QUOTE(Vika @ Jul 25 2008, 01:26 AM)

Sorry, I tried replying from my phone and kept clicking on "post" by accident
Regarding the procedure - it's very simple:
you come in, check in on a computer, it gives you an appointment ticket with a number. you fill out the application form and wait until they call your number. Then you go to a window, hand in you application, passport, GC and I-94.
They type in your info and print it out for you to check and sign. Then they give you a receipt proving you applied on this date and tell you to expect the SSN card in mail within 2 weeks. That's it - we were in and out in 15 min.
Attached SSN application form, if you wish to fill it out in advance (I got it from www.ssa.gov)
What happens is going to vary from office to office. You don't need the SS-5, since all the info is typed into the system and then they printout an application for you to review and sign that everything is correct. Make sure you get the application reference number, i.e. 08207XXXXXX
You will get a card once your immigration status has been verified. If they can do it while you are at the office, yes you should receive your card within two weeks and can go back to the office the next day to find out the number if you don't feel like waiting for the card.
However, if they can't verify your status while you are in the office, you could be waiting weeks or months to be assigned an SSN.