Getting a SSN

[Mel.King 23]

Hi all!

 

My IR1 visa was approved and issued, YAY! So happy and thankful for all of you guys on VJ.

 

 - What are the next steps to get my SSN?

- Do I need to apply for it or will I automatically get it with the GC? I read something about applying for it within 90 days, is this correct?

- And then do I file I-485 / Form S-5? I plan on working as soon as I can, I know I can with the VISA but I think some employers prefer the SSN?

 

Will the GC be mailed to my US address ( I did check that on the DS-260) and what do I do if it doesn't come? How long should I expect to wait? 

 

I tried to find the answers on here but struggled because some were for K1 visas and I think the process is different, but not sure.

 

Anyways, thanks in advance. 

 

[TBoneTX 45,498]

Congratulations!   

Edited October 20, 2022 by TBoneTX

[powerpuff 6,729]

5 hours ago, Mel.King said:

What are the next steps to get my SSN?

- Do I need to apply for it or will I automatically get it with the GC? I read something about applying for it within 90 days, is this correct?

It should arrive automatically within a few weeks but sometimes it doesn’t. In that case you need to make a trip to the SSA office and apply in person.

 

I’d check the Save CaseCheck here and there to see if there are any verifications pending with SSA. That’s usually a good indication of it’s being processed https://www.uscis.gov/save/save-casecheck

 

5 hours ago, Mel.King said:

And then do I file I-485 / Form S-5? I plan on working as soon as I can, I know I can with the VISA but I think some employers prefer the SSN?

You’re not eligible to file I-485 because you’d already be a permanent resident when you enter. All you need is a I-551 stamp you will get upon entering, not the visa.

 

5 hours ago, Mel.King said:

Will the GC be mailed to my US address ( I did check that on the DS-260) and what do I do if it doesn't come? How long should I expect to wait? 

Few weeks to a few months. If it’s delayed you use the I-551 stamp I mentioned above as evidence of your permanent residency.

[Chancy 6,241]

7 hours ago, Mel.King said:

What are the next steps to get my SSN?

 

Did you mark the checkbox on your DS-260 electing to apply for SSN automatically?  If so, no further action required from you, other than waiting for your SSN card in the mail after your arrival in the US.  Typically, SSN card gets delivered within 2 weeks of US entry.  If it doesn't arrive after 1 month, book an appointment at an SSA office to apply for SSN in person.

 

7 hours ago, Mel.King said:

Will the GC be mailed to my US address ( I did check that on the DS-260) and what do I do if it doesn't come? How long should I expect to wait? 

 

You will get a "green card" at the airport, just not the plastic one.  Your IR1 visa + CBP entry stamp will serve as your temporary GC for 1 year after US entry, and it is equivalent to the plastic GC for all legal purposes related to work and travel.  That means you become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) the minute you get that CBP stamp on your visa.  As such, there is no need for you to file I-485.  K1 visa holders need to file I-485 because they do not automatically become LPRs upon US entry, unlike you and other CR1/IR1 visa holders.

 

As for your plastic GC, have you already paid the $220 immigrant fee?  If so, USCIS says to wait for GC delivery up to 90 days from US entry.  But I and some others had to wait for more than 120 days.  Check the latest posts in the tracking thread below for recent timelines --

 

 

[Mel.King 23]

10 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

Did you mark the checkbox on your DS-260 electing to apply for SSN automatically?  If so, no further action required from you, other than waiting for your SSN card in the mail after your arrival in the US.  Typically, SSN card gets delivered within 2 weeks of US entry.  If it doesn't arrive after 1 month, book an appointment at an SSA office to apply for SSN in person.

 

As for your plastic GC, have you already paid the $220 immigrant fee?  If so, USCIS says to wait for GC delivery up to 90 days from US entry.  But I and some others had to wait for more than 120 days.  Check the latest posts in the tracking thread below for recent timelines --

 

Yes and yes, so no further action from me right?

Thanks so much!

 

[Mel.King 23]

13 hours ago, powerpuff said:

 

 

I’d check the Save CaseCheck here and there to see if there are any verifications pending with SSA. That’s usually a good indication of it’s being processed https://www.uscis.gov/save/save-casecheck

 

You’re not eligible to file I-485 because you’d already be a permanent resident when you enter. All you need is a I-551 stamp you will get upon entering, not the visa.

 

 

Thanks for the casecheck link, will keep checking on there. 

 

 

[Chancy 6,241]

13 hours ago, Mel.King said:

Yes and yes, so no further action from me right?

 

No further action except to wait and possibly follow up if the cards are not delivered after some time.  After 1 month for the SSN card.  After 90 days for the plastic GC.

 

[Mel.King 23]

On 10/21/2022 at 8:19 PM, Chancy said:

 

No further action except to wait and possibly follow up if the cards are not delivered after some time.  After 1 month for the SSN card.  After 90 days for the plastic GC.

 

Awesome, thanks a lot!