Urgent: DS-160 and misplaced social security card/number

[mirrortraveler 1]

Hey everyone,

Yeah, I still haven't filled out my DS-160. The last thing holding me back is an issue that I've never really gotten resolved and I'm confused as to how I should handle it or whether I should handle it at all.

I first came to the US in late 2006 on an F-1 student visa. After my studies, I applied for a SSN and card. I received my card in the mail, but never really had to use it or the SSN number. Before I moved back to Germany, I must have misplaced my card. I don't know where it is to this day and I've never had to retrieve it or look for it until now. I believe ages ago, someone on this forum told me that it wasn't a big deal and that I should just put DOES NOT APPLY into form DS-160, but I'm worried. I mean, they can certainly see that I have a SSN. It must be somewhere in their system. I just cannot remember it and never wrote it down. I know this was a mistake, but it's honestly been so long, now. I have waited over two weeks to fill out my form DS-160 and I should really get to it. I would just like to get a few more opinions on what I can or should do now.

Thank you SO much in advance!

Edited October 17, 2014 by mirrortraveler

[mirrortraveler 1]

By the way, I also didn't enter my SSN into any previous forms that came with the application. I don't know if that's relevant.

[d3adc0d3 186]

You could contact the SSA and ask for a replacement card mailed to your residence.

Not everyone knows their SSN by heart so don't freak too much. I would give the SSA a call, see what paperwork you need to fill out and where to send it.

Many people say not to worry, but I understand your concern. Honestly, you'll have to get you SSC when you go to the US if you K1 is issued, so in my opinion, mind as well get it now, it'll be one less step later down the road and it will enable to you get yourself health insurance, bank accounts, driver's license, etc MUUUCH sooner!

Edited October 17, 2014 by d3adc0d3

[mirrortraveler 1]

Thank you for your help! But do you think I can just check "does not apply" on my DS-160 form now and in the meantime ask for a replacement card or verification of my details? I don't want to delay the process any further but I also don't want to get in trouble for making wrong statements on the online form.

[d3adc0d3 186]

You can, but I, personally, would not recommend it. A few weeks of holding off it better than a few months of RFE's and a possible denial. Some people got through the cracks on that one. But if you're going to re-apply on the same passport that you had for your J-1, they'll have you in the system. It may raise some red flags, or trigger an RFE.

Call me cautious but I would prefer to have all my ducks in a row than worry about it for 6-8 months, and possible (longer) delays. the SSA is usually pretty fast about getting it to you. You can always have your fiance(e) put your name on his or her mailbox and have it sent there, so it's faster. You only need the number for the forms.

If you can't get a replacement, after speaking with an SSA rep because you no longer qualify, THEN you can safely check that box off.

Edited October 17, 2014 by d3adc0d3

[mirrortraveler 1]

It has changed, actually. Just this year. I looked up the info.

From the FAQ's:

5. I have lost or misplaced my (or my child’s) Social Security Number. I am (or my child is) NOT a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien. How can I find out my Social Security number?

Effective August 1, 2014 the Social Security Administration stopped providing Social Security Number printouts or verifications. The Federal Benefits Unit is unable to provide you with a printout or verification of an SSN.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien (“Green Card” holder) and you need to verify the details shown on your Social Security Number record, you must apply directly to the Social Security Administration for a printout of your Social Security Number record (known as a Numident). These applications can take up to 60 days or more to process and are processed on a first come basis regardless of the mailing method used.

This means that applying for a verification of my SSN would cause a major delay in the process right now if I were to wait for it before I go ahead with submitting any other forms.

I had an F-1 visa and it was on a different passport, which expired years ago. My current passport was issued to me just three months ago.

Edited October 17, 2014 by mirrortraveler

[mirrortraveler 1]

So, under these circumstances, since I have a different passport now, do you think it would be safe? Can anything bad happen if I wait too long before sending my DS-160?

[mirrortraveler 1]

Please, if I could get any second opinions on this it would be highly appreciated.

[milimelo 4,156]

What exactly is the question on DS-160? If you can't remember your SSN, mark can't remember SSN and move on. You can explain at the interview though I doubt you'd be asked about that.

[mirrortraveler 1]

I don't have the option to say I can't remember. I wish I did. I can only put my Social Security Number or check "Does Not Apply". But since I have one but just can't remember it, "does not apply" would be lying.

[milimelo 4,156]

I don't have the option to say I can't remember. I wish I did. I can only put my Social Security Number or check "Does Not Apply". But since I have one but just can't remember it, "does not apply" would be lying.

put all 9s or 0s or 1s? Then explain you have one but can't remember what it is at the interview.

[mirrortraveler 1]

I would totally love to do that, but I'm not sure if it's allowed. I wish I knew.

[mirrortraveler 1]

My fiance just got off the phone with an immigration attorney in Florida.

Here's the attorney-confirmed information for anyone who should have a problem with this: Yes, it IS okay to check "does not apply" if you make an effort to obtain the number and can explain that at the interview later. No one will have anything on you legally. You'll be fine.

[d3adc0d3 186]

It has changed, actually. Just this year. I looked up the info.

From the FAQ's:

5. I have lost or misplaced my (or my child’s) Social Security Number. I am (or my child is) NOT a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien. How can I find out my Social Security number?

Effective August 1, 2014 the Social Security Administration stopped providing Social Security Number printouts or verifications. The Federal Benefits Unit is unable to provide you with a printout or verification of an SSN.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien (“Green Card” holder) and you need to verify the details shown on your Social Security Number record, you must apply directly to the Social Security Administration for a printout of your Social Security Number record (known as a Numident). These applications can take up to 60 days or more to process and are processed on a first come basis regardless of the mailing method used.

This means that applying for a verification of my SSN would cause a major delay in the process right now if I were to wait for it before I go ahead with submitting any other forms.

I had an F-1 visa and it was on a different passport, which expired years ago. My current passport was issued to me just three months ago.

Based on this update which I didn't see (sorry), you can check that box off. No worries!