Nearly 7 weeks - still no SSN after manual verification

[budgie 8]

Hi All.

I was approved for a green card on 21st of July. (Yay!)

I went to the SSA with my EAD and they said "Wait until you get your green card, then come back".

I got my green card and went to the SSA and they said, "You're not in the system, wait 10 days otherwise we have to do a manual verification which takes much longer."

I waited 10 days and went back to SSA. They said "You're still not in the system, we'll take your application but we have to do a manual verification. It should take about a month".

It's nearly 7 weeks later.

I went to the SSA yesterday, and someone said "We don't have the verification from Immigration, be patient". They also said they'd call immigration to check, and call me back. I don't think that is happening.

I'm wondering if I'm now 'in the system'? Therefore, perhaps I'd be better off starting a new application? Initially they said if I'm in the system they could issue an SSN in about 5 days!

I feel so powerless, and have had to turn down work, as although legally I can work, no one wants you without an SSN.

Any advice?

Thanks.

[shipm662 17]

It is not fun waiting on for them to do the verification. It can take a long while for them to do the verification.

At this point you have a pending application is in the system, so it will not work to go to another office and re-apply.

For my wife it took 2 months and 6 days to get a card.

[Amadia 711]

It is sad to say that sometimes the Immigration officials do not submit the info in a timely manner when you POE. This info is supposed to be sent to the SSA but surely they can't do anything until that info comes to them...someone is dragging their feet!

On the other hand, you CAN work without a SSN but you must submit a letter from the SSA stating that you have not been assigned a #. When you do finally get the SSN in the mail, then you can proceed to update this with your employer

Good luck and let us know how this goes for you.

[budgie 8]

Just an update because I need to share this for my sanity. I am still waiting.

I had to submit another brand new 'manual verification' two weeks ago. The original one from August 4th "didn't go through".

Then last week, when I called SSA they said the DHS had responded saying my last name didn't match their records, even though it's my married name ON MY GREEN CARD. I gave the SSA a certified copy of my wedding certificate to send to the DHS (?!) to prove it's me. So bizarre.

I will be chasing them up again tomorrow to see if this has solved the problem.

I've never felt so powerless and frustrated.