Social security number
 

Hey everyone!

I’ve been in the states for two weeks now and it’s goiny okay (stressful looking for a apt and brokers here are very manipulative lol).

I haven’t received my social yet and I’m due to start work on the 1st of December - did anyone receive there’s in the post or did they end up having to go to the SS office? I ticked the box on my DS260 however I’ve heard sometimes they never arrive lol.

Re: Social security number
 

I'd drop by an SS office. They may well be able to tell it to you if it has been assigned. Take your passport.

Re: Social security number
 

Mine arrived 3 weeks after arrival.

However, I started work without it. All it meant was that I couldn't be processed by payroll. As soon as the SSN arrived, payroll file was updated and I received the back pay.

Re: Social security number
 

As Tom said, you may just have to go down there.


They'll at least be able to give you some sort of update no matter how vague it will be.

Re: Social security number
 

I have a similar dilemma to viitav (congratulations on your arrival in the US by the way, and thanks for opening this thread).

I am about to make my initial IR-1 "port of entry" trip to the US specifically to activate my permanent resident visa and get the green card, but will only be in New York for a week before heading home to finalise moving and then embarking on three months' travel in Asia. The reason for going now is 1) to see my wife's family ahead of Christmas, and 2) I need my social security number as I'm applying to grad schools in America and will be applying for federal loans.

Recently, though, I have read cases where despite checking the box on the DS-260, the social security number is not generated for some reason, which (if it happens to me) would invalidate half the reason for this particular trip.

Is it worth visiting a Social Security office in New York City with freshly-stamped I-551 in hand just to make sure? Is it even possible for me to do this, given that my initial place of residence in the US will be in Texas, not New York?

Really hoping to avoid having to make a second whistle-stop trip to the US to get my social security number generated prior to actually moving, having been led to believe throughout the whole application process that it was automatic!

Re: Social security number
 

I posted on this the other week. I went to the SSO 4 days after entering. I am sure I ticked the box on the DS-260. They would not even look on their system until i've been in 3 weeks. I even spoke to two agents. My wife changed her name just over a week ago and her new SSN card has arrived.

Does anyone know if they will give you your number when you are physically there ?

Re: Social security number
 

I don't know if they can physically hand you a number or give it to you in other way other than mail.


Someone else will probably be able to confirm or deny that but I thought due to security reasons etc etc that was the only way you would be able to receive one.

Re: Social security number
 

Just posting to claim that I'm in the same boat. Entered 02 November, waiting for SSN.

I'm going to wait the full three weeks before going to the local SSA office. It's tempting to go before that, but I don't want to screw anything up -- I've read experiences where submitting a second application while awaiting the DS-260-initiated one can slow down the process even more.

Just trying to be patient :)

Re: Social security number
 

I don't know that the process for getting your SSN has changed from when I arrived back in 2000.

Was told then to pop down to the SS Office about 7 to 10 days after your arrival to check what was going on - and expect your docs to arrive anytime up to three weeks after at your US address.

Mine arrived in the mail about 14 days after my arrival.

Looks like the same system is in place as per the following thread.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/marri...ber-ok-903866/

Re: Social security number
 

Yeah, I went about 10 days in and had no issues.

Re: Social security number
 

Just a quick update - I'm now 20 days in (3 weeks is tomorrow, Thanksgiving) and still no SSN in the mail. :(

On Friday I'm going down to the local SSA with passport in hand.

Re: Social security number
 

Not to sound patronizing but have you checked to see if they'll be open?

Federal offices like to have days off on or around holidays!

Re: Social security number
 

They are closed.

https://www.ssa.gov/agency/holidays.html

Re: Social security number
 

Not patronising at all, thanks for letting me know, chaps! I'll head in on Monday instead. :huh:

Re: Social security number
 

I’m doing exactly the same thing today. Heading to my local directly from Newark. Fingers crossed I’m on the system. Need to buy some wheels 😀