RayM

Just checked the USCIS website and can see that my petition has been approved. I'll be working in Missouri, probably out east of Kansas City and planning on moving out around 21st Sept to start work on Oct 1st.
I'm just planning my next steps. I know I have to go through the interview at the US Embassy, should I apply for my interview now or wait until nearer Sept? I know I need a SSN, can I do anything to speed up getting one. I'll be travelling to the US under the VWP so I'm wondering if I can apply for a SSN number on one of my trips.
Is there anything else I can get prepared in advance to make settling easier?

Paul S

I would get to the embassy (or at least make the appointment) as soon as you get the 797 paperwork (my H1B renewal is coming up and i can't recall, but I think you can't make the appointment until you get the documents).

Not certain about getting the SSN on VWP. My guess is you'll have to wait until after the first time you enter on the H1B, and even then its a good few days after you enter before you'll show on the system (mine took about 3-4 weeks after I got here, with photocopies of passports/visa's flying between the social office and immigration)

Noorah101

No.

No.

Rene

Bob

Check out apartments, open bank accounts, possibly apply for credit cards, certainly if you have a AmEx card to do a transfer for a US card.

Depending on the state, you probably can't get a drivers license on the VWP and without a SSN.

Eric S

And you may not be able to open a bank account without an SSN either. Check with the bank.

- Eric S.

RayM

I opened a US bank account back in January. A SSN isn't needed for that. I'm just negotiating the purchase of a home so that should be sorted in the next few weeks.
From other posts it looks like I can't apply for my interview at the US Embassy until July 1st (ie 3 months before I can start work- Oct 1st).
The SSN seems to be the key to my next steps. I need that before I can take my driving test. I know I can drive on my UK license for a while but I'm not sure if I can buy a car without a SSN. Does anyone know if you can purchase a car in Missouri without a SSN.

Fred16

Here are some of the issues I had without SSN
Could not finance a car
Could not get car insurance
Could not get tv/elec/gas/phone/internet/without 2-3month deposits
Was almost 6 months before cell on contract
First month pay at crazy tax rate=pasta and sauce for dinner every day for a month....lol
Yet a renting a home which was biggest expense was easy...
This was TX

Bob

That is all down to having no US credit history rather than not having a SSN.

RayM

I don't have issues over a lack of credit history, fortunately I have enough cash for everything I need including purchasing a car. I just want to know if I can buy a car without a SSN. Anyone know the position on this in MO?

Ray

if you have money you can buy anything
its the insurance you need to drive it off the car lot
that is often a problem ... try progressive

meauxna

Non immigration questions like this will get a better response in the USA forum.

Orangepants

No amount of money helped me when I bought a car in the US when I was living elsewhere. I bought the car no problem but my OH had to register and insure it.