Social Security Numbers, bank accounts and USCIS

[KyleC 0]

Hello everyone,

I've finally arrived in the US and tried to set up a bank account and get me a cell phone plan by ATT, and the following problem occurred:

NO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER!

apparently, SSNs are vital to doing anything around here (MISSISSIPPI) so I was wondering how all of you other people dealt with not having one.

another question is: do i have to call my local USCIS office to sign up for anything or do I just not have to worry about any of that right now?

I appreciate any help...

KyleC

[canadian_wife 1,802]

Try another bank. Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) took my valid student visa and legal status in the US in lieu of an SSN. If that doesn't work, set up a meeting with your DSO and see if they can expediate the proces for your SSN (you do need school authorization for your SSN and they need to send stuff over to SSA)

no, no need to do anything with USCIS unless you move

Good luck

[YuAndDan 153]

SSA will only issue numbers to persons that are authorized to work in the USA.

That would be Citizens, Green-card holders, Visas that are work auth like work visas...

F-1 can get a SSN if working on campus.

F-1 Academic student - for on-campus employment, and DSO authorized curricular practical training. (See RM 00203.470 for the proof required)

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

MORE: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203470

[ATPEACE 43]

Get a pre-paid cell phone, no SS# needed. Get a ITN for banking purpose, until SS# card arrive, but you may want to just wait until you have a valid SS to open an bank aqccount.

[zeezawrydan 1]

It's possible to do couple of things without SSN:

You can try Bank of America - I opened an account in New Jersey when I was just visiting and they only asked for my passport to open a Campus Edging Account. It's free and it has 5 yrs expiration.

I came back here again then next year, this time in Florida and opened a new account with my husband (Without SSN) as long as they have my passport, its fine.

If you want to use your married name you can show them your marriage certificate.

Regarding Phones:

you can buy a phone worth (60$) in Walmart and it has plan rates. Go to AT&T if you know someone who have an at&t line, he/she can add that new phone on their bill.

This is what me and my hubby did when I was here without SSN.

Hope it helps.

Edited January 2, 2011 by zeezawrydan

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

You don't need a SSN to open a bank account in the US. You don't even have to be present in the US to open a bank account. You can be an oil sheik from Saudia Arabia, residing on your 330ft yacht anchoring in Monaco, ready to transfer 60,000,000.00 to your US bank account, right from your notebook via satellite.

Banking has nothing to do with residence. It's about money and business, not immigration.

You dealt with a brainless drone, somebody who dropped out of High School and couldn't find Switzerland on a map if you showed it to them.

Go to another bank. If you encounter another drone, go to the bank manager and tell 'em you're ready to transfer $150K from your Swiss bank account shortly after your US account is set up.

[KyleC 0]

You don't need a SSN to open a bank account in the US. You don't even have to be present in the US to open a bank account. You can be an oil sheik from Saudia Arabia, residing on your 330ft yacht anchoring in Monaco, ready to transfer 60,000,000.00 to your US bank account, right from your notebook via satellite.Banking has nothing to do with residence. It's about money and business, not immigration.You dealt with a brainless drone, somebody who dropped out of High School and couldn't find Switzerland on a map if you showed it to them.Go to another bank. If you encounter another drone, go to the bank manager and tell 'em you're ready to transfer $150K from your Swiss bank account shortly after your US account is set up.

HAHA! I definitely need to try that!

But to answer the others: I do NOT work here. I got the cell phone thing worked out (I have a family here that added me to their plan but let me pay my own bills). But I will not be able to work for a while on campus. So can I get a SS# WITHOUT working at all? if so, how?

Thank you all!

[canadian_wife 1,802]

Again, speak to your DSO. They have to authorize your SSN. See what they need to do to get your SSN organized

Speak to your DSO (in case you missed the other 2 times I posted it)

Good luck

[KyleC 0]

i did get it... thank you... what's my dso though?

thanks

[canadian_wife 1,802]

Designated School Officer, the one that has the clout over international students. Speak to your international student office to find out who your DSO is

Good luck

[KyleC 0]

alright... will do!

Thanks for everything!