Updating SSA, License State Records because of becoming US citizen

[jcrom 2]

Hello everybody. I think that this is a little issue that I have right now. I have just become US citizen two days ago. I tell the thruth that I tried to update my Social Security Administration and PA State License records; unfortunately, it was not updated my federal record from USCIS, so it was not possible. In the SSA office, they told me that the reason it was not updated already in their federal systems that is called SAVE (federal system that matches USCIS and SSA records with other federal agencies); the lady told me you have to come in about 10 days because your Certificate of Citizenship is brand new, of course I told her it was issued the same day. Now, I went to the PA Drivers License officed to update the State record and it appears the same result, my federal records were not updated right away. This is my question: Is it normal to wait or expect at least few business days to expect to update the federal and State records? If so, How many days anybody recommend me to expect or wait? All the new US citizens need to update the big records as soon as possible, so in case of any problem or any benefit is easier for them to realize and know that I'm US citizen. ANY COMMENTS? ANY SUGGESTIONS? HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN GO TO THE SSA AND PA STATE DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE? I would like any feedback, comment, suggestion or recommendation from anybody who has done this or who has happened this same scenario that his/her immigration USCIS record is not updated already and therefore, the others mainly the federal and state records cannot be updated. Thanks and bye,

[v333k 59]

Hello everybody. I think that this is a little issue that I have right now. I have just become US citizen two days ago. I tell the thruth that I tried to update my Social Security Administration and PA State License records; unfortunately, it was not updated my federal record from USCIS, so it was not possible. In the SSA office, they told me that the reason it was not updated already in their federal systems that is called SAVE (federal system that matches USCIS and SSA records with other federal agencies); the lady told me you have to come in about 10 days because your Certificate of Citizenship is brand new, of course I told her it was issued the same day. Now, I went to the PA Drivers License officed to update the State record and it appears the same result, my federal records were not updated right away. This is my question: Is it normal to wait or expect at least few business days to expect to update the federal and State records? If so, How many days anybody recommend me to expect or wait? All the new US citizens need to update the big records as soon as possible, so in case of any problem or any benefit is easier for them to realize and know that I'm US citizen. ANY COMMENTS? ANY SUGGESTIONS? HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN GO TO THE SSA AND PA STATE DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE? I would like any feedback, comment, suggestion or recommendation from anybody who has done this or who has happened this same scenario that his/her immigration USCIS record is not updated already and therefore, the others mainly the federal and state records cannot be updated. Thanks and bye,

Yes - it takes time before you are in the system. Not sure how long you need to wait but I would say go after a week has passed.

[NickD 203]

That is certainly news to me, 21 months ago my wife received her certificate and that is all we needed to show to update all of her state and federal records. Is there a database now? And if there is, is the DOS on it so you no longer have to send them your original certificate for a passport.

So you went to your SSA and they basically told you your certificate is no good because you are not in the system yet? What happens when you are in the system, will they still want to see your no good certificate? Will the DOS be the same way for your passport application?

Let us know what happens, can you call or do you have to drive in?

[v333k 59]

That is certainly news to me, 21 months ago my wife received her certificate and that is all we needed to show to update all of her state and federal records. Is there a database now? And if there is, is the DOS on it so you no longer have to send them your original certificate for a passport.

So you went to your SSA and they basically told you your certificate is no good because you are not in the system yet? What happens when you are in the system, will they still want to see your no good certificate? Will the DOS be the same way for your passport application?

Let us know what happens, can you call or do you have to drive in?

all I can say is that when I got the GC, I went to the local SS office to change my status and they told me that there is nothing they can change if having a GC. Then the lady told me when I become a citizen, I should wait for a week or two before returning to the SS office to update my status as their systems will need some time to update.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

When I got my citizenship last August, I went the day after to the SSA to update my status. They took a copy of my Citizenship Certificate, then told me that it would be a few days before USCIS system updated to include my new status but once it did and they could verify it, they would issue my new SSN. I received it about a week later (don't remember the exact date now). I did not have to go back - they took what they needed on the first visit and updated my SSN when the system updated with USCIS. The day after that I sent away my certificate to get my US passport. So, things may be handled differently at different SSA offices, but the one I went to in Morrow, Georgia was able to take my information the day after I became a citizen.

[CaptainPenguin 5]

When I got my citizenship last August, I went the day after to the SSA to update my status. They took a copy of my Citizenship Certificate, then told me that it would be a few days before USCIS system updated to include my new status but once it did and they could verify it, they would issue my new SSN. I received it about a week later (don't remember the exact date now). I did not have to go back - they took what they needed on the first visit and updated my SSN when the system updated with USCIS. The day after that I sent away my certificate to get my US passport. So, things may be handled differently at different SSA offices, but the one I went to in Morrow, Georgia was able to take my information the day after I became a citizen.

I find some of the comments regarding the Social Security Administration somewhat strange, first of all, if you go from an unconditional green card to us citizenship, do you have to notify them about your status, and if so, why ? What kind of literature is there regarding this issue ? I have personally not found anything but I did go into my local SSA office and talked to them, they told me that there was no need for them to update any records because I was nowhere near retirement age, and they did not even want to deal with me or see my certificate.

When some of you mention the issuance of a new SSN, are you talking about a brand new number or just a card ? It would not make any sense at all to issue a new number to someone who has already been here for a long time unless it is a status adjustment, say going from a work visa to permanent residency.

[NickD 203]

I find some of the comments regarding the Social Security Administration somewhat strange, first of all, if you go from an unconditional green card to us citizenship, do you have to notify them about your status, and if so, why ? What kind of literature is there regarding this issue ? I have personally not found anything but I did go into my local SSA office and talked to them, they told me that there was no need for them to update any records because I was nowhere near retirement age, and they did not even want to deal with me or see my certificate.

When some of you mention the issuance of a new SSN, are you talking about a brand new number or just a card ? It would not make any sense at all to issue a new number to someone who has already been here for a long time unless it is a status adjustment, say going from a work visa to permanent residency.

The reason why you go to the SS office after you receive your US citizen certificate is to change your citizen status on part 5, Citizenship, as a US citizen, you receive more benefits from SS, and the SS database does indicate your citizenship status. You want that to be correct to save future problems.

Since we already had this fillable form on our computer, just unchecked the Legal Alien allowed to work box, and checked the U.S. Citizen Box. Then on part 14, changed that date to the current date, printed it out and brought it in with my wife's US citizenship certificate.

The way this system works, it is up to you to keep your records up to date, just like dealing with the USCIS, there is no big brother watching over you or helping you. And another key factor, is that you are not going in there to get money, they are taking your money, so you want to be sure your records are up to date, and you are getting full credit for that huge sum of money they are taking by law, out of your pay check. Unfortunately, you can run into idiots, you already experienced this with the USCIS. Last time I went in, an idiot guy told me only my wife can bring that in, but before I had a chance to chew him out, his supervisor came by and corrected him. You have every right to update your records.

Your SS number never changes from day one, that number is key for crediting your account. Some of them seem to forget that a percentage of your FICA taxes is their paycheck, and should treat each individual with a mild degree of respect. May be a little hard headed on this subject, but my country put me in the position to die for their freedom. I did realize it was a privilege for my country to bring my wife her, so really had to take what I call was a nice pill before being interrogated by some kid at the USCIS office, but it was a very humiliating experience for me. But until this incident with this one guy, everyone at my local SS office was very nice and accommodating. Sounds like you ran into an idiot.

[CaptainPenguin 5]

The reason why you go to the SS office after you receive your US citizen certificate is to change your citizen status on part 5, Citizenship, as a US citizen, you receive more benefits from SS, and the SS database does indicate your citizenship status. You want that to be correct to save future problems.

Since we already had this fillable form on our computer, just unchecked the Legal Alien allowed to work box, and checked the U.S. Citizen Box. Then on part 14, changed that date to the current date, printed it out and brought it in with my wife's US citizenship certificate.

The way this system works, it is up to you to keep your records up to date, just like dealing with the USCIS, there is no big brother watching over you or helping you. And another key factor, is that you are not going in there to get money, they are taking your money, so you want to be sure your records are up to date, and you are getting full credit for that huge sum of money they are taking by law, out of your pay check. Unfortunately, you can run into idiots, you already experienced this with the USCIS. Last time I went in, an idiot guy told me only my wife can bring that in, but before I had a chance to chew him out, his supervisor came by and corrected him. You have every right to update your records.

Your SS number never changes from day one, that number is key for crediting your account. Some of them seem to forget that a percentage of your FICA taxes is their paycheck, and should treat each individual with a mild degree of respect. May be a little hard headed on this subject, but my country put me in the position to die for their freedom. I did realize it was a privilege for my country to bring my wife her, so really had to take what I call was a nice pill before being interrogated by some kid at the USCIS office, but it was a very humiliating experience for me. But until this incident with this one guy, everyone at my local SS office was very nice and accommodating. Sounds like you ran into an idiot.

Thanks for your post, it sure helped me to clarify what is going on. Looks like I will be going back there soon and maybe this time I can avoid the idiots.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Hello everybody. I think that this is a little issue that I have right now. I have just become US citizen two days ago. I tell the thruth that I tried to update my Social Security Administration and PA State License records; unfortunately, it was not updated my federal record from USCIS, so it was not possible. In the SSA office, they told me that the reason it was not updated already in their federal systems that is called SAVE (federal system that matches USCIS and SSA records with other federal agencies); the lady told me you have to come in about 10 days because your Certificate of Citizenship is brand new, of course I told her it was issued the same day. Now, I went to the PA Drivers License officed to update the State record and it appears the same result, my federal records were not updated right away. This is my question: Is it normal to wait or expect at least few business days to expect to update the federal and State records? If so, How many days anybody recommend me to expect or wait? All the new US citizens need to update the big records as soon as possible, so in case of any problem or any benefit is easier for them to realize and know that I'm US citizen. ANY COMMENTS? ANY SUGGESTIONS? HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN GO TO THE SSA AND PA STATE DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE? I would like any feedback, comment, suggestion or recommendation from anybody who has done this or who has happened this same scenario that his/her immigration USCIS record is not updated already and therefore, the others mainly the federal and state records cannot be updated. Thanks and bye,

the SSN lady told you about 10 days - why not take her word for it? It's 10 days....nothing special is going to happen in those 10 days...be patient.

[NickD 203]

Did find this on the internet that explains why we didn't have this database problem, its new with that e-verify program.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d3ace7c336c60210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

SSA and the USCIS got a 100 million bucks to start this program. But so far, just seems like it is causing more delays. Really no rush in getting that SS card, really major concern is getting benefits from your money if you live long enough to retire. But if you are like me, if you don't take care of matters in a certain time frame, will never do it.

Also wondered if this database is on the web, briefly, just found this:

https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/United_States_Naturalization_and_Citizenship

but appears only to go up to the year 2,000.

[JewryandJessica 0]

Hello everybody. I think that this is a little issue that I have right now. I have just become US citizen two days ago. I tell the thruth that I tried to update my Social Security Administration and PA State License records; unfortunately, it was not updated my federal record from USCIS, so it was not possible. In the SSA office, they told me that the reason it was not updated already in their federal systems that is called SAVE (federal system that matches USCIS and SSA records with other federal agencies); the lady told me you have to come in about 10 days because your Certificate of Citizenship is brand new, of course I told her it was issued the same day. Now, I went to the PA Drivers License officed to update the State record and it appears the same result, my federal records were not updated right away. This is my question: Is it normal to wait or expect at least few business days to expect to update the federal and State records? If so, How many days anybody recommend me to expect or wait? All the new US citizens need to update the big records as soon as possible, so in case of any problem or any benefit is easier for them to realize and know that I'm US citizen. ANY COMMENTS? ANY SUGGESTIONS? HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN GO TO THE SSA AND PA STATE DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE? I would like any feedback, comment, suggestion or recommendation from anybody who has done this or who has happened this same scenario that his/her immigration USCIS record is not updated already and therefore, the others mainly the federal and state records cannot be updated. Thanks and bye,

hi, I became a citizen on November 25 and on December 1st I went to the SSA to change my status ( also to change my last name in their records). Well they took a copy of my Citizenship Certificate and I guess my info wasn't upgraded yet in their system. So she just said that it would take about 4 weeks (instead of the usual 2 weeks) for me to get my card because they would have to verify my info with DHS. THats it, about 2 weeks later i got a letter from SSA saying that i would get my new card in about 2 weeks, in about 6 days from the day of the letter i got my card. So in all it just took about 3 weeks to get my new card (instead of the usual 5-6 days that it would have normally taken)

hope that info helps

jessica

Edited June 21, 2010 by JewryandJessica

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

You go to school, grow up, get married, deal with the immigration people for years. Then, all of a sudden 10 days look like the world is going to end. I'd wait a year and ten days before trying again, and only if it's convenient and the SSA office is on the way anyway.

You won't get another card, you won't get another driver license, they won't give you a ribbon, and most likely not even a free cup of coffee. Yet you spent silly money visiting an office for . . . what exactly?

There's my feedback, as solicited.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

just to clarify things,

the reason you go to SSA as soon as you can after you become a citizen is to update your status using your Citizenship document because the next thing you want to do - as soon as possible - is obtain a US passport so you can travel if you have a need to without a big hassle. Those of us with family members outside of the US - especially elderly or ill relatives - are now stuck without the means to travel if there is an emergency so this is a priority. The passport office DOES require your physical citizenship document and it has to be submitted with the passport application. It takes about 1 month to process the application (or if you have a problem like I did with the US post office losing my issued passport, having to cancel it and get another one re-issued - it can take even longer). Yes, you can get it expedited for a fee and some have chosen to do that as well. If you don't update your SSA before you apply for a passport, you will need to wait until you receive your certificate and your passport back. Being without the opportunity to travel if needed - for business, for pleasure or for emergencies - can be frustrating and tough - perhaps even heart-breaking under certain circumstances. So, SSA takes a photocopy of the certificate and starts the ball rolling on the SSN update; the passport office gets the certificate and you get your new SSN card - and all the enhanced benefits that come with being a citizen - and your new passport.

Edited June 21, 2010 by Kathryn41

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Or . . . you first get a passport, travel internationally and then, whenever, as there is ABSOLUTELY NO HURRY to do this, you stop by at the SSA office and let them update your records.

Again, nothing changes: not the name, not the card, not the number not even the fact that you are a US citizen by then. If you need benefits exclusively reserved for USCs (whatever they may be?), you can still easily show your passport and thus proof that you are one.

Me thinks.

[milimelo 4,480]

Or . . . you first get a passport, travel internationally and then, whenever, as there is ABSOLUTELY NO HURRY to do this, you stop by at the SSA office and let them update your records.

Again, nothing changes: not the name, not the card, not the number not even the fact that you are a US citizen by then. If you need benefits exclusively reserved for USCs (whatever they may be?), you can still easily show your passport and thus proof that you are one.

Me thinks.

Seriously, why not read Kathryn's post where she explains that in order to be issued a passport, your record with SSA has to be updated. Not an optional thing if you want a passport.