SSN Question
 

Quick SSN question

I'm moving to the US on an L1 visa and need to get my SSN as soon as possible.

Visa was granted last month and I entered the US for the first time two weeks ago using the L1, I was only there for a week house hunting.

I'll be going back again next week and was hoping that I will be able to immediately go and get my SSN....does anyone know if this is possible, or will I have to wait another week to 10 days to show up in the system, or will my first entry activate that?

Thanks

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

You should be "in the system" from your first entry so you should be able to go down to your local social security office and apply for an SSN as soon as you return to the US.

Re: SSN Question
 

great...that's what I was hoping, thanks for the quick response :fingerscrossed:

Re: SSN Question
 

I got my SSN on the second day we arrived. We weren't actually in the 'system' but that didn't seem to be an issue.

Rob

Re: SSN Question
 

Unfortunately, that may not be how it works. We had the same experience - came to the US in March for 10 days, then went home for a few weeks to wrap things up. Arrived here are the end of April and went to the Social Security Office on our 3rd day with the same expectation, only to be told that we weren't in the system as the clock was reset when we left the country. I couldn't really see how that would work :confused:, but our SSNs only arrived today (21 days later).

Hope yours comes quicker though!!

Re: SSN Question
 

Not sure I agree with previous posters. Conventional wisdom was that if you turned up at SSA too early and SSA elected to do a manual check, this would actually slow down your application. Advice was therefore to wait at least 10 days before applying.

Re: SSN Question
 

Welcome to the OP!

I had same situation and question as OP IanH88.

When I left the US after having entered on my brand new L1 and staying for 11 days, went home for 2 weeks to pack up house etc. On coming back I went to SSA office after 5 days - and was told it would take minimum 10 days from most recent entry as the clock was reset when I left the last time.

That said, the SSA Office were very helpful, courteous and quick - I picked up a letter from their office after about 10 days which was official notification of my SSN, and I had the actual SSN card about 3 days after that - no particular problems as a result - I already had bank and credit card accounts set up - typically larger institutions want your SSN within 90 days of starting an account - otherwise account features or access may get restricted - especially accounts that involve receiving interest as this has tax implications (you might have to declare interest received on your tax return).

Cheers

HTS

Re: SSN Question
 

So, ideally, when Mr. Deeks arrives in a few weeks and passes through airport customs he will receive his SS card/number in the mail just a few days later? Let's hope for the best. :-)

Re: SSN Question
 

No, it won't be within a few days, unless you define 30 as a few. :)

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Immigrant_Visa_Arrival

Re: SSN Question
 

Is it possible for me to leave US while my SSA application is in progress? Can I enter and stay in US for a (one) week, apply for my SSA during that week, fly back home to pack, fly back into US after a month, and voila, SSA in mailbox? Thanks.

Re: SSN Question
 

I should've known it wouldn't be that easy. :o
So... is it a good idea or not to take him to the SS office when he gets here? Will that speed up the process or slow it down?

Re: SSN Question
 

SSA is notified of arrivals, after about a 10 day delay, but not subsequent departures. 10 days after first arrival, you should be good to get a SSN.

Re: SSN Question
 

The last page of DS-230 gives him an option to apply for the SSN. If he did it on there, the card is mailed to him automatically within about 3 weeks. See the Immigrant Visa Arrival wiki article.

If he did not apply on DS-230, he should wait 10 days from arrival before applying for an SSN.

If he did apply on the visa form, he should not go reapply at the office after arriving.

Re: SSN Question
 

Thank you!! :) Yes, he did "tick that box" so we'll just wait for the postman to deliver it.

Re: SSN Question
 

Yes.


In a perfect world, yes. But, regardless, you are allowed to leave the US while your SSA application is being processed.

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

It depends.

If you apply to early, and kick your case into 'manual verification' it can take weeks longer, so your card wouldn't necessarily be there when you return.

Re: SSN Question
 

I am doing exactly this at the moment.... I went to the SS office the day that I arrived on an E3 (like an H1-B for australians), and was told I needed to wait 10 days before applying for the SSN, and that applying earlier would cause the application to take longer.

The next day I went to a different office and they accepted my application (1 day after arriving). I am having it sent to the home of a secretary here where I will be working, and am flying back home for 3 weeks in the meantime.

I will let you know how it goes!!!

Re: SSN Question
 

Of course they accepted your application. That's not the same thing as you actually getting a SS# in a timely manner. If you're not yet in the SAVE system, they have to manually verify everything with US immigration.

Most likely, it would have been quicker had you actually waited the 10 days... because a manual check is going to take up to 8 weeks or more.

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

Hmmm.... that is potentially a big problem as I need the SSN to get a medical license. There is not alot I can do now though is there? Do you think staying around make any difference?

Re: SSN Question
 

Similar situation here. Moving to Minnesota at the end of January but was in San Diego for a few days at the start of December, so I thought I would be ‘smart’ and apply in San Diego to get the ball rolling, while I went back to the UK.

I think I have ended up in the manual verification death spiral, as I constantly phone up to be told Homeland security are still checking, so I guess sometimes it is not good to be too efficient !

I am now back in the UK and will see what happens when I go back 'properly' in a couple of weeks.

Of note, during one of my phone calls, the girl at the San Diego office asked if I could come into the office; didn’t know if to laugh or cry. Even if I was back in the US, I would be over 1000 miles away in MN, so, no, I can't come to the office !!

Any advice welcomed !:confused:

Re: SSN Question
 

Hmmm.... I am not sure this will help Victorinox but her experience worries me! The manual verification process is supposed to take 30 days, and with Christmas perhaps the timing so far is about right?

Anyway I went back to the Social Security office today (3 days after entry) and the plot thickens.

The (very nice) lady there has not put me into 'manual verification', rather she is checking 'DHS online' each day to see if my details have been entered. She even offered to ring my work with the SSN once it is through.

I assume what they check on 'DHS online' is that my I-94 matches the visa I came in on. If there is any problem with this check, you go to manual verification.

However.... first SS office that I went to told me that DHS officers were required by law to not enter the I-94 data into 'DHS online' until 10 days were up. Does anyone know why this is?

My worry is can I leave now before I have DHS online clearance? My wife is heavily pregnant so I want to go home...

When I exit, while they don't check your passport they do take your I-94, and the airplane passenger list is sent to DHS. So they will know that I exited.... will this stop them entering me to DHS online?

I guess it comes down to the purpose of the 10 day delay. If it is to stop you exiting quickly, then I guess I will be caught out. If it is just an administrative thing, then as my original I-94 will match my visa I should be cleared on DHS online with no problem...

My other idea was to give the airline my second passport details (I have dual citizenship) and exit on that, then when I come back in 4 weeks just explain to customs that I forgot to hand in my I-94. Or exit by road via Canada.... but now I think it is getting ridiculous!

Re: SSN Question
 

Minor point, but Victorinox is a 'he':)

Re: SSN Question
 

Sorry!

By the way, when you applied initially did they ask about applying within the 10 day window? Do you think they put you straight into manual verification?

Re: SSN Question
 

My pure guess is that it's a batch job processed every week on an ancient mainframe.

Re: SSN Question
 

Nope!


If your identity has to be manually verified, there's nothing you can do to speed it up... it'll take as long as it takes. The alternative is to wait until the 10-day mark and reapply, but then you risk ending up having two applications in the system and (worse) two SS numbers... and that's an even bigger headache to sort out.

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

Hi Ian - did you see my new post? Your opinion would be very much appreciated...

Re: SSN Question
 

No, that didnt really come up. I just went into the office and it all went surprisingly smoothly.

We have all heard horror stories about US bureaucracy and the kind of characters that hang out in SSA offices but the San Diego office was clean, quiet and very efficient. I was having my formal interview within 5 minutes of walking in.

No mention was made of the 10 day period. I had heard about it previously but I gambled that as I was not going to be returning to the US for about 6 weeks, even if it took a bit of extra time, it wouldnt really matter. I hope that still turns out to be the case.

Re: SSN Question
 

Yes! :)


I've no idea whether or not this is true... but I seriously doubt it's the truth. By the way, government employees are allowed to lie to you - since they can not be held responsible for anything they say.


You don't need to remain in the US while SSA verifies your eligibility. Having a SS# has no bearing on your ability to use your L-1 visa or to travel on that visa.


With respect to the SSA, leaving the US has no bearing on your having entered earlier.


You have a valid L-1 visa. You could have left the US without having ever exited the airport if you so chose! The SSA does not report to DHS, and DHS doesn't report to SSA. They are both able to access the SAVE database... but that's where any link between them dies.

Your questions suggest that you believe the two agencies are related in some way... they aren't.


I agree! :)

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

Back in 2004, my alien husband had to have manual verification done on his status in the USA (he came in on a K-1 fiance visa). It took 6 weeks to complete the manual verification, and 2 weeks for the SS card to come in the mail. He could have gone in person to the SS office to get the SSN after the 6 weeks were up, but he was in another city at that time and decided to just wait for the card in the mail.

SS staff is not supposed to give out SSNs over phone, especially to someone other than you personally.

Rene

Re: SSN Question
 

Thanks Ian! My concern was that leaving the country and returning my I-94 would somehow stop DHS entering me into the SAVE database. I think will just fly back tomorrow, I'll let you know how things go!


I also found this.... it explains the reasons for the 10 day wait and accurately describes the process. It seems as long as they don't send you into manual verification, applying earlier than 10 days after entry should be okay.

www.greencards.com/docs/SSA-10days.pdf

Re: SSN Question
 

When we arrived here back in September my husband went to the SSA the day after we landed (knowing that the recommended from here was to wait 10 days), he received his SSN within 2 weeks over the phone. He was however told they are not normally supposed to give the number over the phone but he said he couldn't be paid otherwise and it worked :sneaky: Not sure how long the card took to arrive as it went to my in-laws and they were away at the time for 2 months!

HTH

Vicki

Re: SSN Question
 

I arrived on the 20th of December, flew into Boston. But have now moved to New York (stayed at the in-laws). I should probably call to see what's going on now? Obviously with all the holidays it won't have sped up my case. Was hoping to leave it and let the stuff arrive at the in-laws and then change my address in case it held things up even more. Start work next Monday so would like to start getting paid.

Can I go to the local social security office here for an update (could just say I'm here on holiday for a bit) or do I have to go to my "local" office according to the address that's on record?

Re: SSN Question
 

SSA is federal - so all offices will have access to the same information.

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

Don't forget to file AR-11 online to tell USCIS your change of address, you're meant to do it within 10 days.

Re: SSN Question
 

Thanks, I'll bug the local office here then.

I thought I had 30 days to do it? I've only been here a few days so far.

Re: SSN Question
 

No, 10.

Re: SSN Question
 

Just an update...

The lady at the SSN office rang my work the other day (7 days after my initial entry to the USA, although I left again 3 days after entering) saying my SS number was ready. She also posted it to the address I listed and it arrived the next day. She said my formal SS card should arrive in a couple of weeks.

She did not give out my SSN over the phone to work, but said she would if I had rung. As it arrived the next day in the mail I didn't bother.

SO in answer to an earlier question on this thread....

YES you can arrive to the USA, apply for a SSN then leave while it is being processed.

You do not have to wait 10 days before applying as long as the officer knows to hold your application and check the SAVE database each day. They are actually required to do this - if you read www.greencards.com/docs/SSA-10days.pdf you will know more about it then they do.

If you have no time pressure then it is safer to wait 10 days before applying. This avoids the officer not bothering to wait for your US entry to appear in the SAVE database and sending you for manual verification, which can take weeks.

Hope this helps!

Re: SSN Question
 

I can't wait for mine to arrive. Applied on 16th December, want to get my License, Car, Insurance etc.

Called last week and no joy :(

I guess I am asking a bit to much since I applied right near the Christmas Holiday season

Re: SSN Question
 

Just a word of warning to others reading... this link is to an AILA document and not an SSA document. Further, it's almost 5 years old. It could still be correct... but it also could be out-of-date information. Also, it is common knowledge that SSA regulations are not applied evenly across the country... so even if it's SOP at one office, it doesn't necessarily follow that the regulations will be followed at another office.

Ian

Re: SSN Question
 

No-one asked the question, so I will: why is the OP in such a hurry to get his SSN? You can start work without it. E-verify is also designed to take this problem into account.

I know there can be landlord/credit/silly State law issues, but there's usually a way around them until you get the SSN.