Time for SSN with 'yes' for this on DS-260? Better to get it myself?

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

I'm wondering if it's worth ticking off 'yes, please issue me an SSN' on the DS-260 or if I'm more likely to get one promptly if I just go myself to the local Social Security office once I get moved? How long does it take for either one? I'd like to start job hunting asap after I get down there because I get bored when I'm sitting at home too much.

[apple21 953]

Doesn't hurt to choose "yes".

If 3 weeks has passed and no card, that's the time you go to the nearest SSA office to apply for one.

If you show up sooner, chances are you still won't be in their system but no harm trying.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

There's no risk of accidentally being issued one twice? Not trying to be contrary, just could have sworn I read somewhere that that was a problem and they'd make you wait anyway. I might be wrong, though. I've read so much on here that my brain is leaking out my ears.

[apple21 953]

I don't think so. They will check first if they already issued one for you before letting you fill out an application.

[dhlunar 25]

SSA says in their documents to wait 10 days after arrival before going to an office to apply if you check off NO on the DS-260.

My in-laws checked YES on their DS-260. We couldn't wait for them to get their numbers, so I took them a SSA office 11 days after arriving. The clerks who took their SS-5 didn't really say anything or ask anything. They were both given receipt notices from SSA saying they will get their cards within two weeks. I asked one of the clerks if the do the verification with Department of Homeland Security (SAVE) there and he said yes.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

Do they issue a temporary card, like a piece of paper with your number on and a 'use until card arrives' or are you then left waiting for the card like it's some kind of mystery package that'll get there 'eventually'?

Sorry for all the stupid questions. I'm just really the kind of person who hates being bored and I expect it'll take me a little while to find a job in the paygrade/areas I'm looking for (I don't have degrees in my field, just on-the-job training) so I want to be able to snap up the first position I get offered, assuming I get any offers. Which might be optimistic of me but man do I want to stay out of retail.

[apple21 953]

No. You have to wait for the actual card.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

Well that's annoying. Ah well. I had figured it'd probably be a good 5 weeks before I could actually get a job, so I'll just hope it happens sooner and be ready for it to be a wait.

[Sarah&Marc 22]

We checked yes and my husbands card was there within 3 weeks of his POE...if that helps you.

[Pitaya 2,577]

It seems kind of hit or miss. Either it works and receive the card in good order, or you wait and wait, then finally decide to just head into a SSA office and apply.

YMMV

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

thanks, all. I hit yes and I'm hoping for the best. I wish there was some consistency in all this! lol

[NikLR 13,232]

You can go 2 weeks after poe if the card doesnt show up, then it takes about a week to get the card.

You can apply for and get EI if you qualify.

You can still look for a job the old fashioned way, but most online applications require an SSN.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

I know I can get EI. I also have seen that an awful lot of places want you to apply online. I've got my fingers, crossed, though. If I can get down there by the end of May, I actually have a potential job offer. Of course, I don't know if I can work before I receive the SSN in the mail or how that works, so I'll have to look into it so I can talk to the offer if I even can get down there in time. REALLY hoping I don't get a checklist at NVC.

[NikLR 13,232]

You can work before getting the SSN, you just can't get paid.

But they can have you on file and pay you for time worked when you give it to them.