Social Security number

[nrocky 3]

Arrived on immigrant visa last week. It seems one cannot make any progress on getting health insurance, driving license and opening a bank account without social security number. How do I get around the situation? How much time is taken for delivery of SS card?

[mallafri76 1,012]

Indeed, getting anything done in the US without a SSN is a struggle. However, I have personal experience of opening bank accounts and getting health insurance without a SSN. It's just a lot more hassle because usually you have to physically go to an office rather than do it online, but it is possible.

[indiana_sweetie 120]

I ticked the box for my hubby to receive his SS card in the mail, but after 2 weeks he still didn't have it. So he gathered up his documents and we drove to the local SS office. They told us they NEVER issue a SS card without having the person there in front of them, so even though we were supposed to get it in the mail, the state of Indiana won't do that. He got his card without problems after appearing in person. It's different for other states, some do allow them to be mailed. Maybe check into that.

[ch3john 308]

If came here on a K1, wait a week or two and then go to the SS office and apply for one. It's quick simple and easy and you should have your card in the mail within a week or two. Once you married and you change your last name, you will need to change it to your married name.

Good luck!

I just read you post again and for some reason I though you came on K1, so my reply probably doesn't apply to your situation but can't delete my reply

Edited August 6, 2016 by ch3john

[NikLR 13,228]

If it doesn't come automatically for a immigrant visa holder, within 2-3 weeks, go to the SSA office and get one. Should take about a week after that even if they give the piece of paper saying "blah blah background checks... blah blah 6 weeks..."

The one issue I did have when I got my driver's license was to get my SAVE database name fixed. Really common for there to be an issue between cbp computers and USCIS computers with merging your first and middle names.

[TBoneTX 45,567]

They told us they NEVER issue a SS card without having the person there in front of them, so even though we were supposed to get it in the mail, the state of Indiana won't do that. He got his card without problems after appearing in person. It's different for other states, some do allow them to be mailed. Maybe check into that.

Unless I'm missing something, the states should have no input in a Federal matter (the issuance of SS cards).

[indiana_sweetie 120]

Unless I'm missing something, the states should have no input in a Federal matter (the issuance of SS cards).

Hmmm....well, I'm only going by what they told us at the SS office...We never issue a SS card through the mail without seeing the person first, or having them appear in person, however they worded it. I assumed "we" meant the state of Indiana, but maybe it was just that office, I don't know. I think they were worried about fraud, which I can understand.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Ours came automatically, in less than 2 weeks after entry.

We did not need SSNs to open a bank account.

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

SS cards come directly from Federal government / states have nothing to do with the issurance

they are direcetly mailed to the applicant

Did you ask for immigration to do the application for you when you filed out the forms online after paying the AOS and visa fees?

How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card

If you elected on your immigrant visa application form to receive your Social Security Number Card upon admission to the United States as an immigrant, your card will be sent by mail to the U.S. address you designated on your application form, and should arrive approximately six weeks following your admission. If you did not elect to receive your Social Security Number Card automatically, you will have to apply to be issued a card following your arrival in the United States. Learn more on Social Security Administration website.

[indiana_sweetie 120]

SS cards come directly from Federal government / states have nothing to do with the issurance

they are direcetly mailed to the applicant

Did you ask for immigration to do the application for you when you filed out the forms online after paying the AOS and visa fees?

How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card

If you elected on your immigrant visa application form to receive your Social Security Number Card upon admission to the United States as an immigrant, your card will be sent by mail to the U.S. address you designated on your application form, and should arrive approximately six weeks following your admission. If you did not elect to receive your Social Security Number Card automatically, you will have to apply to be issued a card following your arrival in the United States. Learn more on Social Security Administration website.

Yes, but we didn't want to wait 6 weeks. Maybe that's why.

[KierenHby 899]

Arrived on immigrant visa last week. It seems one cannot make any progress on getting health insurance, driving license and opening a bank account without social security number. How do I get around the situation? How much time is taken for delivery of SS card?

You don't "get around the situation". Having just arrived, wait about 2-3 weeks for SS card to arrive in the mail (if you checked the box on the ds260). If no card by then, go to your nearest SS office and apply for one.

Then apply for the other stuff once card is on hand.

[TabeaK 517]

Came here on K1, went to SSA the day after POE and got the SSN in the mail 5d later. Make sure you have your docs in order.

[Empress200735 6]

Thanks for sharing the experience,

i will be joining my husband in a few weeks, just working my notice at work.