when can apply for a SSN

[Canadiandggal 49]

hey guys,

I just crossed the border yesterday but am curious how long I have to wait to apply for my SSN. On my ds230 I checked No to the SSN as I had seen some long wait periods and even some horror stories. Also what do I say?? Is there anything special? I saw somewhere about mentioning a certain system but I am not sure what it is?

Thanks In advance

[Flames9_RN 358]

They say to wait 10- 14 BUSINESS days. Download the form at http://ssa.gov/ssnumber/?h and get to the office early as they tend to be a busy place!! take ur passport and birth cert with ya!!

[Neal851 3]

They say to wait 10- 14 BUSINESS days. Download the form at http://ssa.gov/ssnumber/?h and get to the office early as they tend to be a busy place!! take ur passport and birth cert with ya!!

Thats right...

[canadianboy 1]

hey guys,

I just crossed the border yesterday but am curious how long I have to wait to apply for my SSN. On my ds230 I checked No to the SSN as I had seen some long wait periods and even some horror stories. Also what do I say?? Is there anything special? I saw somewhere about mentioning a certain system but I am not sure what it is?

Thanks In advance

congrats on your nice and easy POE.. anyways just wondering i am just curious about saying yes to DS 230 for SSN number do you have any link on those stories and what the benefit of applying after your POE?

[mandaNchris 3]

I had to wait a month to get my SSN card because after two weeks I was not in the system yet. The lady I went to the first time said something about only being able to get it if your allowed to work in the country. I told her yes I am allowed to work. She then tried to process it but I was not in the system. The next time I went the guy was really nice and didnt give me any issues. I was in the system and he asked me to fill out a form that stated my address, birth date, and who my parents are and where they were born. Had to show him my visa in my passport and my birth certificate. It was very easy

[CBM 14]

congrats on your nice and easy POE.. anyways just wondering i am just curious about saying yes to DS 230 for SSN number do you have any link on those stories and what the benefit of applying after your POE?

Yeah, I was wondering the same. I actually already have an SSN from a previous J1 visa, so I'll really just be looking to change my name after our wedding...... but I assumed I checked "YES" on DS-230?? Why isn't that a good idea.....?

[OBX 51]

They say to wait 10- 14 BUSINESS days. Download the form at http://ssa.gov/ssnumber/?h and get to the office early as they tend to be a busy place!! take ur passport and birth cert with ya!!

I went three weeks to the day after my POE; followed Flames advice, took filled in application, birth certificate and passport. Had my card 6 days later. Good luck.

Edited November 2, 2010 by OBX

[birdnerd 5]

I also have a SSN from a previous J-1, was told at the time that I would need to contact SS if my immigration status changed (i.e. if I moved to the US). Went today to update that, but wasn't in their system yet. Agent said come back 2 weeks after POE.

[Veronik 19]

I went to the office maybe 10 days or less after my POE (check my signature, I'm not sure), and I brought my passport, my driver's license and that's it. There was a big sign my the booth that said "a birth certificate is not a I.D" or something like that.

I said that I was there to get my SSN, and that I was here on a K-1 visa. It was very fast, I was there maybe 10 minutes, 7 of which were me waiting... But get there early, at least 20 minutes in advance. I got there 30 minutes before the doors opened, and I stayed in my car. By 8:40, there was already 3 people by the door, so I waited in line too. By 9:00, there was at least 10 of us.

Good luck!

[decocker 7,198]

orfee just applied for his yesterday. at first the man said he couldn't get one, i told him he could - and we needed to apply so he asked his supervisor. she ended up walking him (the ssn guy) through their own system! they only asked for orfee's passport. he was told about 10 business days - we'll see ; )

[She_Fitz 0]

I was pretty anxious to get my SIN because I needed it to be able to transfer my job.

I POE'ed on a Wednesday and went to the SIN office a week plus a day after.

They requested it and I was able to go back the next day to actually get the SIN. The actual card arrived approximately a week or so later.

[HalfnHalf 1]

As long as we're talking about SSN's, and I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought we had to wait until AOS forms were filed before we could get our SSN?

I'm getting my AOS package together, and we file form I-765. I thought once they got this form, they sent a SSN?

[birdnerd 5]

As long as we're talking about SSN's, and I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought we had to wait until AOS forms were filed before we could get our SSN?

I'm getting my AOS package together, and we file form I-765. I thought once they got this form, they sent a SSN?

Most of us in this thread are CR/IR-1s, I was under the impression that K-1s had to wait for EAD to be eligible for SSN?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Most of us in this thread are CR/IR-1s, I was under the impression that K-1s had to wait for EAD to be eligible for SSN?

nope - your sources are wrong

[HalfnHalf 1]

Yup, i'm a K1 visa holder. So... Udella&Wiz you say I can just go and apply for a SSN? I am just now working on getting my forms filled out to send out my AOS, so I have not yet filed my Employment Authorization form. Would I still send the I-765 with my AOS package? I was told to get my US licence I need a social security number. Would I have my SSN, be able to get my licence, but not be able to work until my I-765 were approved?

Thanks!