DHS Authorization on Social Security Card: What Does It Mean?

People who were not born in the US but who relocate to the United States as permanent residents, as well as those who enter the country temporarily for employment purposes, known as nonimmigrant or temporary workers, may also apply for Social Security cards [1]. 

Just like cards for U.S. citizens, Social Security cards for permanent residents and temporary workers display a name and a unique, nine-digit Social Security number (SSN). But cards issued to people admitted on a temporary basis with work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carry a restriction that reads: “valid for work only with DHS authorization.” [2] 

So, what does DHS authorization to work mean on a Social Security card (SSN card)? Learn how to get work authorization in US, and how to acquire Social Security for work only.

Note: GOV+ is a private company and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any other government agency. GOV+ charges for its own service, which is preparing your Form SS-5 and telling you which documents to bring. The SSA reviews your application and issues your card. 

Which social security cards carry the DHS authorization restriction

The Social Security Administration (SSA) prints this restriction on cards for people lawfully admitted to the US on a temporary basis who have DHS authorization to work. U.S. citizens, including naturalized citizens, and permanent residents receive cards with no work restriction [2]. In fiscal year 2023, the DHS granted an estimated 132 million nonimmigrant (temporary) admissions [3]. Routinely, the people who seek this sort of admission come to the US for one or more of the following reasons:

• Temporary recreational or business visits
• Academic or vocational study
• Temporary employment

Additionally, a person may seek temporary admission if they are a representative of a foreign government or if they represent an international organization.

The “valid for work only with DHS authorization” endorsement is an important addendum to the Social Security cards that temporary workers receive. However, the endorsement itself is not enough to prove to an employer that an individual is legally authorized to work in the United States. To prove employment eligibility, temporary workers will need to furnish a few pieces of support documentation to employers.

What employers need to know about DHS endorsements

As an employer, when a potential hire presents a social security card with the endorsement, “valid for work only with DHS authorization,” it means the card cannot be accepted as proof of work authorization on Form I-9. The employee chooses which other acceptable documents to present [4]. Employers must keep in mind that asking an employee for proof of citizenship or immigration status while verifying work authorization could violate federal anti-discrimination law.

As with your permanent employees, when you hire a temporary worker, they’ll need to fill out Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to verify two important pieces of information:

• Their identity
• Their authorization to work in the US

Form I-9 sorts acceptable documents into three lists. List A documents prove both identity and work authorization, such as an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a Permanent Resident Card, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). List B documents prove identity only, such as a driver’s license or a government-issued ID card. List C documents prove work authorization only, such as a Social Security card without a restriction. A card that reads “valid for work only with DHS authorization” does not qualify under List C [4].

Employees can present either one List A document or one List B document plus one List C document, and the employee chooses which acceptable documents to present. For example, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card is a List A document, so it establishes both identity and work authorization on its own. A Permanent Resident Card is also a List A document [4].

What employees should know about DHS endorsements

If your Social Security card reads “valid for work only with DHS authorization,” you can’t use it for Form I-9. Instead, show your employer other acceptable I-9 documents. You choose which ones to present [4].

Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766). An unexpired EAD is a List A document. It proves both your identity and your work authorization, so you don’t need to show anything else. [4]

Foreign passport with Form I-94. Some nonimmigrants, such as H-1B workers, are authorized to work for a specific employer because of their status. They can use an unexpired foreign passport together with a Form I-94 that matches the name on the passport and shows a current, unexpired status. The job must also fit within any limits or restrictions listed on the I-94. Not every I-94 proves work authorization. For example, a visitor’s I-94 does not. [4]

Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). An unexpired Refugee Travel Document is a List C document. It proves work authorization only, so you must also show a List B document that proves your identity, such as a driver’s license or a state ID card. [4]

Conditional residents with an expired green card. If you filed Form I-751 to remove conditions on your residence, the receipt notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) extends your card’s validity. You can show the expired Permanent Resident Card together with that notice as a List A document, for as long as the notice says the extension lasts. Other I-797 notices don’t work this way. [4]

How temporary workers get a social security card with a DHS restriction

How you get a Social Security card depends on your immigration category, the basis for your work authorization, and whether you need a new Social Security number or an update to your existing SSA record. These situations can overlap. For example, a temporary worker may also be applying to adjust to permanent resident status.

Some workers are authorized to work because of their immigration status. H-1B workers are one example, and they don’t need a separate work permit. Other eligible applicants must first get work authorization from USCIS by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Before you file, check the current USCIS instructions for Form I-765 to see whether it offers a way to request a Social Security card at the same time. [5]

You can also apply for a card directly through the Social Security Administration. Provide the evidence SSA requires for your category, which generally includes proof of identity, age, and immigration status. An EAD is one possible document, depending on your category. If you’re eligible, SSA issues a card with the restriction “valid for work only with DHS authorization.” There’s nothing separate to request. [2]

Social security cards simplified

The Social Security Administration replaces cards at no charge, through a my Social Security account or with Form SS-5 and your original documents. If you’d rather not work through Form SS-5 alone, GOV+ fills it in for you and lists the documents to bring, so you’re less likely to need a second trip. 

If you need to replace your Social Security card, here's how GOV+ can help:

• We prepare your Form SS-5 kit, so you don't have to work through the form on your own.
• Your answers fill in the right fields on Form SS-5, which lowers the chance of mistakes on the form.
• We tell you which identity, age, and citizenship documents SSA asks for in your situation.

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References

1. Study in the States. Obtaining a Social Security Number. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/work/obtaining-a-social-security-number
2. Social Security Administration. Types of Social Security Cards. https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/cards.htm
3. Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Nonimmigrant Admissions: Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Flow Report. https://ohss.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/2024_0906_ohss_nonimmigrant_fy2023_0.pdf
4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Form I-9 Acceptable Documents. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
5. Social Security Administration. Apply for Your Social Security Number While Applying for Your Work Permit and/or Lawful Permanent Residency. https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html