Joint bank account dilemma?

[lovelyalex 99]

I am getting all my bits ready for interview time, which is for me 1st March but I have a query:

I didn't think I'd get my date so soon, so only this week started to look into a joint bank account with us. We went in (DCU is where my husband banks) and they said they couldn't even add me to his existing account without a SSN or tax number. I didn't know until AFTER my I-94 expired that I could have gotten a social security number with that, as stated on this forum and also on the social security website immigrant section so don't as yet have one.

The teller said that they could create a joint account/add me with either a SSN or a tax number but I know that by law, an alien individual cannot have both an ITIN and a SSN... From my timeline (and me being optimistic) I am hoping to hear about my EAD any day now. I note from the IRS website that they have a temporary hold on issuing any new taxpayer numbers until 30th May, so my idea of applying for one before I got a SSN number is now void.

How long does it take to get social security number? When I get my EAD in the mail I can go down to the local office, and apply but I don't know too much about what happens then... Will I get a number straight away or will they send me something in the post a few weeks later, depending if they have to check my details with the DHS?

My husband for now ordered another debit card (in his name) and has given it to me for use in the meantime (thank god because I am sick of asking for a bit of cash here and there when I need to go out!) and ideally we can get it sorted before the interview. (I'll admit me and husband have been a bit slack, but we have been trying to sort out our daughters citizenship at the same time.)

Aside from the account, we have the usual pack in the process of being prepared; copies of our original application, medical insurance documents, my gym membership (from his bank account), his life insurance with me as the beneficiary, copy of car insurance with my name listed, our daughter (!), photos etc. But as we are currently living with his parents we do not have a lease in our name, or something else similar that I personally would consider a major piece of paper evidence that we are a legitimate married cohabiting couple. I'd like to think that when we have the interview they will see from our body language that we are bona fide and I can easily explain why we don't have this and that sorted out yet, but I worry that it would just sound like excuses and would count heavily against us to anyone reviewing our case.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It sounds okay to me to be honest. The whole SSN thing happens quite a lot. Perhaps consider affidavits from your parents who you're living with, lots of pics together, wedding pics, affidavit from friends, phone account with your name, other joint bills.

You can apply for the card but no-one knows for sure how long it will take... but honestly the rest of your evidence is pretty convincing. Just explain to them (if they ask) why you don't have a bank account, but you can show that you have an additional card in his name for expenses (if this is legal, I don't know if it is to be honest 'cause it's not in Aus)

Good luck!

[lovelyalex 99]

Thanks Vanessa&Tony! I had forgotten about our phone bill actually. (Which is pretty ironic really because I spend a lot of time texting!) And I didn't think it would be legal to let me use his card in his name either, cos it certainly wouldn't be at home, but there you go. I think I can be put on as an authorised user of his credit cards as well.

Edited February 6, 2010 by lovelyalex

[milimelo 4,540]

A bank should be able to add you using just your passport number - they normally put all 9s if you don't have a SSN and then when you get one you go back and update it. Try speaking with someone above the teller level in the bank.

[v333k 59]

I am getting all my bits ready for interview time, which is for me 1st March but I have a query:

I didn't think I'd get my date so soon, so only this week started to look into a joint bank account with us. We went in (DCU is where my husband banks) and they said they couldn't even add me to his existing account without a SSN or tax number. I didn't know until AFTER my I-94 expired that I could have gotten a social security number with that, as stated on this forum and also on the social security website immigrant section so don't as yet have one.

The teller said that they could create a joint account/add me with either a SSN or a tax number but I know that by law, an alien individual cannot have both an ITIN and a SSN... From my timeline (and me being optimistic) I am hoping to hear about my EAD any day now. I note from the IRS website that they have a temporary hold on issuing any new taxpayer numbers until 30th May, so my idea of applying for one before I got a SSN number is now void.

How long does it take to get social security number? When I get my EAD in the mail I can go down to the local office, and apply but I don't know too much about what happens then... Will I get a number straight away or will they send me something in the post a few weeks later, depending if they have to check my details with the DHS?

My husband for now ordered another debit card (in his name) and has given it to me for use in the meantime (thank god because I am sick of asking for a bit of cash here and there when I need to go out!) and ideally we can get it sorted before the interview. (I'll admit me and husband have been a bit slack, but we have been trying to sort out our daughters citizenship at the same time.)

Aside from the account, we have the usual pack in the process of being prepared; copies of our original application, medical insurance documents, my gym membership (from his bank account), his life insurance with me as the beneficiary, copy of car insurance with my name listed, our daughter (!), photos etc. But as we are currently living with his parents we do not have a lease in our name, or something else similar that I personally would consider a major piece of paper evidence that we are a legitimate married cohabiting couple. I'd like to think that when we have the interview they will see from our body language that we are bona fide and I can easily explain why we don't have this and that sorted out yet, but I worry that it would just sound like excuses and would count heavily against us to anyone reviewing our case.

These situations are quite common, and during the interview, they might ask you about these particular details, and just be honest and explain in a few statements why you don't have joint bank accounts and that you will be getting joint accounts once you get your SSN. They are usually understanding.

Just make sure you do that since you will get a 2 year GC and then you need to apply for a 10-year GC before that expires which then you need to submit evidence once again (less than AOS) but will have to prove that you did what you said you will do.

[Brit Abroad 166]

If it worries you not to have a lease, ask hubby's parents to write an affidavit attesting to the fact that you are legally married and living together under their roof since X date. Have them get it notarised at their bank and you have a document confirming a marital home. It doesn't have to be in legal jargon, just a statement of fact, names and dates.

Sounds like you have plenty of evidence already though, and you could just write a note stating your circumstances of living with family and having missed the window for applying for your SSN. The USCIS people aren't completely stupid, not everyone has "ideal" paperwork. Provided you have a bona fide relationship, that's all they're really seeking to verify.

[longey 1]

You mention you and your husband have a daughter? That's plenty of "evidence" right there.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

You mention you and your husband have a daughter? That's plenty of "evidence" right there.

Nope, a child is simply evidence that they've had sex. It doesn't prove that they are co-mingling their lives.

For the bank, download IRS form W-8BEN. With it you can be added to his accounts without a SSN or ITIN.

[lovelyalex 99]

But isn't the purpose of a W-8BEN form is to declare that the am not subject to US witholding taxes and then give a reason (usually because the entities or individuals filling it out are not US residents yet have investments etc in the US.) I had to fill them out at my old job a long time ago and my mind might not be so good since having a baby but I think you might have the wrong form