At Alvva, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the U.S. immigration system. Many of us are immigrants too, and we know that one of the biggest challenges is understanding the US financial system. That’s why we work with you—so you can live, work, and stay with your family legally and without fear.
As part of filing forms with USCIS, you’ll need two essential documents:
- Your Social Security Statement
- Your IRS tax transcripts
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get them, even if you’ve never created an account before.
If you already have an SSN or ITIN, you’re one step closer. At Alvva, we specialize in helping immigrants like you take the next step toward legal status—clearly, safely, and with real people who understand your journey. Follow these steps and contact us to start your regularization process with the guidance you deserve.
Why are these documents important for your immigration case?
Both the Social Security Statement and IRS transcripts are used to show that you have a work and tax history in the U.S. These documents are required for immigration forms related to
- Adjustment of status (Green Card)
- Citizenship
- Family petitions (Forms I-130, I-485, I-864)
- Permit renewals
Having these documents ready also help prevent delays, errors, or denials caused by missing official information.
| Document | What it shows | Why it’s important |
| Social Security Statement | Years worked and reported earnings | Prove work history to USCIS |
| IRS Transcripts | Tax returns and income sources | Provide financial support in applications |
Step-by-step: How to create your SSA (my Social Security) account
What you need:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security Number (SSN)
- A personal email and phone that receives text messages
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Internet access and a Login.gov or ID.me account
How to register:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click “Create an Account” and choose Login.gov
- Set up your account and verify your identity and phone number
- Log in and click on “Social Security Statement”
- Click “Print / Save as PDF” and save the file
What to check on your Statement:
- Make sure all the years that you have worked in each role are listed correctly
- Confirm that reported earnings match what you earned
- If any years are missing, you can add W-2 or 1099 forms as backup
How to create your IRS account and download tax transcripts
What you need:
- An SSN or ITIN
- A valid government-issued ID
- A phone or app for receiving security codes
- An ID.me account (required by the IRS)
How to register:
- Go to irs.gov/payments/online-account
- Click on “Sign in to Your Online Account”
- Create your ID.me account, verify your identity, and log in
- Go to “Tax Records” > “Get Transcript”
Which transcripts do you need?
- Return Transcript (summary of your filed returns)
- Wage & Income Transcript (earnings by employer)
Download both for the last 3 years, save each file as a PDF, and rename them with your name and the year (e.g., “Maria_Gomez_W2_2022”).
Can’t create your account online?
Setting up your IRS account might seem simple, but not everyone is able to do it online. That’s because the IRS requires identity verification through ID.me, and this step can be tricky for many.
Here are some common reasons why people can’t complete the process online:
- No credit history in the U.S.: ID.me asks security questions based on your financial history. If you’ve never had a credit card or loan, you may not be able to pass this step.
- Unrecognized IDs: Some documents, particularly those issued outside the United States, may not be automatically accepted or verified.
- Phone or address issues: If your phone number or address doesn’t match exactly with official records, the system might block your registration.
- Technical issues with ID.me: Sometimes, the app fails to scan your face or upload your documents correctly.
What can you do instead?
No stress—you can still get your transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. It takes a bit longer, but it’s valid.
At Alvva, we’ll guide you through the process step by step and help you complete and submit the form correctly, so you don’t waste time or risk making mistakes.
Take the first step toward peace of mind
Immigration processes can be confusing, time-consuming, and stressful—but at Alvva, we make it easier for you. Through our platform, we guide you step by step so you can upload all your documents in one place: our Case Center.
Once you upload your files, our legal team reviews everything carefully, makes sure your case is complete and accurate, and then submits it to the government for you. That way, you avoid mistakes, save time, and move forward with confidence.
With Alvva, you’re not alone. We support you every step of the way so you can live in the U.S. legally, safely, and without fear. Contact us now and let’s begin your journey, just like we’ve done for hundreds of families already living their American dream.
