Englishman undergoing Consular Processing in London

[Boiler 45,478]

Really? I already have an SSN and Maryland Driving License, so I'm "in the system" in many respects.

That has nothing to do with Immigration.

[Sailor1975 4]

That has nothing to do with Immigration.

I'd argue that it does, especially as it asks for your SSN (if you have one) on the I-130 form....

[Boiler 45,478]

I'd argue that it does, especially as it asks for your SSN (if you have one) on the I-130 form....

In what way?

[Sailor1975 4]

In what way?

Well it is a national identification number of sorts (obviously used for taxation purposes). What I'm getting at is why would they ask for my SSN if, as you allude to, it has nothing to do with immigration? My SSN is tied into my passport, visa and entry details and gives USCIS a great deal of information, potentially showing them that I was in the US for a valid governmental reason.

Out of interest, did anybody else have an SSN at the time of applying for an I-130?

[Jack2107 46]

Really? I already have an SSN and Maryland Driving License, so I'm "in the system" in many respects.

You won't have a problem as you explained your being discharged in July. By the time NVC gets your case just send in your discharge papers.

For a household of 3 she will need to earn $25300 per year.

Here is the chart

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

[Sailor1975 4]

You won't have a problem as you explained your being discharged in July. By the time NVC gets your case just send in your discharge papers.

For a household of 3 she will need to earn $25300 per year.

Here is the chart

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Yes, she earns that many times over. Out of interest, did you have an SSN before applying for your I-130?

[Jack2107 46]

No but it works in your favour as you already have history in the US and will be on file with Soical security.

My husbands sister married a guy from the Canada that had a ssn and they had no issues what so ever and no questions asked.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

SSN is not tied to your passport. It doesn't give US immigration any information on your background in the UK, nor much on your background here. It is not a national id number.

[Boiler 45,478]

SSN is not tied to your passport. It doesn't give US immigration any information on your background in the UK, nor much on your background here. It is not a national id number.

UK does not have a national ID number either, does have a National Insurance Number which is sort of similar, main difference is that it is not used for any other purpose and I have no idea what mine is, have to look it up.

[Alaska2012 462]

Social security number won't speed the visa process up one bit! 9-12 months is what you are looking at to get the visa in hand.

[Sailor1975 4]

Then why on earth do they ask for it on the I-130? If it has nothing to do with the application, surely they could ask me another question (such as what is my favourite ice cream flavour). My SSN actually IS tied to my passport and previous visa - I know this for a fact, as I was at the Social Security Office when they took my visa and passport for registration to it!

[squareleg 69]

Well it is a national identification number of sorts (obviously used for taxation purposes). What I'm getting at is why would they ask for my SSN if, as you allude to, it has nothing to do with immigration? My SSN is tied into my passport, visa and entry details and gives USCIS a great deal of information, potentially showing them that I was in the US for a valid governmental reason.

Out of interest, did anybody else have an SSN at the time of applying for an I-130?

In my opinion, having an SSN does provide USCIS your information readily available versus a newbie to US (and its systems). However, I do not know if this would expedite the process. I would guess, it just makes the job of the clerk working on your file easier. I wouldn't bet more than that.

[Boiler 45,478]

It used to be SSN's were handed out like Candy, now you need to qualify, so in your case your were in the US in a status that allowed the issuance of a SSN, the Visa was in your Passport.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

It helps to distinguish between the other people with your name I presume. I would like it if they asked for your fave ice cream; insert a bit of levity. Who wants to campaign with me? Better cause then updating ROC extension letter.

btw, that stuff at the SSA was just them verifying that you were eligible for the number; they didn't tie it together.

[TabeaK 517]

They asked for it as it is a useful way of identifying applicants and keeping track of them as the number is unique.

It has nothing to do with immigration however. At the I-130 petition state, which you are at right now I believe, they check if your wife is eligible to petition you for an immigrant visa. She will undergo criminial background checks etc. Once you reach NVC - prior to the consulate stage - they will do criminal background checks / security checks on you. To see if you are eligible for a visa. Having a SSN probably helps there, as well as having a prior visa. Your military background will likely make them check even more, but that shouldn't concern you.

None of this though, speeds up the process. You are in a long line of applicants and they will get to you when they get to you. CR-1 averages are about a year now. Which is better than in the past, when it could stretch to 18 months.

The only thing you can do is to be ready when the NVC requests a bunch of additional docs from you - the affidavits of support, the birth certificates, the police reports etc. That is a key factor in keeping the process on time.

Edited April 6, 2016 by TabeaK