Cross border before permanent move to get SSN process started?

[laura428 0]

So, my husband checked off the box on the DS-230 (I think it was that one), saying that he wanted to request a SSN. We are obviously wanting him to get his SSN asap. We're hoping to get pre-approved for a mortgage down there before we move, but our mortgage broker told us that he cannot move forward until we have my husband's SSN. After doing a little reading here and there, I now know that it's not a super quick process, but I'm hoping we can trim the wait a bit... or at least our wait once we're moved down to the States...

Our plan is to move as soon as we can sell our house here, ideally about three to five weeks after Montreal. Would it be beneficial for us to make a quick trip to cross the border after he gets back from Montreal to finalize his immigration, and then come back? Would the SSN process start rolling then? And, if we do this, do we have to bring along a list of the things we'll be moving with us? OR, can those things wait until we make the real move a month or so later? (I remember doing this when crossing the border five years ago during my immigration process to Canada, painstakingly listing the contents of every numbered box, and bringing a second list of things that were being shipped later.)

Oh, and if it's an issue of where the SSN info will be sent once processed, that's not a problem. My parents' address will be listed as our own, as we obviously will not have bought our house by then.

Any info would be appreciated... thanks!

[meauxna 15]

hi laura,

it's pretty common to do just what you propose---he can go to the border, cross and be admitted as a PR and return to Canada to finish up his business.

This starts the Green Card production and SS application procedures. If nothing arrives within 3-4 weeks of entering, he will need to follow up. It is somewhat of a gamble that it will get rolling, but it is the best you can do in any circumstance---most people DO get their SS#s this way (via DS-230).

He won't have to take all the belongings or even a list---can do that later AFAIK.

Sounds like a good plan!

[laura428 0]

hi laura,

it's pretty common to do just what you propose---he can go to the border, cross and be admitted as a PR and return to Canada to finish up his business.

This starts the Green Card production and SS application procedures. If nothing arrives within 3-4 weeks of entering, he will need to follow up. It is somewhat of a gamble that it will get rolling, but it is the best you can do in any circumstance---most people DO get their SS#s this way (via DS-230).

He won't have to take all the belongings or even a list---can do that later AFAIK.

Sounds like a good plan!

Hey Meauxna...

Good news, although not surprising that it's not a sure thing that it will get the ball rolling. Hope it actually does work in our case! If nothing else, it'll be a nice little weekend down in Glacier National Park!

[incanada1234 0]

We're doing this too! We're not moving until exactly a month after our interview, so we're activating his visa a few days after the interview to get things moving as far as the SSN. That way when we do get to the U.S., it'll only be about a week until he can work.