SSA generally issues unrestricted Social Security cards to U.S. citizens and people lawfully admitted on a permanent basis. If your status changed to one of those categories, you can request an updated record and replacement card. Do not erase or alter the legend on the existing card yourself. [1]
Rules that determine the answer
To change citizenship or immigration information, SSA requires acceptable evidence of identity and the new status under its document rules. The SS-5 instructions explain that documents must support the requested change and establish its basis. Merely renewing a temporary work permit does not necessarily make a person eligible for an unrestricted card. [2]
The three card types serve different purposes: unrestricted, restricted to DHS-authorized work, and not valid for employment. Their legends do not themselves create or extend immigration permission. [1] Likewise, a Social Security record update is different from Form I-9 employment verification. An employer must evaluate permitted I-9 documents under the applicable rules, and a restricted card is not a general substitute for proof of current authorization. Never purchase a replacement through someone promising to remove restrictions without a qualifying status change. Keep copies of the request and any agency response if the database cannot immediately verify the new status. [2]
What to do next
- Confirm that the qualifying status change actually occurred; an I-130 approval or pending I-485 is not permanent residence.
- Start through SSA’s official replacement or record-update process and follow any appointment instructions.
- Provide the required original or issuing-agency-certified identity and status documents rather than ordinary uncertified photocopies.
- Review the replacement card and corrected record, and keep the same Social Security number unless SSA independently authorizes a different action.
Practical example
A person becomes a permanent resident after previously working with an EAD. The person can request an unrestricted replacement card using acceptable proof of permanent residence; simply showing a pending green-card receipt would not establish the same status change.
For related situations, see A-numbers for U.S. citizens and I-9 documents when an ID has expired.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.