Originally Posted by ian-mstm

Life in the US begins with getting a Social Security number, so that's the first thing you want to get sorted. You should wait about 10 days after entry and then go to your local SSA office and apply using form SS-5. You need to wait those 10 days to be sure your immigration details show up in the SAVE database. If you go too early, they'll have to do a manual check and that could take 8-10 weeks to process.

Once you have a SS# you can get a driver's license, and from then on... whatever else you need. You can open a bank account without a SS#, but if it's a small bank you might run into problems unless you have one.

Ian

Originally Posted by doconthemove

Certainly not the case. I went to the SS Office less than 24 hours after entering the country. Was processed no questions asked. Others seem to report the same thing. The ten day rule likely dates back to a non-electronic era!

Originally Posted by doconthemove

Certainly not the case. I went to the SS Office less than 24 hours after entering the country. Was processed no questions asked. Others seem to report the same thing. The ten day rule likely dates back to a non-electronic era!

Originally Posted by loubiblu

Purely anecdotal, we arrived with another family. Family A (us) waited 12 days to go to the SS office. Our cards arrived this morning (4 working days turn around). Family B went the day after we all arrived. They haven't had anything yet - it's been over 2 weeks for them. Same office and same POE btw

Originally Posted by daccs

I'm on day 1 right now! Flew into Atlanta yesterday. Picking up phones today, car is on lease order with IAG cant pick that up until I have a driver license, looking at houses tomorrow. The SSN to wait or not to wait is the killer question!

Got 2 kids as well so think we will try and relax a bit today. Yesterday was mental.

Originally Posted by kodokan

When hubby took his driving test in a rental car, he had to produce proof of insurance, so make sure you have something. Most places will require it to test.

And welcome!