RayM

I've read a few posts on SSN and just want to check I understand them.
I'm moving to the US on Sept 23rd (H1b valid from Oct 1st). From what I've read it sounds like I should wait 10 days before heading to the SSC with my completed SS-5 and id. If I go before 10 days they may not "have me in their system" ? If I'm not in the system and apply for a SSN it could take longer?
Does that all sound correct? If it is then it sounds like it takes at least 3 weeks to get an SSN?

ian-mstm

Sometimes, even if you go after 10 days you still won't be in the system... but that's only sometimes.


Yes - probably 4-10 weeks while they manually verify your status.


Yes.


To get the card, yes... but not necessarily to get the #. If you're in the system, you can probably find out your SS# a few days after you submit your application - of course, you'll need to go back to the SSA office to find out and get it.

Ian

Paul S

Happened to me. Think it took about 6-7 weeks in total from arriving to getting the SSN

RayM

Thanks guys. I hope it's not 6/7 weeks. I want to get my driver's license.

TimNiceBut

If he's in the system and goes to the SSA office to apply for an SSN, he can pick up an official letter confirming the SSN within 24h - that's what I did.

Basically the numbers get assigned by an overnight batch run so they will have been assigned the (weekday) morning after the application. The letter is/has to be accepted by the employer as proof of SSN, which is kinda handy as they can't pay him without one.

Bob

They can....the employer has got 90 days to get a SSN...it just means they'll take maximum taxes that they can till it's sorted.

TimNiceBut

That's interesting, because I was told by the people at the SSA office that I couldn't get paid until I had my SSN. You'd hope they would know, but I've hoped wrong before .

Bob

Aye, though to be fair, most payroll folks are lazy and tell you the same so they don't have to do any work

GeoffM

While we're on the subject, if you tick the appropriate boxes on the DS230 to get a SSN, is it still 10 days? But with the exception that I don't have to do any more beyond the DS230 to request it? (different immigrant status to OP, I know)

TimNiceBut

Still ten days - it was 10 days when I got here last year on an IR-1.

fromthemanorborn

I got my license without an SSN. There is a downloadable form on the DMV site which is basically an affidavit saying you have never been issued a number. Just got that notarized by a lady at my bank. Of course, as per usual, this may vary state to state.

GeoffM

Ok, thanks.

Bob

Yes, it does vary by state.

Also, usually if you are eligible for a SSN, you have to get it, so that form wouldn't be much use for many states unless they were here on H4's etc.

fromthemanorborn

I was/am eligible but couldn't be arsed to wait for the SSA/USCIS to get their shit together. When I went to the SSA office in person (after about 2 weeks) they couldn't tell me the number so I took that to mean none had been issued.
I don't think it's a big deal to them as long as they have proof of your identity, immigration status and proof of state residency. Those are the biggies. In the space on my license for SSN it says "NONE PROVIDED".
I just thought it might be a route for the OP to take to expedite the getting of a license should his number not come through in a reasonably timely manner.
BTW - I was not being impatient, it took 2 months for my number to come through.

Kats.

I was told to wait 10 working days after arriving in the US to apply for SSN. I got my SSN in the mail a week and a half after applying for it (this was last month).