Question about Green card and social security
Jan 7th 2018, 2:29 pm
#1
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Joined: Jun 2017
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Question about Green card and social security
We are moving in two weeks and it has just dawned on me that I haven't read or seen it mentioned about when the social security numbers are given. Maybe I missed something but do they arrive when the permanent green card is sent? I am the us citizen and my husband has the visa. He will need a social security number to work I'm guessing. The last time I saw it mentioned was during the online visa application and it asked do you want or need a social security number or something like that.
Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance.
Jan 7th 2018, 2:46 pm
#2
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Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Question about Green card and social security
If he checked the box to issue a SSN, then the SS card should automatically come in the mail within a month or so after his arrival in the USA.
That doesn't always happen though, so if it doesn't arrive, he needs to go apply for the SSN in person.
He doesn't need a SSN to start working.
Rene
That doesn't always happen though, so if it doesn't arrive, he needs to go apply for the SSN in person.
He doesn't need a SSN to start working.
Rene
Jan 7th 2018, 3:53 pm
#3
Often not so civil...
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: The Boonies, GA
Posts: 9,561
Re: Question about Green card and social security
Don't bank on it being done. Give it 2 weeks and then he should head down to the SS Office with his passport an the I551 stamp.
Jan 7th 2018, 7:38 pm
#4
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Re: Question about Green card and social security
Thank you both so much for your help. 
Jan 8th 2018, 12:01 am
#5
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Re: Question about Green card and social security
I imagine there are a number of variables including the efficiency of the port of entry your husband arrives at, whether CBP do their paperwork promptly etc. But having myself arrived at JFK on an IR-1 a month ago, it took just two weeks for the social security card to be mailed out to me, so they can be quite speedy when they want to be! I checked the box requesting assignation of a social security number on my DS-260 form when applying through the embassy. If your husband did not check the box he will need to pay a visit to the local social security office with his passport and stamped visa (temporary I-551) as Noorah and civilservant indicated.
Good luck with the move!
Good luck with the move!
Jan 8th 2018, 12:12 am
#6
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 46
Re: Question about Green card and social security
I imagine there are a number of variables including the efficiency of the port of entry your husband arrives at, whether CBP do their paperwork promptly etc. But having myself arrived at JFK on an IR-1 a month ago, it took just two weeks for the social security card to be mailed out to me, so they can be quite speedy when they want to be! I checked the box requesting assignation of a social security number on my DS-260 form when applying through the embassy. If your husband did not check the box he will need to pay a visit to the local social security office with his passport and stamped visa (temporary I-551) as Noorah and civilservant indicated.
Good luck with the move!
Good luck with the move!
Jan 8th 2018, 1:45 am
#7
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Posts: 27
Re: Question about Green card and social security
No worries! Again I was fortunate with the timings re. the physical green card - it was mailed out just 24 days after my arrival in New York, and anecdotally it seems as though several others have been receiving their cards within a similar timeframe, so here's hoping that things are just as speedy for you and your husband in a couple of weeks' time!
