dbj1000

Not so. As SnowBunny said, YMMV.

I was able to open a bank account for me and my wife before either of us had a SSN. My incredibly helpful local Credit Union used a "placeholder" SSN until I received mine, many weeks later. My company also used a "placeholder" SSN for payroll and medical insurance.

But I'm sure you're right that in many cases, working with institutions and individuals who aren't as helpful or informed as they could be, it's basically impossible to do these things without an SSN.

AJP1

For what it's worth, I had to wait a while for my SSN too. My local office were very helpful, but didn't want to put in a separate application as I'd requested one in the immigration forms. Eventually, after 5 weeks, they agreed to file an application, which then required verification from Homeland Security (who had until then sent me nothing).

Within a week I had an SSN, and my 'Welcome letter' from the Texas Service Center arrive on Friday, indicating that they had received the paperwork from the port of entry on January 9th (I entered on November 24th) - about 4 days after I applied for my SSN. It may just be a coincidence, or maybe the request from the SSA encouraged DHS to find my paperwork.

Good luck - my frequent (every 2 weeks), friendly visits to the local SSA office certainly helped when it was time to apply via them!

augigi

Like I said, "just about" impossible.

mdyoung

RM 00202.315 Enumeration At Entry
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100202315

I would say if you don't receive your SSN card by the 25th, you need to go into an SSA office to see what's going on. If no SSN application is found pending, make sure they let you submit an application. Tell them to read their procedure above if they won't let you and ask for the office manager if they still won't take an application.

Follow the info on the familybasedimmigration Website and you should be OK

Bob

Some banks have rigid policies, in which case you flip them the bird. They only need to see ID that verifies who you are, a passport will do, it doesn't have to be a US passport either and if they tell you otherwise, they are lying...the bank can use your passport number as a temporary number or the default SSN that johnny foreigner can use if he doesn't have a number, which I think is 000-00-004 or something like that, anyway, once you get a real number you just let the bank know.

mdyoung

When am I legally required to provide my Social Security number?

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/...php?p_faqid=78

The Privacy Act regulates the use of Social Security numbers by government agencies. When a federal, state, or local government agency asks an individual to disclose his or her Social Security number, the Privacy Act requires the agency to inform the person of the following: the statutory or other authority for requesting the information; whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary; what uses will be made of the information; and the consequences, if any, of failure to provide the information.

If a business or other enterprise asks you for your number, you can refuse to give it. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested. For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means.

Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.

Jmaster911

Well I took the drive down to the SSA this morining and it was a good job I did. They looked me up on the system and had no record of me applying (through my visa) for a SSN.

I have therefore had to reapply and got a letter saying that I should have the SS card within two weeks.

Fingers crossed, cause Geico is giving me serious grief for not having a US Driving licence.

Will keep you up to date ....

tamms_1965

My hubby got insurance, etc. without his SSN. Most companies are familiar with the situation and just ask that you call them with it when he receives it.

augigi

Isn't the problem that you can't get a local D/L until you have the SSN though? Insurance costs a bundle more with no local license.

Jmaster911

Exactly, they gave me 30 days grace with no American licence and have already been on the phone twice asking for an update. I can't believe I can't get a licence without this SSN - anyway I can see some light at the end of the tunnel

BigDavyG

The same thing (no record of application) happened to me, but the folks in the office were very helpful. They should be able to give you the actual number within 48 hours, though you have to wait for the little paper "card".

Btw - regarding insurance - I found that Progressive were very good. You also could have been added to your wife's policy as a guest until you actually got your own or where "officially" added to hers, thereby avoiding any hassle - that's how it worked in Illinois at least.

Jmaster911

Did you phone the office to get the number or go into the SSA.

I am on my wifes policy and she does have an American licence, however, they are still bugging her for my licence details.

tamms_1965

My DH still doesn't have is DL (we married 6/13/07)....he's taking the driving portion in a little over a week. He is on my policy and my State Farm agent said he was good for a year from arrival on his Euro license. That particular agent has a lot of experience w/Euro licenses and knows he is in the process.

Jmaster911

WOW - Whats been the delay, that seems like a long time to wait for a SSN considering its hard to do anything without one.

mdyoung

I would say if you really want to know the number, you can go back to the office tomorow or at least by Wednesday to get the number if you don't feel like waiting for card.