Do not wait for social security number

[pras_padmini 1]

Not sure where the best place to post this is, but I just wanted to point out that when I filled out my DS-230 I had mentioned that I wanted a social security number for my wife (arriving on IR1/CR1) automatically assigned. When we arrived at the airport, I asked the immigration officials whether we should contact the CIS regarding the next steps and they said we should hear from them soon. Supposedly the social security number should arrive within 3 weeks.

Well, 3 weeks later, we didn't get any information regarding her social security number. So we decided to go to the nearest social security office (which is unfortunately open during the hours I work). Be prepared for a long wait (you may notice there is a trend here regarding waiting times and any government agency). After 45 minutes, they finally called us in. To our surprise, there was no information in the system regarding the status of my wife's social security number.

To get a new social security number you're supposed to have proof of id, proof of residence, proof of age, and work eligibility. If your spouse is arriving on IR-1/CR-1 visa, all you really need is your passport which has the immigration stamp in it. I brought along our marriage certificate and birth certificate just in case. He asked a few questions regarding whether she's ever opened a bank account, taken the SAT's (why?), applied for colleges, applied for a job, had a tax return filed in her name, and a few other questions. I don't think answering yes to any of the questions disqualifies you, maybe it's just for statistical purposes. In fact one of the questions was "have you ever stayed abroad for an extended period of time", which obviously is yes.

So about 10 minutes later, we were told that the social security number should arrive within 2 weeks, and because we actually saw it entered into the system in a social security office, we should hopefully get it soon.

But to make a long story short - when you bring your spouse to the US, do *NOT* just assume that the social security number will arrive because you checked the box on the DS-230. Actually go to a social security office with your spouse's passport and other documents as soon as he/she arrives in the US and get it filed. You'll need the social security number for just about anything from college applications to insurance to job applications, so the sooner you get it the better.

[hobokenworkingman 4]

Not sure where the best place to post this is, but I just wanted to point out that when I filled out my DS-230 I had mentioned that I wanted a social security number for my wife (arriving on IR1/CR1) automatically assigned. When we arrived at the airport, I asked the immigration officials whether we should contact the CIS regarding the next steps and they said we should hear from them soon. Supposedly the social security number should arrive within 3 weeks.

Well, 3 weeks later, we didn't get any information regarding her social security number. So we decided to go to the nearest social security office (which is unfortunately open during the hours I work). Be prepared for a long wait (you may notice there is a trend here regarding waiting times and any government agency). After 45 minutes, they finally called us in. To our surprise, there was no information in the system regarding the status of my wife's social security number.

To get a new social security number you're supposed to have proof of id, proof of residence, proof of age, and work eligibility. If your spouse is arriving on IR-1/CR-1 visa, all you really need is your passport which has the immigration stamp in it. I brought along our marriage certificate and birth certificate just in case. He asked a few questions regarding whether she's ever opened a bank account, taken the SAT's (why?), applied for colleges, applied for a job, had a tax return filed in her name, and a few other questions. I don't think answering yes to any of the questions disqualifies you, maybe it's just for statistical purposes. In fact one of the questions was "have you ever stayed abroad for an extended period of time", which obviously is yes.

So about 10 minutes later, we were told that the social security number should arrive within 2 weeks, and because we actually saw it entered into the system in a social security office, we should hopefully get it soon.

But to make a long story short - when you bring your spouse to the US, do *NOT* just assume that the social security number will arrive because you checked the box on the DS-230. Actually go to a social security office with your spouse's passport and other documents as soon as he/she arrives in the US and get it filed. You'll need the social security number for just about anything from college applications to insurance to job applications, so the sooner you get it the better.

yup that's exactly what we went thru. although i have seen a couple of accounts from people who mentioned that they did get their SS in the mail after checking the ds230 box, but that seems to be the exception and not the norm...as for the GC, expect a 6 week wait (that's what it took for us). you'll get a welcome letter in the mail at about 4 weeks after PoE. that contains the SRC # which you can use to then track the status of the GC production at the same confounded USCIS update website you used to check the i-130 application status. the card gets ordered, and then shipped, so takes 2-3 weeks after that to get it in your hand. but for pretty much all purposes, just showing the cr-1 visa in the passport is enough (esp. for work eligibility and all). good luck

[aj2010 1]

yup that's exactly what we went thru. although i have seen a couple of accounts from people who mentioned that they did get their SS in the mail after checking the ds230 box, but that seems to be the exception and not the norm...as for the GC, expect a 6 week wait (that's what it took for us). you'll get a welcome letter in the mail at about 4 weeks after PoE. that contains the SRC # which you can use to then track the status of the GC production at the same confounded USCIS update website you used to check the i-130 application status. the card gets ordered, and then shipped, so takes 2-3 weeks after that to get it in your hand. but for pretty much all purposes, just showing the cr-1 visa in the passport is enough (esp. for work eligibility and all). good luck

Hi,

Is it okay to clarify any doubts that may arise along this journey with you. I am waiting form noa2. The consulate my mom may be going is chennai.

Thanks,

[hobokenworkingman 4]

Hi,

Is it okay to clarify any doubts that may arise along this journey with you. I am waiting form noa2. The consulate my mom may be going is chennai.

Thanks,

Sure, although I filed for my wife, so probably a little different for a parent. But if there's anything that's common I can answer for you, I'll be happy to. good luck.

[dynodin 0]

Yup, its been about a month and no Social Security card as of yet and we did fill out that ds-230 part 2 form. I guess we are going direct to the nearest SS office to do the same.

Using this method to speed it up a bit:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/334804-how-to-quickly-get-your-ssn/