Naturalization and SSN card

[lustanovska 0]

Hello,

My spouse and I haven't quite made it to America and started our new life there, but we are working in the CR-1 from abroad and hopefully one of these days. I like to plan ahead, so if anyone has experience in these two areas, I'm interested.

First, when does the SSN card arrive? After they approve our DS-230 or not until SS gets a note from POE that we've arrived or what because I know that even with just the stamp in the passport, that works like a green card for employment purposes, but it seems like nothing in America can get done without a SSN.

And, how does dual citizenship work? I've read over the naturalization booklet and that oath about forsaking other countries seems pretty serious. We aren't into taking oaths lightly.

Thanks!

Laura

[YuAndDan 153]

You are planing ahead, you need to be a green-card holder for 3 years, and resident in the USA for 18months or more without any trips abroad longer than 6 months, before you can file an N-400 for citizenship. It all depends on if the foreign country allows for dual citizenship, many do, but others will revoke your citizenship if you become a US citizen (China for example).

There is a check box on DS-230 to request a SSN, but many report not getting one and having to visit SSA and applying for one a few weeks after arriving in the USA on a CR-1 visa.

[neonrain 1]

I Just went through this. I checked yes for the SSN on the DS-230. I waited three weeks after arriving and when nothing had happened I just went into the closest SSA office, they check if any action has been taken on your case, if not they process an application right there and the card should arrive in 14 days. They ask you to wait 3 weeks after arriving, can't remember the exact reason but something to do with making sure your on the system at least. Once the greencard has arrived you're basically good to go.

It is true that nothing can be done without this number. Most online job applications will not let you proceed because you can't fill in one field, no bank accounts, no drivers license. Not much of anything really. So I've been really frustrated for the last few weeks but the thing should be on its way.

The officer at the SSA who helped me said that she has been noticing lately that immigrants who do check the DS-230, are seeing no action on the case and she feels the option should be taken off of the form, since it makes no difference any way. If I had known I would have checked no and done the job myself anyway.

[JeremyR 8]

It all depends on if the foreign country allows for dual citizenship, many do, but others will revoke your citizenship if you become a US citizen (China for example).

Question: how does the country of birth find out that citizenship has been granted by the US? Does the US notify that country's consulate?