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Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Old Oct 30th 2014, 8:23 am
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Default Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Question is in the title really,

Moving in January, visiting in December. Would be a lot easier if I applied for my SSN during my trip in December (when I will have my visa) so that I have it when I land in Jan.

Do I need a US address to get my SSN??

Thanks
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 11:28 am
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Someone suggested to me that you could use your work address to begin with if you're in temporary accommodation? Seems to make sense that you could do the same?
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 12:42 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

To be allowed to work, you have to enter with your working visa, not using the VWP.

ID requirements are here. I don't see anything requiring proof of address.
Learn what documents you need to get a Social Security Card
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 2:07 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Canveydave
Question is in the title really,

Moving in January, visiting in December. Would be a lot easier if I applied for my SSN during my trip in December (when I will have my visa) so that I have it when I land in Jan.

Do I need a US address to get my SSN??

Thanks
When you visit in December, are you going to be using the VWP? If so, then no, you can't get a SSN on that trip.

You can't get a SSN until you enter the USA using your work visa.

Rene
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 2:21 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

From my recent application, I only provided a temporary address which was then used for them to send me my card. No proof that I lived there was needed, so your work address should be OK. Mine was sent to the hotel we were staying in as we were there for a month.
I have now moved to my permanent address and tried to change address with the SS office. I was told that it was not needed as long as I wasn't claiming benefits then they didn't really care where I lived. (not the exact words used, but pretty much the meaning)

You will need to have entered using your work visa as you also need to provide the I-94 printout.
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 2:36 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Noorah101
When you visit in December, are you going to be using the VWP? If so, then no, you can't get a SSN on that trip.

You can't get a SSN until you enter the USA using your work visa.

Rene
This is a whole other question. I have no idea what I should be using to enter the US when I come in December.

I will be visiting the office but it would be a stretch to say I was working
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 3:56 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Canveydave
This is a whole other question. I have no idea what I should be using to enter the US when I come in December.

I will be visiting the office but it would be a stretch to say I was working
In your first post you mention you will visit in December on your visa!!!!

What type of visa?
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 3:59 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Amie06
In your first post you mention you will visit in December on your visa!!!!

What type of visa?
At no point did I say I would visit on my visa, what I said was I would have my visa. I did not say I would use it.

I believe I cannot use the visa until 10 days before I start work, although someone may well correct me.

I am on an E2 Treaty Investor visa, not a standard E2 (by a pool cleaning business, put up $200k), but an employer sponsored E2.
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 7:41 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

The way it sounds to me is that you'll be using the VWP for your upcoming visit (since you won't be starting work at that time), so you can't apply for your SSN on that trip.

On the next trip, you will be entering the USA using the E2 visa and will start working. You can apply for your SSN after that arrival.

Rene
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 10:06 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Canveydave
I am on an E2 Treaty Investor visa, not a standard E2 (by a pool cleaning business, put up $200k), but an employer sponsored E2.
How it works for people in a non-immigrant category is that when you enter, CBP enter you into DHS SAVE and then the Social Security Administration know they can issue you with an SSN number, and then you apply for one on an SS-5 at the SSA office. So basically yes, it has to go to a US address.

Can be a bit awkward if the employer uses E-verify, as there can be a gap of a week or so before you can get the number, but they have to check within three days of hiring you, iirc. But it's not a monumental problem, there is an option in E-verify that says the employer "exercises their legal right" to hire you, i.e. they know you're allowed to work and they think E-verify is wrong.

US citizens and I think LPRs can get an SSN by filing for one at the nearest US consulate or embassy.
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 10:55 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Canveydave
Question is in the title really,

Moving in January, visiting in December. Would be a lot easier if I applied for my SSN during my trip in December (when I will have my visa) so that I have it when I land in Jan.

Do I need a US address to get my SSN??

Thanks
Yes. They will mail it to you, so you need a US address. Whether you live there or not is another question.
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 11:12 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

You also want to be mailing it somewhere safe, the number you are assigned is yours for life and is one of the most important documents you'll get. You don't want anyone else getting their hands on the card/number.
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Old Oct 30th 2014, 11:32 pm
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

But unfortunately it's not a crime if someone else does steal and use it. Funny that...
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Old Oct 31st 2014, 1:13 am
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

I strongly suspect if you're entering the U.S. when you have a visa, you're using the visa. Or a nice man (or woman) at your arrival airport will want to know why a few seconds after scanning your passport.
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Old Oct 31st 2014, 1:31 am
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Default Re: Do I need a US address to get a Social Security Number

Originally Posted by Alan17
I strongly suspect if you're entering the U.S. when you have a visa, you're using the visa. Or a nice man (or woman) at your arrival airport will want to know why a few seconds after scanning your passport.
No - I've once told the officer I wanted to enter on VWP, even when I had the L1 visa in my passport, and he didn't even blink or ask why.
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