Green Card received before SSN

[MaryLan 0]

Is it customary to receive the green card before the SSN? I called the SS office today and they are telling me to give them 3 more weeks. Should I just go into the office? Thanks

[Darnell 8,478]

ya, just go to the office -

whilst there - they can confirm or deny that an number was reserved and ordered for you.

If they have no record of it , then you can apply in person (have them look you up in the SAVE database, in yer VISA name)

Good Luck !

[MaryLan 0]

ya, just go to the office -

whilst there - they can confirm or deny that an number was reserved and ordered for you.

If they have no record of it , then you can apply in person (have them look you up in the SAVE database, in yer VISA name)

Good Luck !

Great! Thanks Darnell

[Flames9_RN 358]

Prior to heading down to the SSN office, download the form at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/?h and fill it out-----so if ur not in the system--hand over the already filled out paperwork, show ur greencard (and many times they require a second form of ID (birth certificate) and thats that! I had to go that route (like many others)and SSN card arrived in mail 1 week later. Best to arrive EARLY, as many offices tend to be busy

[rlogan 2,036]

The ss admin people are horrible. They kept telling us to wait too. Extremely lazy, incompetent, and arrogant. They did not know how to use their own computer system.

They filled out the form wrong three times, then lost the file, then told us to commit a felony by changing our I-94, ignored our congressman and our letters and our calls and our repeated visits. We had the letter from them proving we had filed six weeks before the deadline, so they wrote us another one that said we had filed too late. Talk about monsters.

We gave up, got the green card, and they still tried to stop us.

A brand new employee who could actually read gave us the card, with her supervisor hovering over her saying it was impossible. The employee calmly read the rules to her and did it.

[zenaxe 22]

This whole system blows.

I've been trying to get my SSN at around the three week mark. I immigrated Aug 13th. I finally got my green card yesterday. Prior to me getting the card I called the USCIS customer service number and got as very helpful woman who says that green cards never arrive before SSNs and if that happens to then go directly to the SSn office to get the card. Well my card came in. She wasn't able to even tell me if I had card production notice or anything , just that they sent something to me Sept 2nd....ya so Sept 13th nothing. But it turns out the green card came to my mailbox a few hours later. I have been calling SSN office and they still don't have me on record or any pending record. I've asked them to check the SAVE system and everything related to my alien number/visa, name etc and same old same old...nothing.

They will not take any application for an SSN until 8 weeks have passed started the day I immigrated so that means that Oct 13th is the soonest I can go into the office to get an SSN. It so bizarre. There is no record of me having a number assigned to me...SO friggin assign one !! They claim that they used to issue cards after three weeks but people would get two SSN cards and have problems. So now the rule of thumb for them is 8 weeks wait

So I would advise people to NOT NOT NOT tick of the 'yes' on the DS230 asking the US consulate to apply for the SSN card. Don't do it. If I had NOT done this, I would have gone to the SSN office a few days after getting here and would have applied. Instead I have to wait this out for 8 weeks. I have a funny feeling the consulate or someone feel asleep at the wheel. Gee could that happen?

So it appears that green cards can arrive before SSNs...the office said that they see this happen all the time and for USCIS to say that isn't the case, is simply wrong. In fact the guy said the USCIS officer likely lied to me. Well it seems everyone is lying then as the buck gets passed on regularly.

I've been applying to many jobs and lots of applications request the SSn in order for E Verify and also for employers to do a background check, and also for payroll purposes. I told the SSN guy about that and he said 'sorry' have to wait the 8 weeks. Two months is the wait....and guess what, after that and there is still no number assigned to me, well then they simply just apply for me. What's the damn difference if they do it at 4 weeks, or 6 weeks or 8 weeks? If no numbmer is assigned to me, then apply for one and if the consulate decides to do it then they'll see a number assigned....the SSn is assigned all by Dept of Homeland Security anyway and they can all access the same information. This stuff is #######.

So I guess magically after 8 weeks they feel pretty safe that no number is assigned, then can get one for me....well after another week or two that is.

I regret asking the consulate to apply - remember, this was to expedite the process !! haa what an f'ing joke.

Once this is done, I'm glad to be finished with this process for two years anyway, and I want to be done completely.

My rant of the week. things could be done far more efficiently than all this dung.

later

[Flames9_RN 358]

That blows!! can you goto another office??? I had no problem walking into the SSN office near me and re-applying, 1 week later it arrived in the mail! I was told they can't do much over the phone for ya! But it does seem easier if you did NOT check the box on the ds-230!

[Cortr 3]

Social security office is full of buffoons. Went to get my wife's name changed last week and they had all kinds of dumb ideas in their heads:

First, they claimed that we couldn't change her name on the card (she already has a SS#) because her K-1 was now used and no longer valid. Well duh. It was used and no longer valid when you issued the original number a month ago too. This was especially hilarious since it was literally the same guy who had originally done the paperwork for us last month to get the card.

After I pointed that out, he backtracked. Standing there with the certified marriage certificate in-hand (it's required to show for name changes) -- he then tried to say that we couldn't name-change now because we'd already been married. That we had to come in before getting married, in order to name change.

I then pointed out that it didn't seem too feasible to show up prior to getting married with a certified marriage certificate (which is required) for the name change.

After I shot his dumb idea down, he finally relented and we got the paperwork done.

Another fun thing about this particular social security office is the 450 pound female "security guard" who sits at the entry point. Apparently her job is to sit around, eat donuts, and look through women's purses. She will also say "push 1" or "push 2" to get your appointment number from the touch screen computer. (Which you could read yourself -- it has instructions). I was wearing a pullover, and I could have had three handguns tucked into the waistband and walked right in, but they want to look in a 65 year old woman's purse who is applying for retirement benefits.

On both occasions that we have been to the SS office, we haven't had to deal with this woman directly as we've gone at lunchtime and she's been eating lunch in the back room or someplace (probably two sticks of butter and a half dozen pork steaks). In her absence, you can just walk in, take a number yourself, and sit down to wait. Upon returning, she will plop down at the front door and insist to look in every woman's purse, but guys in hoodies and baggy clothes can walk right past her.

So in short, if you want to bring contraband to the social security office for whatever reason, put it in your pocket (or come at lunchtime). Your tax dollars at work.

Edited September 15, 2010 by Cortr

[bantam88 1]

I hear you. My family entered July 24 and we have been told to wait 8 weeks before applying for the SSN (did go 3 times to the local SSA Card center with no success). Going back Monday September 20 which marks 8 weeks since entry .

Still no welcome letter/greencard as well. When I called USCIS, the first person noted that the system doesn't show where our visa packets were and after 30 days that seemed unusual and advised us to make an Infopass appointment at the local field office. Second time we called to check something else, we were told to wait 120 days. Well, I already made an infopass appointment for last Thursday so went anyway. We were in the system as having entered but our documents were not shown as being processed yet in any field offices. The field office representative did advise to wait at least 3 months from POE before checking again and not to be alarmed. Worse comes to worse after 3 months, we might have to come in and recreate the packets at the field office.

I mentioned that our SS numbers still haven't been issued yet, the USCIS guy was wondering why the SS didn't issue them to us yet:) . Would be funny if it wasn't happening to my family.

This whole system blows.

I've been trying to get my SSN at around the three week mark. I immigrated Aug 13th. I finally got my green card yesterday. Prior to me getting the card I called the USCIS customer service number and got as very helpful woman who says that green cards never arrive before SSNs and if that happens to then go directly to the SSn office to get the card. Well my card came in. She wasn't able to even tell me if I had card production notice or anything , just that they sent something to me Sept 2nd....ya so Sept 13th nothing. But it turns out the green card came to my mailbox a few hours later. I have been calling SSN office and they still don't have me on record or any pending record. I've asked them to check the SAVE system and everything related to my alien number/visa, name etc and same old same old...nothing.

They will not take any application for an SSN until 8 weeks have passed started the day I immigrated so that means that Oct 13th is the soonest I can go into the office to get an SSN. It so bizarre. There is no record of me having a number assigned to me...SO friggin assign one !! They claim that they used to issue cards after three weeks but people would get two SSN cards and have problems. So now the rule of thumb for them is 8 weeks wait

So I would advise people to NOT NOT NOT tick of the 'yes' on the DS230 asking the US consulate to apply for the SSN card. Don't do it. If I had NOT done this, I would have gone to the SSN office a few days after getting here and would have applied. Instead I have to wait this out for 8 weeks. I have a funny feeling the consulate or someone feel asleep at the wheel. Gee could that happen?

So it appears that green cards can arrive before SSNs...the office said that they see this happen all the time and for USCIS to say that isn't the case, is simply wrong. In fact the guy said the USCIS officer likely lied to me. Well it seems everyone is lying then as the buck gets passed on regularly.

I've been applying to many jobs and lots of applications request the SSn in order for E Verify and also for employers to do a background check, and also for payroll purposes. I told the SSN guy about that and he said 'sorry' have to wait the 8 weeks. Two months is the wait....and guess what, after that and there is still no number assigned to me, well then they simply just apply for me. What's the damn difference if they do it at 4 weeks, or 6 weeks or 8 weeks? If no numbmer is assigned to me, then apply for one and if the consulate decides to do it then they'll see a number assigned....the SSn is assigned all by Dept of Homeland Security anyway and they can all access the same information. This stuff is #######.

So I guess magically after 8 weeks they feel pretty safe that no number is assigned, then can get one for me....well after another week or two that is.

I regret asking the consulate to apply - remember, this was to expedite the process !! haa what an f'ing joke.

Once this is done, I'm glad to be finished with this process for two years anyway, and I want to be done completely.

My rant of the week. things could be done far more efficiently than all this dung.

later

Edited September 16, 2010 by bantam88

[zenaxe 22]

So today I decided to F it and went down to the office again. This time I went in and simply stated that I was there to obtain a new SSN card and presented them with my green card and passport. He asked a few questions and processed my application, saying I should receive it within two weeks. He gave me a receipt. I decided against the usual informaton sharing that the US consulate was supposed to do this but hasn't blah blah blah. Today they had nothing on record for me, no pending, nothing. It's clear to me that unless I applied personally, no SSN was on it's way so I feel good about doing that.

Groovy...

[Darnell 8,478]

So today I decided to F it and went down to the office again. This time I went in and simply stated that I was there to obtain a new SSN card and presented them with my green card and passport. He asked a few questions and processed my application, saying I should receive it within two weeks. He gave me a receipt. I decided against the usual informaton sharing that the US consulate was supposed to do this but hasn't blah blah blah. Today they had nothing on record for me, no pending, nothing. It's clear to me that unless I applied personally, no SSN was on it's way so I feel good about doing that.

Groovy...

Mondo Cool. Suggest you go back, today or the next day, receipt in hand, and then GET the SS NUMBER. Bring cupcakes or brownies, will be a joyful day for all.

Edited September 21, 2010 by Darnell

[MaryLan 0]

This whole system blows.

I've been trying to get my SSN at around the three week mark. I immigrated Aug 13th. I finally got my green card yesterday. Prior to me getting the card I called the USCIS customer service number and got as very helpful woman who says that green cards never arrive before SSNs and if that happens to then go directly to the SSn office to get the card. Well my card came in. She wasn't able to even tell me if I had card production notice or anything , just that they sent something to me Sept 2nd....ya so Sept 13th nothing. But it turns out the green card came to my mailbox a few hours later. I have been calling SSN office and they still don't have me on record or any pending record. I've asked them to check the SAVE system and everything related to my alien number/visa, name etc and same old same old...nothing.

They will not take any application for an SSN until 8 weeks have passed started the day I immigrated so that means that Oct 13th is the soonest I can go into the office to get an SSN. It so bizarre. There is no record of me having a number assigned to me...SO friggin assign one !! They claim that they used to issue cards after three weeks but people would get two SSN cards and have problems. So now the rule of thumb for them is 8 weeks wait

So I would advise people to NOT NOT NOT tick of the 'yes' on the DS230 asking the US consulate to apply for the SSN card. Don't do it. If I had NOT done this, I would have gone to the SSN office a few days after getting here and would have applied. Instead I have to wait this out for 8 weeks. I have a funny feeling the consulate or someone feel asleep at the wheel. Gee could that happen?

So it appears that green cards can arrive before SSNs...the office said that they see this happen all the time and for USCIS to say that isn't the case, is simply wrong. In fact the guy said the USCIS officer likely lied to me. Well it seems everyone is lying then as the buck gets passed on regularly.

I've been applying to many jobs and lots of applications request the SSn in order for E Verify and also for employers to do a background check, and also for payroll purposes. I told the SSN guy about that and he said 'sorry' have to wait the 8 weeks. Two months is the wait....and guess what, after that and there is still no number assigned to me, well then they simply just apply for me. What's the damn difference if they do it at 4 weeks, or 6 weeks or 8 weeks? If no numbmer is assigned to me, then apply for one and if the consulate decides to do it then they'll see a number assigned....the SSn is assigned all by Dept of Homeland Security anyway and they can all access the same information. This stuff is #######.

So I guess magically after 8 weeks they feel pretty safe that no number is assigned, then can get one for me....well after another week or two that is.

I regret asking the consulate to apply - remember, this was to expedite the process !! haa what an f'ing joke.

Once this is done, I'm glad to be finished with this process for two years anyway, and I want to be done completely.

My rant of the week. things could be done far more efficiently than all this dung.

later

If this is any help, I went to the SSA office last Thursday afternoon and gave the agent my passport along with the Green Card. I brought a completed form along and she did what she needed to do. I received the card in the mail yesterday. May be you should go to their office as it was the same "wait another 6wks" response that I received when I had called the SSA toll free for assistance. Good luck!

[zenaxe 22]

If this is any help, I went to the SSA office last Thursday afternoon and gave the agent my passport along with the Green Card. I brought a completed form along and she did what she needed to do. I received the card in the mail yesterday. May be you should go to their office as it was the same "wait another 6wks" response that I received when I had called the SSA toll free for assistance. Good luck!

Hi there, thanks for replying. That's exactly what I did. Previously I was calling and going in to the office inquiring and got the same information ie nothing on the system, nothing showing as pending, no record of anything. I was told every single time that they would not process an application unti 8 weeks from my POE had passed. This was the same situation when I went to the office, they wouldn't take an application. On Sept 20th, I went down again and made the application....and they took it. Go figure. So I applied a few days ago and am now waiting for the card. At least now I know it's being processed; before that was a ####### shoot but I believed that the consulatae had not made the application despite checking off the Yes in the DS230. I would advise people to put a NO in that section so then at least you have all the control in applying for the SSN rather than the alternative, which coicidentally is to provider better service and expedite the process for the new immigrant. Perhaps well intentioned but in practice, doesn't cut it.

Giddyap...

[zenaxe 22]

I officially got my SSN on Sat - good feeling to have the green card and SSN now....no more USCIS for almost two years !!