Social Security Number

[urbangirluk 73]

This may have been asked before but couldn't find anything, so here goes ...

Am I right in thinking that, as long as I tick the box on the DS-230 form, that I will automatically be issued with a Social Security Number/card?

Me and hubby were talking about me getting into the workplace as quickly as possible after I arrive, which obviously is nowhere near in sight at the moment, and so we were discussing Social Security etc as my friend came across on a Fiance visa and is still waiting for her card now and she's been in the USA almost 6 months.

Thanks for your help in advance

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

This may have been asked before but couldn't find anything, so here goes ...

Am I right in thinking that, as long as I tick the box on the DS-230 form, that I will automatically be issued with a Social Security Number/card?

Me and hubby were talking about me getting into the workplace as quickly as possible after I arrive, which obviously is nowhere near in sight at the moment, and so we were discussing Social Security etc as my friend came across on a Fiance visa and is still waiting for her card now and she's been in the USA almost 6 months.

Thanks for your help in advance

The page to tick for a SSN was never used for fiancé visas. Fiance's only did Part 1 of the form. Your fiancé friend had to go in person to a SSA office when she first arrived. Now she isn't eligible until she gets her EAD card or greencard. She has to go in person.

For you on a spouse visas-- the ticking of a box for a SSN is supposed to work and card would arrive in a few weeks after POE. But it isn't a perfect system and sometimes a trip in person to a SSA office to chase it down is needed.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[urbangirluk 73]

The page to tick for a SSN was never used for fiancé visas. Fiance's only did Part 1 of the form. Your fiancé friend had to go in person to a SSA office when she first arrived. Now she isn't eligible until she gets her EAD card or greencard. She has to go in person.

For you on a spouse visas-- the ticking of a box for a SSN is supposed to work and card would arrive in a few weeks after POE. But it isn't a perfect system and sometimes a trip in person to a SSA office to chase it down is needed.

Ok, maybe that's what we will do, of course this is off into the future, but we are trying to make sure we know exactly what we're doing when it comes to it as I know my friend has had a long journey of getting everything sorted after her marriage, she had her EAD and did get an SSN from the office but hasn't received her card yet!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Ok, maybe that's what we will do, of course this is off into the future, but we are trying to make sure we know exactly what we're doing when it comes to it as I know my friend has had a long journey of getting everything sorted after her marriage, she had her EAD and did get an SSN from the office but hasn't received her card yet!

A fiancé visa is not an immigrant visa. Your friend had to apply for adjustment of status (greencard), work authorization and travel authorization after her marriage. It can be many months of waiting. Comparing notes with her is kind of a waste because your processes are so different.

Your spouse visa grants you a greencard the minute you enter the US. You could go get a job that day. Your employer would have to agree to wait a few weeks for you to supply your SSN. Your permanent residence is a stamp in your passport, until the actual card arrives in the mail. There is nothing to do after POE except maybe chase down your cards. but your immigration process and paperwork is essentially complete until you have to renew your greencard. On the otherhand, a fiancé has a mountain of paperwork and fees to complete in order to become a permanent resident, be authorized to work, or get a driver license.

By the way, the DS-230 is no longer used. It has been replaced by the DS-260.

[urbangirluk 73]

A fiancé visa is not an immigrant visa. Your friend had to apply for adjustment of status (greencard), work authorization and travel authorization after her marriage. It can be many months of waiting. Comparing notes with her is kind of a waste because your processes are so different.

Your spouse visa grants you a greencard the minute you enter the US. You could go get a job that day. Your employer would have to agree to wait a few weeks for you to supply your SSN. Your permanent residence is a stamp in your passport, until the actual card arrives in the mail. There is nothing to do after POE except maybe chase down your cards. but your immigration process and paperwork is essentially complete until you have to renew your greencard. On the otherhand, a fiancé has a mountain of paperwork and fees to complete in order to become a permanent resident, be authorized to work, or get a driver license.

By the way, the DS-230 is no longer used. It has been replaced by the DS-260.

Again, thanks, I was aware that we wouldn't have to do as much once I arrive in the States, just we got into a conversation about me getting mobile, i.e. getting a drivers license and car, so that I could go for job interviews etc as soon as possible.

[Ryan H 3,795]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Social Security Numbers forum.

[JoannaV 173]

Ticking the box does not necessarily mean they will actually initiate the process, so you will probably end up going into the SSA office anyway. I went in after a month as I had no pressing reason to rush the process, but I think some people go after 10 days or something. There's no point going the day after you arrive in the US because your information won't be in their system yet.

[urbangirluk 73]

Ticking the box does not necessarily mean they will actually initiate the process, so you will probably end up going into the SSA office anyway. I went in after a month as I had no pressing reason to rush the process, but I think some people go after 10 days or something. There's no point going the day after you arrive in the US because your information won't be in their system yet.

Ok, thanks