SS number for new U.S. Immigrant

To apply for a Social Security number and card:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
• Show us original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency proving:
  • U.S. citizenship or immigration status [including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the United States];
  • Age; and
  • Identity.

Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Citizenship or immigration status: We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your:

• Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
• I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
• Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html