Social Security Card

[sachinky 465]

Okay, so my POE was on 05/20 through Chicago.

I haven't received my Welcome Letter yet. What's the estimated time on that?

I went to the local SS office last week to update my SSN (I had one from my previous F-1 valid with DHS authorization) to an unrestricted one. They told me I had to be present in the U.S. for two weeks before they could do anything.

So we went again today. She looked at our marriage certificate, passport, my OPT EAD, couldn't figure jack-sh*t and said they couldn't do anything without the A# (which she insisted should've been there on the visa itself but there wasn't one--the one on the OPT EAD didn't work either--I thought those are for life, the A#, I mean). I tried to explain about how the I-551 stamp was a temporary GC till the physical one came in the mail and that the stamp in the passport is an endorsement. She just said, ya ya ya, no can do.

I had a supervisor review done as well and she said the same thing--that I had to wait till the actual GC came in the mail till they could do anything. Something about verifying the A# with DHS. I called the national toll free line. No help, there either. Got yelled at -- something about "immigration not working for the SSA."

Is there a way to retrieve this A# -- where would I get that information? I called USCIS--they said it should be there in the Welcome Letter and that I should be receiving it in the mail in another week or two. Is that accurate information?

I'm thoroughly confused and tired of getting the run-around. Any suggestions/input/advice?

Edited June 4, 2010 by sachinky

[Darnell 8,478]

The A# is in the visa stamp (that thing you got from US Embassy, in yer passport )

What you need to 'tell them' - is to look you up in the SAVE database. About/around Day 16 after POE date, you should be FOUND in the SAVE database.

If they mumble something about 'electronic DHS/USCIS verification' - STOP.

Do Not Apply.

Come back in a week (the Save database SHOULD be updated by then).

Edited June 4, 2010 by Darnell

[sachinky 465]

Okay, will do that next Monday, then.

Where's the mysterious A#? Can you tell me more specifically? Top, bottom, left, right on the CR-1 immigrant visa?

I see a case #, registration #, and a number printed in red right next/above where it says UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY 1551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR.

[kaffy 2]

top right

underneath where it says REGISTRATION NUMBER

8 digits long

[sachinky 465]

So the registration number -- 8 digits -- is basically the alien number?

Great, thankyou. I will be there, first thing tomorrow morning.

[Darnell 8,478]

Not sure about placement, been reading a rumour it's in red -

but -

it's also printed on the NOA-2 -

so pull out yer NOA -2 - match those up with what's on the visa - let me know about 'placement on the visa' ?

I think it's the Registration #, but I could be wrong.

Edited June 4, 2010 by Darnell

[sachinky 465]

She gave off the impression that she'd be able to process my application if I was able to provide her with the Alien #.

[sachinky 465]

Ok, will get Mr. Sachinky to locate that.

[mrs. wife! 3]

Sachi, the alien number can be found on NOA2.

Anyway, where is your I-551 stamp? I only got the admission stamp on my passport. I do remember signing a paper and gave the guy my right index finger... but I just looked at my passport and no stamp. Should I be worried?

[sachinky 465]

I have the usual admission stamp with CR-1, May 19, 2012 handwritten on it. Below it is a thick three line stamp in red, so blurred that I can't read beyond the first line. I assume that's the I-551, yes?

[mrs. wife! 3]

I don't have it

I can't believe! It's only the usual admission stamp written CR1 on the bottom and nothing else!

Damn it!!!!!!!!!!

They also didn't tell me anything about renewing the GC bla bla bla. The guy only asked me to sign the paper and said I was all set.

So I guess I can't leave the country till I receive the GC?

ps- I googled the I-551 stamp and this is what it shows... I really don't have it.

[sachinky 465]

Eeeks, if that's it, then I don't have one either.

Mine says--"Alien has been notified of the ... of Section 216 and of the ... for having the..."

Cryptic, eh?

[sachinky 465]

Nat--you have your NOA2 handy? You know your A#, yes-- which is the A# on your CR1 visa? The registration # or the # printed in red on the visa?

[mrs. wife! 3]

Yes, I just checked both and the A number is the one written in black right under the case number.... it says 'registration number'.

[sachinky 465]

Yes, I just checked both and the A number is the one written in black right under the case number.... it says 'registration number'.

Perfecto! Muchas gracias, senorita!

I'm telling ya, this BS just never seems to end.