DCF in Frankfurt, started last week!

[Candace 2]

Quick update... we entered through Dulles on Oct 24. No problems whatsoever. From the time we landed (United Airlines flight) til the time we finished re-checking the bags and going though security again after going through immigration, it took exactly an hour. I sat with my husband in the secondary immigration check for his CR-1 visa for the whopping 10 minutes we had to wait (included in the hour time). We got there on a Tuesday around 2:40pm-- there were plenty of people coming through but the staff at that airport is very organized and know what they are doing. Everyone we saw at the secondary station was just being called up to the desk for a documentation check and that was about it. No one asked about the xray.

I'll post again when we get the green card & social security card in hand.

Yay Suzy! Glad it all went smoothly for you! Hope you're settling in well.

~Candace

[SuzyBandseer 0]

Thanks, we are doing fine. I started work last week already! Alan has had a promising interview for a job he is very interested in.

The only small snag we have had concerns his social security number. We checked the box to have an automatic application upon entry. He called social security and he is still not in the system. I believe the instructions mdyoung (or what is his name?) gives say to go & apply if you are not in the system in 3 weeks. We figure if he is not in the system at all after 2 weeks (even without an assigned number), something didn't work quite right so he is applying tomorrow. Actually, I am not sure I read about anyone where the automatic SSN application worked out in a timely fashion.

It's not a huge problem except for the fact that his UK driver's license is not valid after 60 days as a resident in the state of NC, and we need the SSN to get the new driver's license here. If we wait around and the trigger never happened, we could get in a tight spot waiting on a new application to go through.

We also tried to buy a car in both of our names & thought we were successful using his UK drivers license. The application bounced at the DMV for the registration/title because he didn't have a US SSN to go along with a foreign driver's license, so we have had to redo all the paperwork in my name only. They wouldn't take the alien registration number instead. Both of my banks (state employees credit union and wachovia) would not give him an account without an SSN so we are just making due for now.

[zauberblume 0]

Suzy,

Your experience is similar to mine.

My husband's social security number was never generated. I think we waited about five weeks because we calls the SS office and they told us to wait. We waited and then he went to our local SS office and applied for one. He received it about two weeks later.

We were able to open a joint Bank of America account without his SS number.

Thankfully, since he's from Germany, his license can be transferred to a Massachusetts one without him having to take the written or road test.

And we also bought a car, but it could only be purchased in my name because he had no social security number. He had his permanent resident card at the time as well and that was not good enough.

Lastly, he also went on three job interviews and has been recently hired by a local software company. So he's enjoying America, for the most part. (He's getting a better understanding, though, of American politics.)

Good luck!

--Z

Thanks, we are doing fine. I started work last week already! Alan has had a promising interview for a job he is very interested in.

The only small snag we have had concerns his social security number. We checked the box to have an automatic application upon entry. He called social security and he is still not in the system. I believe the instructions mdyoung (or what is his name?) gives say to go & apply if you are not in the system in 3 weeks. We figure if he is not in the system at all after 2 weeks (even without an assigned number), something didn't work quite right so he is applying tomorrow. Actually, I am not sure I read about anyone where the automatic SSN application worked out in a timely fashion.

It's not a huge problem except for the fact that his UK driver's license is not valid after 60 days as a resident in the state of NC, and we need the SSN to get the new driver's license here. If we wait around and the trigger never happened, we could get in a tight spot waiting on a new application to go through.

We also tried to buy a car in both of our names & thought we were successful using his UK drivers license. The application bounced at the DMV for the registration/title because he didn't have a US SSN to go along with a foreign driver's license, so we have had to redo all the paperwork in my name only. They wouldn't take the alien registration number instead. Both of my banks (state employees credit union and wachovia) would not give him an account without an SSN so we are just making due for now.

[Candace 2]

That's awesome you guys are settling in well! I will heed the non-appearance of SS number and get that checked out - it will certainly be a huge pain if that happens to me, as I am entering the US only to leave again and come back to Germany until later in the year!

I wonder if there is anything I can do, if indeed this happens. I am in Seattle for two weeks before leaving for Philadelphia, I guess I could wander to the SS office just before we leave and check out if they know who I am? What do you think? I guess applying and thereafter getting one twice is either impossible or causes problems?

We already have a BoA account so that should not be a problem. But eeugghh, I have to take both written and road tests for my WA driving license - what a nightmare!

~C

Edited November 9, 2006 by Candace

[SuzyBandseer 0]

Hi everyone this is Alan, Suzybandseers' husband.

Just a quick update on my SSN problems, I went my local SSA office for an update, and found out that the DHS has not completed their security checks on me. The SSA cannot start the SSN process until the checks are completed and my Alien registration number is inputted to the SSA database.

I have just spend 30mins on the DHS trying to find a contact number to ring and see if there is a problem or it is just held up in a backlog. I found a 1800 number ,however, the person at the end of the phone cannot give me any details on the status...

So if anyone has been in the same situation and has any good ideas so trying to find out what is happening in the DHS, I would be extremely interested in hearing them!

Thanks,

Alan.

PS- Also just in case the automatic SSN registration does not work I applied today for a SSN as well!

[meauxna 15]

Hi Alan,

It's not a lack of security checks, but rather that your entry has not been recorded in a database called SAVE that SSA must use to verify your status.

There is nothing you can do to influence DHS to get them to input you.

What did the SSA worker do with your application? She is supposed to hold it for 10 days and keep checking for your SAVE status before starting a manual verification. You can keep checking back weekly with SSA.

[Candace 2]

Hi Alan,

It's not a lack of security checks, but rather that your entry has not been recorded in a database called SAVE that SSA must use to verify your status.

There is nothing you can do to influence DHS to get them to input you.

What did the SSA worker do with your application? She is supposed to hold it for 10 days and keep checking for your SAVE status before starting a manual verification. You can keep checking back weekly with SSA.

I have a question about my SS number so I hope you don't mind my shameless piggyback on this thread. I am in WA for two weeks after entering POE Seattle on 3 January.

If my SS number does not arrive within the allotted time (is it five weeks?) is there *anything* I can do from Germany, or would I have to wait until we move over to the US 'properly' in November/December?

Do you think I could do anything to pre-empt this problem (is it such a common problem or were Zauber and Suzy's husbands just very unlucky?) while I am in WA?

So many questions...sorry!

[SuzyBandseer 0]

It's suzy again. Hmm, since you don't need it right away, I would just wait on it anyway. You will have to put an address that it can be mailed to, so make sure you can still get mail at that address while you are away.

I would suggest maybe later checking in with the Frankfurt SSA folks, but I applied for my updated card (US citizen SS card) through them (I am not sure if they entered the form there or sent it to another office, but the address was entered as Munich, North Carolina (combination of my old & new address) which does not exist, and therefore never arrived! I had to visit the local SS office to get it fixed anyway,

[meauxna 15]

Hi Alan,

It's not a lack of security checks, but rather that your entry has not been recorded in a database called SAVE that SSA must use to verify your status.

There is nothing you can do to influence DHS to get them to input you.

What did the SSA worker do with your application? She is supposed to hold it for 10 days and keep checking for your SAVE status before starting a manual verification. You can keep checking back weekly with SSA.

I have a question about my SS number so I hope you don't mind my shameless piggyback on this thread. I am in WA for two weeks after entering POE Seattle on 3 January.

If my SS number does not arrive within the allotted time (is it five weeks?) is there *anything* I can do from Germany, or would I have to wait until we move over to the US 'properly' in November/December?

Do you think I could do anything to pre-empt this problem (is it such a common problem or were Zauber and Suzy's husbands just very unlucky?) while I am in WA?

So many questions...sorry!

No problem, there *are* lots of questions.

If your SS card has not showed up in the next two or three weeks, go into SSA and put in an application SS-5. Make sure you have a good mailing address so someone can receive the card for you.

The automatic card system does work for a lot of people.

And then a lot of people don't want to wait and feel better if they go shake the tree. It's hard to tell who it works for and who just gives up early--I know people need the number to get things done, or at least, get them done more easily.

[Candace 2]

Thankyou for the replies! Yes we have our home of record (also Chris's parents' house) where all mail related to the immigration will be sent and safely received after our departure mid-January, so at least I will know if the card comes! Since I am in no hurry for the SS# I will just see if it shows up within a couple months, if not then I could chase Frankfurt (I didn't know there was SSA there - Suzy do you have the contact details you used?)

Happy Friday!

[SuzyBandseer 0]

Hi Alan,

It's not a lack of security checks, but rather that your entry has not been recorded in a database called SAVE that SSA must use to verify your status.

There is nothing you can do to influence DHS to get them to input you.

What did the SSA worker do with your application? She is supposed to hold it for 10 days and keep checking for your SAVE status before starting a manual verification. You can keep checking back weekly with SSA.

Hi Meauxna,

Thanks for your reply, the person at the SSA printed off the new application for me to check and sign and I think she was going to send off along with a copy of my passport and visa for processing.

I would prefer not to have to go back and wait the 1.5 -2 hrs to see someone at the SSA, is there no other way?

Alan.

[I'm Gone 60]

Hi What's his name here. LOL

RM 00202.315 Enumeration At Entry

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100202315

If you answer "Yes" to Questions 33a. and 33b.on Form DS-230

You will then need to allow at least 3 weeks to see if the Enumeration At Entry process works. If you don't receive your SSN card within 3 weeks it's time to head on down to your friendly neighborhood SSA office.

Find office:

http://www.ssa.gov/locator

If you have been assigned an SSN the office can provide you with the number. However, it is has been over 14 days from the day the SSN was assigned and you haven't received the card you will probably need to

apply for a replacement card.

Take proof of age, identity and work authorized alien status. Proof of age is not needed for a replacement card.

Birth certificate, passport and I-551 card or MRIV with temporary I-551 language should be enough to take into the SSA office.

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203410

RM 00203.410 Evidence of Alien Status for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence

B. KINDS OF EVIDENCE ESTABLISHING LAPR STATUS

-- I-551, Permanent Resident Card

-- Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with Temporary I-551 Language

Note: The MRIV shows the alien's identification number ("A" number) as the "Registration Number" in the upper right-hand corner of the MRIV.

If you apply in the SSA office for an original SSN or replacement card the SSA office will try to verify your status through the SAVE system while your are in the office. If they can't, they will send a form G-845

to immigration for manual verification.

If the SSA office does send the G-845, I suggest that you go back to the SSA office every couple weeks with your documents to (1) ask them to check SAVE again (2) ask if they sent a G-845 (3) if yes, did it come

back (4) after 30 days ask if they have followed up on the G-845 by calling or sending another mark "second request."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203720

RM 00203.720 Verifying Immigration Documents

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203735

RM 00203.735 Requesting Online (Primary) Verification By SAVE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

After having waited at least 30 days and your local SSA office doesn't seem too concerned you can try contacting the SSA Regional Office (RO) responsible for your state:

http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/natlpocontacts.html

Refer them to this:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203740

RM 00203.740 Requesting Additional (Manual) Verification By DHS

B. PROCEDURE – HOW TO REQUEST MANUAL VERIFICATION

STEP 6

DHS should respond to SSA within 15 federal work days after receivingthe Form G-845. If DHS does not respond within 15 federal work days from the receipt of the G-845 from SSA, follow-up with the DHS, USCIS

Immigration Status office. (Allow 15 days plus five additional federal work days of mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from DHS.

Follow local practice to follow-up with DHS. Some SSA offices have an arrangement with the DHS, USCIS office to telephone for the follow-up contact; other SSA offices send a copy of the original G-845 annotated

“second request.”) If the DHS response is still not received within 15 federal work days after the follow-up contact (if the follow-up is by mail allow five additional federal work days of mail time for the G-845

to be received at and returned from DHS), make a second follow-up contact. If the DHS response is not received within 15 federal workdays (again, if the follow-up is by mail, allow five additional federal work

days of mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from DHS), after two follow-ups, contact the RO. Also report to the RO any trend that shows a serious deviation by DHS from the above time frames.

The RO will consult with central office.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now for the people that have left the country and returned to Germany, you can go to the Federal Benefits Unit in Frankfurt to see if you have been assigned an SSN. You can also apply there for either an original or replacement card. Now if it was me and you are coming back to the U.S. anytime soon I would wait to apply once you get back in the U.S.

Federal Benefits Unit

American Consulate General

Giessener Str. 30

60435 Frankfurt, Germany

Phone: 49-69-7535-2496

Fax: 49-69-749-352

http://frankfurt.usconsulate.gov/frankfurt/services/fbu.html

[meauxna 15]

Hi Meauxna,

Thanks for your reply, the person at the SSA printed off the new application for me to check and sign and I think she was going to send off along with a copy of my passport and visa for processing.

I would prefer not to have to go back and wait the 1.5 -2 hrs to see someone at the SSA, is there no other way?

Alan.

Alan, follow mdyoung's good steps there (thanks for answering the page mdyoung!!!).

I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes at my SSA office; I suggest you shop around for a 'better' office (any one can serve you) if you want to follow up in person.

You've now put in a regular application, so one or the other will work. If there are some problems that you're unable to solve without the SS#, speak up. There may be workarounds for no number situations that someone can help with.

Best luck!

[SuzyBandseer 0]

The welcome to the US letter arrived today (entered country Oct 24, info entered in system Nov 7, letter generated Nov 8) so we expect everything is in good order.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[SuzyBandseer 0]

At last... Alan's green card arrived this past Wednesday, about 5 weeks after we entered the country, along with a 3rd welcome letter. He went to the social security office on Friday and was able to get a printout with his social security number, so now we can get his banking stuff set up at the same bank I use. Next hurdle is getting his driver's license, but then all the IDs and docs should be in order for a while. He also has a job offer at a great company, so we feel like our start here has gone pretty well!