rebs

Nicky, sorry mate but that's not right. L2 Spouse can get an SSN straight away - they don't even need to ever get an EAD if they don't want to.

Spot on about the ITIN for the kids.

N1cky

Apologies, you're correct. We were 'advised' to get EAD before SSN as it was easier that way around.

karem_lore

Easier, or quicker? In our situation we need it quicker rather than easier...

N1cky

Who knows? Everyones experience is different.

I can only speak of my experience which was to file for my EAD, 1 trip to USCIS for my biometrics, 1 trip to SSN office for my number, both times I was in and out of the office within 10 minutes. I had both cards in around 70 days but that was 3 years ago.

Jerseygirl

I got my SSN within a few days of moving to the US 15 yrs ago...so did my then 11 yr old daughter. I'm surprised to read on here that children don't get a SSN.

fashionista

I came to the US on an L2 visa about 12 weeks ago. We got our SSNs within a couple of weeks of arriving. I did not need my SSN for my EAD application. My EAD application was received by USCIS on 19th of April and approved on 25th May, I had my card in my hand by the first week of June.

I would recommend getting your SSN as soon as possible, as everyone (mobile phone companies, cable companies, leasing agents, etc) will want it.

Good luck!

krissyj7

Thanks for this Fashionista! Sounds very positive I hope I get mine that quickly!

Bob

Get the SSN soon as practical yes, but not straight away.

Give it 10 days or you'll potentially delay things for weeks.

karem_lore

Any idea why?

Flabound oneday

you have to give it a week or two so you are 'in the system.
we did this for my wife last December.
SSN first -took a few minutes at the social security office then a week wait.
then EAD by post, too virtually all of the 90 days they quote with one RFE for a copy of marriage license (which we had already sent !).

MRs FB is an RN, she passed the Nclex and agrees it wasnt easy, you then need a state board license . she is now working in a hospice and earning half as much again as she did in the UK

ian-mstm

To ensure you're in the system. If you aren't, SSA has to manually verify that you're eligible for a SSN and that could take several months.

Ian