Hi,

We've been here a week, having moved from the UK on L1 and L2 visas.

We haven't had our SSN through yet..we think my husband's company are sorting them. Now we're wondering whether we should be doing something.

It's causing us issues with getting a new car etc.

Any advice?

Thanks 😀

You need to go to the nearest SS office and register for a SS #. That should have been top of your to do list. You can hardly move in the US without a SS #.

Ok thanks. We need to check in with the company as we were told they're sorting it.

they can't do this for you. You have to go personally.

Ok thanks..we'll be off there tomorrow then!

Not sure where you are but there is an office on Rt 10 Parsippany.

Thanks. We're staying in Union at the moment but will be living in Maplewood.

You're in luck...

855 Lehigh Ave, Union, NJ 07083,
+1 800-772-1213

Oh thanks so much!

Quote from the attached Social Security official document

"We recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number to make it easier for us to verify your DHS documents online, which will speed processing of your Social Security number application."

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

Ignore this makes no difference in my experience

Ok thanks.

The problem is that if they can't verify you online because the immigration SAVE database doesn't have your details yet (which is what the 10 working days rule-of-thumb is supposed to allow time for), then they have to do a manual verification which will take around 6-8 *weeks* to complete.

It might be worth going into the SSA office and ask them if they can verify you on SAVE before you actually file the SS-5 applications with them. THat way if they can't verify you, you can wait another week and try again. However, bureaucratic flexibility is not something the US is known for, so don't be surprised if they say you have to hand over the SS-5s before they'll do anything.

If you're on an L-2 make sure you take your marriage certificate with you because they ask to see it, even though there's no mention of it anywhere on the website.

Ok thanks for the advice.
Should I print and fill in the forms before I go to the office or do I have to do them there?

Will I need a form for all 5 of us (3 kids)?