Social Security Problem

[mathranik 2]

Hey everyone!

My AOS/I-130 is under process, and I am adjusting from B2 visa. I received my EAD 6 days back, and I had gone to apply for my Social Security number, as it is required for job and driver's license. I had taken my original EAD card and passport with me. The lady at the SSN office was pretty rude and grumpy. She had a look at my EAD card and said I have to wait 3 weeks from the issue date of the card before I can apply for a SSN. She said, at times the USCIS office itself processes the Social security card with the issuance of EAD (something I have never heard before). She then checked up in her system and told me the immigration office has NOT started the process of my Social security number - but I still have to wait a total of 3 weeks (which is one more week from today).

Now - should I go to another SSA office, because she did not seem too sure of what she was saying? Or, am I wrong here, and I should just wait? I need the driver's license real bad!

Any help/insight/advice is valuable Thank you.

I am very frustrated at this point!

[marriedtomrg 141]

I'd say go back and ask for a supervisor.

While you're at it, print off their application form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

One of their requirements for Evidence of Immigration Status is to show a valid, unexpired I-766 --- which is the EAD card. You can highlight that section for them.

Immigration can only start the process of getting you an SSN if you were adjusting as CR1/IR1 or F2A/B/C/D visa holder (which you are not...and even if you were, most CR1/IR1 applicants go get their own SSNs even though they indicated during the application process that they have authorized the fed to apply one for them).

As for the driver's license, most states require you to have a green card to apply for one...have you checked the DMV requirements of your state?

Hey everyone!

My AOS/I-130 is under process, and I am adjusting from B2 visa. I received my EAD 6 days back, and I had gone to apply for my Social Security number, as it is required for job and driver's license. I had taken my original EAD card and passport with me. The lady at the SSN office was pretty rude and grumpy. She had a look at my EAD card and said I have to wait 3 weeks from the issue date of the card before I can apply for a SSN. She said, at times the USCIS office itself processes the Social security card with the issuance of EAD (something I have never heard before). She then checked up in her system and told me the immigration office has NOT started the process of my Social security number - but I still have to wait a total of 3 weeks (which is one more week from today).

Now - should I go to another SSA office, because she did not seem too sure of what she was saying? Or, am I wrong here, and I should just wait? I need the driver's license real bad!

Any help/insight/advice is valuable Thank you.

I am very frustrated at this point!

[h1a1 5]

Go back and ask for a supervisor/manager. The woman you saw doesn't know what she's talking about.

[mathranik 2]

I'd say go back and ask for a supervisor.

While you're at it, print off their application form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

One of their requirements for Evidence of Immigration Status is to show a valid, unexpired I-766 --- which is the EAD card. You can highlight that section for them.

Immigration can only start the process of getting you an SSN if you were adjusting as CR1/IR1 or F2A/B/C/D visa holder (which you are not...and even if you were, most CR1/IR1 applicants go get their own SSNs even though they indicated during the application process that they have authorized the fed to apply one for them).

As for the driver's license, most states require you to have a green card to apply for one...have you checked the DMV requirements of your state?

Go back and ask for a supervisor/manager. The woman you saw doesn't know what she's talking about.

Thank you. I thought so too - i wanted to talk to a supervisor, but was too angry at that point to do that. I shall do it tomorrow for sure.

[mathranik 2]

Alright, so I decided to go to a different SSA office - and guess what - they accepted my application. Not only that, I have been asked to come day after tomorrow to collect my Social security number! And that is good enough for the driver's license application. YAY . The card would arrive in 2 weeks though.

[I'm Gone 60]

Alright, so I decided to go to a different SSA office - and guess what - they accepted my application. Not only that, I have been asked to come day after tomorrow to collect my Social security number! And that is good enough for the driver's license application. YAY . The card would arrive in 2 weeks though.

While you are there ask for an SSN Verification Printout. If they ask why you need it say to show your employer that you have an SSN until your card arrives. Not the same as the card, but some proof until the card arrives.

Edited September 29, 2010 by I Quit

[mathranik 2]

While you are there ask for an SSN Verification Printout. If they ask why you need it say to show your employer that you have an SSN until your card arrives. Not the same as the card, but some proof until the card arrives.

:thumbs:

[RandM 0]

Hi OP, where ssa office did you go for the first time? Because i just went this morning in brea, CA and they told me the same thing. I'm so anxious to get ssn so that i can apply for work and license. Are u also here in cali?

[Neal851 3]

I dont understand why they ppl says likes that ,wait 3 weeks and all stuff. To get the SSN as a non-immigrant visa holder(like F-1,OPT etc.) ,you need just the EAD card and passport. Thats it.Same happened with me in the past.I got my EAD based on my OPT status. I went after 2 days to a SSA office. The lady has accepted my application,but she was not able to find out my record in her PC. Because she was finding my record based on the information of the passport and F-1 visa page. I waited almost 10 minutes. Finally she called her manager to help her. Her manager came at her PC,and he just entered my EAD card detail and he got it. And that lady told me sorrrrrryyyyyy . So sometimes in SSA office some of them dont know abt the procedure and requirements.Its like why they are hired????????

[mathranik 2]

Hi OP, where ssa office did you go for the first time? Because i just went this morning in brea, CA and they told me the same thing. I'm so anxious to get ssn so that i can apply for work and license. Are u also here in cali?

I live in IL, but since I was in CA visiting my brother, I applied it here - you can go to the Fontana office, which has great staff and low waiting time. The first time around, I went to the Ontario office (and it sucked big time). I suggest you try Fontana office, if you are in Southern California.

I dont understand why they ppl says likes that ,wait 3 weeks and all stuff. To get the SSN as a non-immigrant visa holder(like F-1,OPT etc.) ,you need just the EAD card and passport. Thats it.Same happened with me in the past.I got my EAD based on my OPT status. I went after 2 days to a SSA office. The lady has accepted my application,but she was not able to find out my record in her PC. Because she was finding my record based on the information of the passport and F-1 visa page. I waited almost 10 minutes. Finally she called her manager to help her. Her manager came at her PC,and he just entered my EAD card detail and he got it. And that lady told me sorrrrrryyyyyy . So sometimes in SSA office some of them dont know abt the procedure and requirements.Its like why they are hired????????

Absolutely. Some of these people have absolutely no idea of what they are doing! It is always good to have a second opinion, preferably at a different field office. From a wait for 21 days, it came down to 2 days, all by referring to another office/officer!

[I'm Gone 60]

Absolutely. Some of these people have absolutely no idea of what they are doing! It is always good to have a second opinion, preferably at a different field office. From a wait for 21 days, it came down to 2 days, all by referring to another office/officer!

People should look at the procedure if they are not sure what to do. Since, people that checked of the DS-230 to be assigned an SSN are supposed to wait three weeks to receive the SSN card before applying, the person must of had that in their head.

Not to make excuses, but the service rep jobs are entry level, so you are either dealing with relatively new people, or people that for whatever reason been around and can't get promoted. Plus, probably not like people with EAD cards come in every day to apply for an SSN.

[mathranik 2]

People should look at the procedure if they are not sure what to do. Since, people that checked of the DS-230 to be assigned an SSN are supposed to wait three weeks to receive the SSN card before applying, the person must of had that in their head.

Not to make excuses, but the service rep jobs are entry level, so you are either dealing with relatively new people, or people that for whatever reason been around and can't get promoted. Plus, probably not like people with EAD cards come in every day to apply for an SSN.

I come from a country where we are used to see people knowing what they do, especially when they are PAID for it - And as you mentioned, there is no use making excuses. They are there for a reason, and are paid for a reason, however little it is. I am sure, with the level of unemployment here, they would be other, far more competent people to replace these who make mistakes, and very frequently! Not to forget the problems these mistakes cause to the people who are reluctant to approach the supervisors or other offices. I think, when in doubt, ASK! They should ask the seniors around, if they are new to their job.

I am sorry, I disagree.

[RandM 0]

Thanks for all the response. I went to a different branch and theyaccepted my application. I guess some staffs are not aware of the process..Its good that this forum helps us all together.

[Darnell 8,479]

Alright, so I decided to go to a different SSA office - and guess what - they accepted my application. Not only that, I have been asked to come day after tomorrow to collect my Social security number! And that is good enough for the driver's license application. YAY . The card would arrive in 2 weeks though.

That's how it's supposed to work.

You were blessed, this 2nd time, with a 'properly trained SSA employee'.

That first office, that first worker, - you should report her via the Inspector General's general reporting website, as the only way to 'get some attention' is to complain, properly.

Congratulations ! yay !!!

GoGoGadget TrainedSSAEmployees !

[mathranik 2]

That's how it's supposed to work.

You were blessed, this 2nd time, with a 'properly trained SSA employee'.

That first office, that first worker, - you should report her via the Inspector General's general reporting website, as the only way to 'get some attention' is to complain, properly.

Congratulations ! yay !!!

GoGoGadget TrainedSSAEmployees !

I thought as much to complain, the only hurdle being I am unable to recall her name. Would it be fine to complain against her, with reference to her office and her physical appearance/ethnicity/approx age?