QUESTIONS ON SETTLEMENT

[nickoftime 1]

I am under a CR1 visa and still waiting for my green card which accordingly will take 2-3 weeks from first entry. Can you please help me out on these matters?

1. Can I already apply for my Social Security Number for the meantime that I am waiting for my green card? If I could, what are the requirements?

2. I have an existing regular driver's license from the Philippines. Can I use ito for the meantime so I can drive around? Accordingly, I need to have my SSN before I can apply for a driver's license here in the US.

3. Because I am under a CR1 which would require removal of conditions later on, my hubby and I need to prove the continuing relationship until then. Accordingly, we need to have these proofs one of which is by having a joint account. Can we open that joint bank account despite of me not having receive my green card yet and I still have no SSN?

Thanks!

Edited October 29, 2008 by nickoftime

[payxibka 10,048]

I am under a CR1 visa and still waiting for my green card which accordingly will take 2-3 weeks from first entry. Can you please help me out on these matters?

1. Can I already apply for my Social Security Number for the meantime that I am waiting for my green card? If I could, what are the requirements?

2. I have an existing regular driver's license from the Philippines. Can I use ito for the meantime so I can drive around? Accordingly, I need to have my SSN before I can apply for a driver's license here in the US.

3. Because I am under a CR1 which would require removal of conditions later on, my hubby and I need to prove the continuing relationship until then. Accordingly, we need to have these proofs one of which is by having a joint account. Can we open that joint bank account despite of me not having receive my green card yet and I still have no SSN?

Thanks!

1) How did you answer the SSN question on DS-230 Part II?

2) Check your state driving laws... the answer may be yes or no

3) Depends on the banks, maybe yes but likely no. A SSN makes these things easier... if you are a few weeks away from a SSN don't worry so much... do it when it arrives

[Jonah VD 0]

Yes, you can apply for SSN while waiting for your greencard. You just have to show SSA your passport with I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. See below.

Here's the requirements for Original Social Security Number for a Noncitizen Adult

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number. If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes, see “Work eligibility†below for further information.

To apply for a Social Security number:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and

Show us documents proving:

Immigration status;

Work eligibility;

Age; and

Identity.

Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office .

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States.

Work eligibility

I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Edited October 29, 2008 by Jonah VD

[payxibka 10,048]

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States.

Work eligibility

I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

A CR1/IR1 visa holder will NOT have an I-94 as that is a document for non-immigrants only.

[rmncm 0]

You can drive. Your drivers licence in the Philippines is in english so you wont need a IDP (internation driving permit) Regarless what anyone says a IDP is just a translation of a forign licence that is not in english. Everything else will come in a few weeks after your POE.

[nickoftime 1]

Yes, you can apply for SSN while waiting for your greencard. You just have to show SSA your passport with I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. See below.

Here's the requirements for Original Social Security Number for a Noncitizen Adult

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number. If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes, see “Work eligibility†below for further information.

To apply for a Social Security number:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and

Show us documents proving:

Immigration status;

Work eligibility;

Age; and

Identity.

Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office .

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States.

Work eligibility

I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

I was not given an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The immigration simply stamped my passport.

[nickoftime 1]

I am under a CR1 visa and still waiting for my green card which accordingly will take 2-3 weeks from first entry. Can you please help me out on these matters?

1. Can I already apply for my Social Security Number for the meantime that I am waiting for my green card? If I could, what are the requirements?

2. I have an existing regular driver's license from the Philippines. Can I use ito for the meantime so I can drive around? Accordingly, I need to have my SSN before I can apply for a driver's license here in the US.

3. Because I am under a CR1 which would require removal of conditions later on, my hubby and I need to prove the continuing relationship until then. Accordingly, we need to have these proofs one of which is by having a joint account. Can we open that joint bank account despite of me not having receive my green card yet and I still have no SSN?

Thanks!

1) How did you answer the SSN question on DS-230 Part II?

2) Check your state driving laws... the answer may be yes or no

3) Depends on the banks, maybe yes but likely no. A SSN makes these things easier... if you are a few weeks away from a SSN don't worry so much... do it when it arrives

I answered yes to the question "do you want the SSA to assign you an SSN?" Does this mean I will be issued with one without me applying for it?

You can drive. Your drivers licence in the Philippines is in english so you wont need a IDP (internation driving permit) Regarless what anyone says a IDP is just a translation of a forign licence that is not in english. Everything else will come in a few weeks after your POE.

Oh, that's good. Thanks!