Social Security Number

[SJG 30]

Hello everyone,

What is the average waiting time for the release of Social Security Number? It says in my immigrant visa packet, 3 weeks. But it's been a month now and haven't received anything from DHS. I tried calling the office today but it's so difficult to get a hold of a "live" operator. So yeah, based on your experience, how long does it usually take before I start to panic?

[LADYDARE 28]

After 4 weeks, I would go your local Social Security Admin location and apply. Mine never came in the mail.

[Saylin 1,605]

Hello everyone,

What is the average waiting time for the release of Social Security Number? It says in my immigrant visa packet, 3 weeks. But it's been a month now and haven't received anything from DHS. I tried calling the office today but it's so difficult to get a hold of a "live" operator. So yeah, based on your experience, how long does it usually take before I start to panic?

It's suggested here on VJ that after 3 weeks from POE and not receiving the SSN, then go and apply at the local SSA office.

That's what I had to do. I waited three weeks from my POE but nothing except my green card arrived. So, the next day (after 3 weeks), I went to the SSA office in town and applied. Received the SSN exactly 10 days later.

[SJG 30]

It's suggested here on VJ that after 3 weeks from POE and not receiving the SSN, then go and apply at the local SSA office.

That's what I had to do. I waited three weeks from my POE but nothing except my green card arrived. So, the next day (after 3 weeks), I went to the SSA office in town and applied. Received the SSN exactly 10 days later.

Did you also check the tick box in the DS-230 applying for a SSN? Wouldn't it complicate if I go to the SSA office and I also applied for the SSN prior arriving in US?

[Saylin 1,605]

Did you also check the tick box in the DS-230 applying for a SSN? Wouldn't it complicate if I go to the SSA office and I also applied for the SSN prior arriving in US?

Yes, I ticked it off on the IV application for a SSN to be assigned to me, but after 3 weeks from POE, nothing arrived in the mail.

No, it wouldn't complicate things, as long as you wait awhile, giving them a chance to mail it to you. If you go the day after you do POE after checking it off on the IV application, then you're going to run a risk of getting two SSNs (or them not even allowing you to apply). But 3 weeks is the general time frame where there's a very very low risk of getting two numbers. I personally haven't seen anyone here on VJ that got two SSNs after waiting at least 3 weeks before going to apply.

You'll be fine. Who knows, you might even get it in the mail and not even have to worry about this.