Issues acquiring ssn - Advice needed

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Can someone be of help to me please? I'm having serious issues getting my SS#. I arrived in America on the 8th August 2013 and roughly a six weeks later I received my green card. As I didn't receive my SS# through the post I went to the office here in Rockford, where I applied, with me I took my green card, passport etc. The lady told me I should hear back within four weeks. Today I received a letter saying

" We cannot issue you a social security card at this time because: The Department of Homeland Security is unable to verify the immigrant document you submitted as evidence of your lawful alien status. You should contact that agency to clarify your current immigration status"

I am here on a CR1 visa and I want to know where I'm going wrong? I'm sure I took the right proof of my immigration status in to the social security office so not sure what document they are talking about.

Can someone please assist me because I haven't the foggiest where I go from here.

[Harsh_77 718]

I think you just need to re-visit the office with the letter and your GC + Passport etc.

My guess is last time they checked your details against Homeland Security Database they could not find your details and sometimes it does take few weeks to sync.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Did you use a maiden name to enter. Is that the name on your passport? It could be the name they didn't find if passport entry was one name and greencard was another. Go back and ask for a supervisor if they can't find your name immediately. Or find a different office. Some are more savvy than others.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

I think you just need to re-visit the office with the letter and your GC + Passport etc.

My guess is last time they checked your details against Homeland Security Database they could not find your details and sometimes it does take few weeks to sync.

Yes I think a trip to the social security office is what's needed. I'm just afraid I'll get there and they will tell me to contact Homeland Security (just like they did in the letter) Is there a number I can call to find out my alien status?

Did you use a maiden name to enter. Is that the name on your passport? It could be the name they didn't find if passport entry was one name and greencard was another. Go back and ask for a supervisor if they can't find your name immediately. Or find a different office. Some are more savvy than others.

No I didn't enter America with my maiden name. I changed my passport etc a month after I married, so USCIS etc know me under my married name.

I'm so frustrated with this, because I'm in desperate need to take my driving test (can't without ss#) and I also need to open a bank account.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

An update.....

I went back to the social security office to query why I was denied a SS# and the lady was clueless as to why. She said that they would apply once again and I would have to wait a further four weeks for a decision. I have been here nearly three months and I'm still without a SS#. To say I'm frustrated is an understatement.

[Darnell 8,478]

All I know -

ask the clerk or supervisor to look you up

in the SAVE database

in your VISA name or A#.

If they can't find you on either one, then you have a data entry error done at CBP at the POE. That error is fixable at another CBP office (secondary inspection, deferred inspection, airport POE) and you not need any appointment to get in. But...

Do ask for a SAVE database lookup, first, at the SSA office. If you go in again on Monday, for example - hey ! report back what went down !!!

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

All I know -

ask the clerk or supervisor to look you up

in the SAVE database

in your VISA name or A#.

If they can't find you on either one, then you have a data entry error done at CBP at the POE. That error is fixable at another CBP office (secondary inspection, deferred inspection, airport POE) and you not need any appointment to get in. But...

Do ask for a SAVE database lookup, first, at the SSA office. If you go in again on Monday, for example - hey ! report back what went down !!!

Thanks for you help Darnell

When I went to the office the other day the lady did look up my information on the SAVE database and said that I was in the system and she didn't understand what the problem was.

If this can't be resolved where do I go to get the error fixed?

[Darnell 8,478]

if'n she found you in SAVE database, I say submit a new SS-5 in the VISA name and let it roll through the system.

Then, go back the following day, and either

--get the SSN (Number, not the card) or

--learn of the real problem.

The sad bits? Many SSA clerks are poorly trained, and not know what's what for Immigrant Visa Holders. If you get one of these fellas (and you'll know based on language, body language, etc) then ask for the supervisor.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Thanks to all for your help and advice regarding my issue. I am pleased to say that I finally received my SS# in the post today I am so relieved that this wait has finally come to an end.....

[Darnell 8,478]

cool ! what did you do, last, at that SSA office,

to make the card hit yer door ?

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

cool ! what did you do, last, at that SSA office,

to make the card hit yer door ?

All I did the last time, is ask her to check my details on the SAVE database, plus I gave her the number for immigration, told her to call to check my alien status. She did say that she was going to personally look in to it, so perhaps that helped...

[nobbie 105]

Glad you got it ok, by the way you do not need a ssn to open a bank account.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Glad you got it ok, by the way you do not need a ssn to open a bank account.

Thanks Nobbie....I already had a bank account with my husband so I knew I didn't necessarily need a ss# to open one. I just wanted my own bank account due to funds I needed transferring from England and I had to have my OWN account to do this.....so as I had my ss# I gave it to the lady when opening it....