On October 2, 2017, USCIS announced that it has created an updated version of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). With the updated I-765 form, applicants who qualify for an employment authorization document (EAD) may simultaneously apply for work authorization and request the issuance or reissuance of a social security card on the same form. Previously, applicants receiving employment authorization documents had to wait for issuance of the EAD and then make a separate trip to apply for a social security number at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Based upon USCIS's new information-sharing partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA), USCIS will, upon the applicant's request, transmit data collected to the SSA for processing of the social security card request. This measure is expected to speed up issuance of social security numbers to qualifying individuals.

The new form must be used for applications filed on or after December 4, 2017.