SSN and starting a new job

[lirpa11 16]

Ok, from what I have read my husband can apply for jobs once he arrives in the USA on his IR1 visa. However, he needs the ssn before he can start or be paid at least.

We selected the ssn to be applied for when we filled the online form with the visa application.

Will this come after we pay the IV fee? After he arrives? Any time frames as we need the extra cash from a second job as soon as possible.

Can we contact the ssn office for the number?

Thanks

[panssey 7]

I may be mistaken, but as far as I know a person needs to visit a SS office in person in order to get his/her first SSN card and/or the number itself. So your husband can only get it after he enters the country

[lirpa11 16]

Thanks. We can stop by a SSN office. I know he can't get the ssn until he is herw. I just thought it was applied for in the online DS260 form?

[lirpa11 16]

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa/Handout_11_1.html

Looks like we have to wait 3 weeks at least before bothering the ssn office. Hope it comes soon after he arrives!

Edited May 18, 2015 by lirpa11

[Saffer 27]

I remember from filling out the DS-260 one of the questions was do you need a SSN and where must it be sent to? I am expecting mine to arrive in the mail.

I wouldn't wait 3 weeks, go into the office and ask for one sooner - the IR-1/CR-1 visa shouldn't be subject to a waiting period when it comes to working.

[Dualie 185]

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa/Handout_11_1.html

Looks like we have to wait 3 weeks at least before bothering the ssn office. Hope it comes soon after he arrives!

I was hoping that same thing too. My greencard came yesterday, and still no sign of SSN. I waited the three weeks that i was told to, and then I went online and downloaded the app and filled it out, brought into the SSA office. I was told that they have to VERIFY my document (CR1 visa in my passport) with Immigration before they can issue me a number. Well, we ALL know how fast Immigration works. I have had two job interviews with a potential third coming up. Looks like I have to start biting ankles.

So this is a possible senario you may encounter, but I hope not. Good luck to you !

[Saffer 27]

I was hoping that same thing too. My greencard came yesterday, and still no sign of SSN. I waited the three weeks that i was told to, and then I went online and downloaded the app and filled it out, brought into the SSA office. I was told that they have to VERIFY my document (CR1 visa in my passport) with Immigration before they can issue me a number. Well, we ALL know how fast Immigration works. I have had two job interviews with a potential third coming up. Looks like I have to start biting ankles.

So this is a possible senario you may encounter, but I hope not. Good luck to you !

This is very disturbing to hear. So what now? You must just wait in "AP" forever and a day until they issue you a number?

[aaron2020 11,651]

This is what happened to my brother and his family.

They applied for their SSNs with their visa applications. After waiting 3 weeks, they went to the local SSA office and was told that SSNs were not issued because they have names similar to other people who already had SSNs. They had to apply for SSNs and wait another 2 weeks for the cards.

IMHO - do not app!y for SSNs with the visa application. Its better to go to SSA immediately after entering. It eliminates the 3 weeks wait where SSA will not help because they are waiting for your immigration info from CBP.

[Dualie 185]

This is what happened to my brother and his family.

They applied for their SSNs with their visa applications. After waiting 3 weeks, they went to the local SSA office and was told that SSNs were not issued because they have names similar to other people who already had SSNs. They had to apply for SSNs and wait another 2 weeks for the cards.

IMHO - do not app!y for SSNs with the visa application. Its better to go to SSA immediately after entering. It eliminates the 3 weeks wait where SSA will not help because they are waiting for your immigration info from CBP.

I agree with you there. In hindsight I wish I hadn't. It has been over a week since my visit to the SSA office, and starting next week, I will become a thorn in someone's bottom until it is resolved. I have a potential job offer or two coming up very soon, and it would be really nice to have a state driver's license (thank goodness North Dakota allows 90 days for the switchover, I would be toast in other states).

[lirpa11 16]

Gosh, thanks everyone. It sounds frustrating!

So should we go to a SSN office when my husband arrives and enquire first? We applied with the DS260 application as well because it seemed like it would be simple!

We have a little bit of money to make do until he gets a job, but definitely not 3 months worth. Add to the fact I am due to have our first child in 3 months.... oh goodness what a pickle immigration causes!

So should we go to a SSN office? Do I take a copy of his DS260 and passport with the visa in it?

[aaron2020 11,651]

Gosh, thanks everyone. It sounds frustrating!

So should we go to a SSN office when my husband arrives and enquire first? We applied with the DS260 application as well because it seemed like it would be simple!

We have a little bit of money to make do until he gets a job, but definitely not 3 months worth. Add to the fact I am due to have our first child in 3 months.... oh goodness what a pickle immigration causes!

So should we go to a SSN office? Do I take a copy of his DS260 and passport with the visa in it?

Since you apply for the SSN on the DS-260, SSA will only help you after 3 weeks. They will turn you away until that time.

This should not discourage you from trying. Just letting you know what they told me when I called them for my brother.

[Smelserjl 137]

Gosh, thanks everyone. It sounds frustrating!

So should we go to a SSN office when my husband arrives and enquire first? We applied with the DS260 application as well because it seemed like it would be simple!

We have a little bit of money to make do until he gets a job, but definitely not 3 months worth. Add to the fact I am due to have our first child in 3 months.... oh goodness what a pickle immigration causes!

So should we go to a SSN office? Do I take a copy of his DS260 and passport with the visa in it?

I also selected to have my husband's SSN mailed on the DS260, but that was before I realized how slow everything moves. I'd go to the office asap and ask. It can't hurt to ask, especially in your particular situation. Good luck and congrats on the baby!