British Expatriate Network

Although I've received my greencard, I've still not received my social security number.

I've just applied for a job where they called for the SSN, so I just quoted my Alien Registration number as I didn't know what else to write.

I'm sure I read somewhere that since I came to the US on a spouse visa, I don't need to specifically apply for a SSN and that it should automatically arrive in the mail - is this correct?

Josie

Wouldn't have thought so.

I had to go get mine at the local SS office - I presented my Alien card (didn't have green card then) and they issued a SS card with VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION stamped across it.

As Pilgrim mentioned, you have to physically go to your local SS office to be issued your SS number )

Hmmm......this is a quote from another expat website

"Finally, does my wife have to specifically apply for her SS number at a SS office? This site mentions that you have to apply in this way.

You apply for it, I think when you arrive in the US, along when you are processed in the airport. It's one of those steps that you aren't even aware of."


Well, I shall pop along to the local SS office then and see what happens - the job I've applied for won't start till september so I have enough time. I've already downloaded the form to apply for one, although under the section that asks whether you've ever applied or filed for a SSN before, I've ticked that I don't know since I don't know whether my visa processing at my POE included the application for my SSN.

Josie

You have definitely not applied for a SS before because even when my husband got his SS number he had to go in person to the SS office and we all came over on his work visa. I've never heard of anyone who has automatically applied for it at POE. Someone will come along now and say that that is how they got theirs wink

They don't give it to you then and there. They send it to you 2 weeks later. I've just applied for mine and I am waiting for it to come through. The same happened to my husband 5 years ago so nothing has changed. The only difference is he got a phone call a couple of days after being at the SS number with someone actually giving it to him over the phone so he could give it to his work payroll as he was starting work straight away. Don't know if they do this for particular cases or whether it was something that only happened before 9/11.

)

I didn't go to the SS office. I signed the form in Shannon Airport where I was processed through secondary immigration - it was in the Brown Envelope that makes up the immigrant visa.

The number arrived the day I got my DL, so two weeks after arriving in the US, but just an hour too late for the number to make it onto the license.

IIRC the procedure nowadays is for you to indicate that you want to have a SSN automatically issued by checking a couple of boxes on the visa application form, DS-230. Just checked, it's question 33.

motion seconded.

I too had to physically go to the SS office and that does not have to be the one local to you (I was living in CO and got mine in downtown LA), presented my visa in my passport, and 2 weeks later it arrived at home.........It to was stamped only valid with INS authorization

Well, I went to the SS office this morning - it would appear that I've already been processed for the card as I was on their computer system - however I gave them my new name details and was told that my card with my new name should arrive in 10 to 14 days time.

Josie

Right. Because you filled in an immigrant visa application, DS-230.

So you got the number then and can now pass this (actual) SS number onto your employer now?

Oh no - that would be FAR too easy for them!! I should get it in 10 to 14 days which is fine - I'm not going to be starting any job before then if I'm successful with my application! The main thing was, it was no problem getting them to put the card into my maiden name :)

Ah well - can't have everything ) You'd think that if they can pull your record up in the system at your local SS office, there'd be a number attached to it roll

Hope it all gets to you in time for your job. Then you'll just have to keep renewing work permits/getting green card renewed as needed. My employer had some kind of warning flag on my file so they would ask for a new copy whenever it was about to expire.

Still got mine even with a Green Card.