Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Re: Obtainining restriced social security number

My understanding is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not issue restricted social security numbers. In order to obtain an SSA, your wife will need to show that she is authorized to work in the United States. Otherwise, the SSA recommends that individuals apply for tax identification numbers.

Without knowing what your circumstances are (meaning that I'm sure you are aware of this option but may have your reasons for not having taken this route), if your wife has made a lawful entry to the U.S., she can submit her green card application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). With the green card application, she may submit an application for an employment authorization document (EAD). By regulation, the USCIS is required to adjudicate an application for an EAD within 90 days or issue an interim EAD. If she really needs a social security number and she is not currently in a status that authorizes her to work in the U.S., this may be the fastest way for her to obtain one.