GarethB789

Hi all

So I've been in the US for nearly 4 weeks now and still haven't received my SSN. I opted to receive the card on the DS-260, however I am led to believe that this system only works half the time.

I went to my local SS office after 10 days and asked whether my number had to generated and whether I could possibly have it. I was told that I was not on the system yet and in any case they could not give out first time SS number's over the counter as policy has recently changed. She told me my only option was to wait 28 days and if it still has not arrived to go back and start the process from scratch. She said this would take another 4-8 weeks.

I'm torn between waiting and hoping the POE officer at LAX did his bit when I arrived or just starting the process from scratch. Has anyone here had a similar experience? It is normal to wait 4 weeks after entry to receive the card? I'm desperate to get hold of my number because I can't really do much without it. I'm bored - thank god for the world cup!

Thanks guys

JAJ

Try a different Social Security office.

And, by the way, you can seek employment without a Social Security Number. Your foreign passport + Immigrant Visa is enough. See the requirements to fill an I-9 at http://www.uscis.gov

GarethB789

Thanks very much for your reply. I will see what other office's are nearby.

Yes, I did hear that you can become employed with just the visa and I have been looking but the main thing I want to get sorted for now is driving. I can't get a learners permit without one. Living in OC California I'm literally housebound without a car!

Cheers

ian-mstm

You can drive on your UK license for a while.

Ian

GarethB789

That would be ideal but I don't have a UK licence. I lived in central London all my life and have never needed to drive... until now.

ian-mstm

Ah... well then, never mind!

Ian

dragon4609

I have just arrived on a K1 visa. I don't remember filling in any information regarding my SSN. I guess I will just go to the local office after about 10 days and see what happens.

Noorah101

K-1 applicants can't request a SSN in advance, that's only for immigrant visas.

Yes, you will have to go apply in person, about 10 days after arrival in the USA.

Rene

GarethB789

So I called the SSA yesterday to tell them it has been over 4 weeks since I have arrived and still no SSN. I asked whether I should just cut my loses and go and apply at my local office and the representative on the phone advised no because it can apparently take up to 8 weeks and if it is being processed and I apply for one this might complicate things with duplication etc.

Does this sound right to you guys? Has anyone received their SSN after 4 weeks of entry?

Thanks guys

civilservant

Ignore them and go and file for one.

dragon4609

I am confused. Do I need to fill out any forms to get my SSN?

The information suggests that if your on a K1 visa you just turn up at the local office after 10 days of arriving and you will be on the system. Do they then give you the card or just the number?

ian-mstm

If you enter on a K-1 visa, yes... form SS-5.


Not the SSA system specifically... but the SAVE system. If you're in SAVE when SSA checks, your SS-5 will be processed and your SS card will show up in the mail a week or so later. If you're not in SAVE when they check, then they'll need to manually verify your eligibility status - and that could take 8-10 weeks.

Ian

dragon4609

Cheers.

I guess If I am not in the SAVE system. I should maybe wait another 10 before trying again?

ian-mstm

Yes - that'd be another option for you! Make sure you ask them not to verify your eligibility (because you might not be able to stop it, once it starts)... and simply return after another 10 days has passed.

Ian