The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues three types of social security cards depending on an individual's citizen or non-citizen status in the US and whether or not a non-US citizen is authorised by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States.
TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
1. The first type of card shows the individual's name and Social Security number only. This is the card most people have and reflects the fact that the holder can work in the U.S. without restriction. This card is issued to:
US Citizens
OR
Non-US citizens who are lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence (green card holders), or who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work permanently in the U.S., such as refugees and asylees.
2. The second type of card bears, in addition to the individual's name and Social Security number, the statement, "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT." This card is issued to non-US citizens who:
don't have DHS permission to work, but are receiving a federally-funded benefit;
OR
are legally in the U.S. and don't have DHS permission to work but, are subject to a state or local law which requires them to provide a SSN to get general assistance benefits.
3. The third type of card bears, in addition to the individual's name and Social Security number, the statement, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION." This card is issued to people who have DHS permission to work temporarily in the U.S.
If you’re a non-US citizen, SSA must verify your documents with DHS before a SSN card is issued. The card should be issued within two days of receiving verification from DHS. If your documents cannot be verified with the DHS online, it may take several weeks or up to three months to respond to Social Security's request.
HOW TO OBTAIN A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
You must complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). To get an application:
Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html, Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security Office.
To get a Social Security card, you must provide original documents that show your age, identity and citizenship or lawful non-citizen status. The Social Security Administration will verify birth documents for U.S. citizens age 1 and older with the office that issued the documents. It will also verify Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents for all non-citizens with DHS. You will get your number and card as soon as have all of your information and your documents are verified.