purposes and for paying withholding taxes on their employees.  For more information:  http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html

Applying for Permanent Residency:  If you have a pending permanent residency case (I-485) and are in the USA and have filed and received approval of an I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, you can obtain a social security number for work purposes while you case is pending approval.

Consular Processing your Immigrant Visa:  If you have processed your immigrant visa (green-card) outside the USA at a US Consulate, you are entitled to apply for a work authorized SSN card upon entry to the USA.

If you are a Student: If you are an F-1 student who has completed a course of study, USCIS will grant temporary work authorization or training directly related to your course of study.  Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be authorized pre or post-completion of studies. The on-campus Designated Student Officer (DSO) will assist with the application process.  We link to more information concerning OPT.

How to apply for OPT:  http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/opt.htm Fact Sheet:  http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/061404emp_fs.htm

Other Resources:

►  To locate a Social Security Office in your area

►  Applying for a Driver’s License

►  Student Fact Sheet on Obtaining an SSN

We have recommended that RN licensure be obtained through states that do not require the above SSN Restricted Card requirements such as NV, TX or AZ.  If your job offer is in the state of California, following approval of your immigration case, you will be permitted to endorse your licensure over to CA.  It is important not to let your CA licensure lapse (expire), otherwise you will be required to re-take the NCLEX exam.  Give yourself plenty of time to endorse to another state if CA will not grant an extension of your current licensure.

Should you wish to consult with our office regarding this matter or any other immigration related issues, please contact our office.