Unable to get SSN as a CR1 visa holder right now

[MTGentleman 4]

Hi all!

 

Sorry for any formatting, I'm rather upset right now.

 

I entered the US on the 19th of March with my CR1 visa (got stamped in by my visa as CR1). All is good on that front.

I still haven't received my SSN so I rang up yesterday to make an appointment for today - it's after my appointment now from my local SSA Office.

 

Turns out that was absolutely pointless... apparently there's a freeze on Social Security numbers for permanent residents and other similar people at the moment for up to 90 days. There's nothing they can do at present. I have to try and see when I can expect my green card, go back to them, then they can try and expedite it. Currently? Nothing can be done, ridiculous. And they didn't even tell me about this freeze or anything!

 

Is anyone else in the same situation that can give any advice, kind words, or words of support?

 

Thanks,
Matthew

 

PS. I'm a British citizen married to my US Spouse (US Citizen)

[appleblossom 3,789]

26 minutes ago, MTGentleman said:

Hi all!

 

Sorry for any formatting, I'm rather upset right now.

 

I entered the US on the 19th of March with my CR1 visa (got stamped in by my visa as CR1). All is good on that front.

I still haven't received my SSN so I rang up yesterday to make an appointment for today - it's after my appointment now from my local SSA Office.

 

Turns out that was absolutely pointless... apparently there's a freeze on Social Security numbers for permanent residents and other similar people at the moment for up to 90 days. There's nothing they can do at present. I have to try and see when I can expect my green card, go back to them, then they can try and expedite it. Currently? Nothing can be done, ridiculous. And they didn't even tell me about this freeze or anything!

 

Is anyone else in the same situation that can give any advice, kind words, or words of support?

 

Thanks,
Matthew

 

PS. I'm a British citizen married to my US Spouse (US Citizen)

 

Never heard of that! What difference would your physical green card make, the stamp in your passport does exactly the same thing anyway?

 

It might be worth going back and asking somebody else. 

[MTGentleman 4]

I know right? It is so bizarre!

I think it might be to do with the fact that it might have my alien number on it? He tried all my details (name, all numbers on the passport etc. but apparently couldn't find any applications in progress which is why I went there to begin with!) Honestly not too sure at this point, I am just incredibly defeated and won't be able to go back until some time next week anyway - I had to ask my brother in law to give me a lift to the SSA office as my wife works everyday.

Apparently TSA are supposed to put my Alien Number under the stamp which they didn't do? He's "seen it with thousands of others". I've done nothing wrong apparently, it's just how things are at the moment, I guess.

[appleblossom 3,789]

2 minutes ago, MTGentleman said:

I know right? It is so bizarre!

I think it might be to do with the fact that it might have my alien number on it? He tried all my details (name, all numbers on the passport etc. but apparently couldn't find any applications in progress which is why I went there to begin with!) Honestly not too sure at this point, I am just incredibly defeated and won't be able to go back until some time next week anyway - I had to ask my brother in law to give me a lift to the SSA office as my wife works everyday.

Apparently TSA are supposed to put my Alien Number under the stamp which they didn't do? He's "seen it with thousands of others". I've done nothing wrong apparently, it's just how things are at the moment, I guess.

 

Your alien number is on your visa though, not on the stamp?? It’s the ‘registration number’ on the right hand side. 

 

[MTGentleman 4]

Haha yeah I told him the same thing, though he still "couldn't find anything".

Rather odd I think.

I will try again at a later date, just rather fed up right now. Will have to try again to see if I can get a feasible appointment.

[appleblossom 3,789]

I’ve just found this, turns out there is a freeze after all (hadn’t heard of it before and couldn’t find mention of it on main stream news sites). BUT….LPR’s are supposed to be exempt from it. 

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/social-security-will-stop-mailing-cards-to-3-million-people-report-says-it-could-cause-chaos-at-field-offices/ar-AA1Bkk7S

 

So I’d definitely go back and try somebody else. Good luck. 

[MTGentleman 4]

Yeah. I'll try and ring tomorrow to see when I can get another appointment as I am not sure the guy quite knew what he was doing, nor if he fully understood that I wanted to apply for one from scratch as an immigrant.

[Ontarkie 14,804]

~~Moved to SSN, from IR1/CCR1 P&P- the topic is about SSN's~~

[Crazy Cat 43,423]

1 hour ago, MTGentleman said:

apparently there's a freeze on Social Security numbers for permanent residents and other similar people at the moment for up to 90 days.

 I read that automatic mailing cards is paused...not issuing cards for people who go to the SSA office.  In addition, Legal Residents are exempt from the pause.  Go to another office. 

[MTGentleman 4]

I've been able to fill in an online application on ssa.gov for a Social Security Card stating that I can prove my identity with my passport, visa stamp, and birth certificate. I really think the guy I saw at the SSA Office didn't quite know what to do with my passport, or what he was on about. My wife will be able to take me and will bark at them to give me what I need.

They cannot turn me away this time because I have officially applied for my Social Security Card. Here's to hoping! My appointment is on Monday the 14th

[Ban Hammer 13,977]

yeah this sounds like you got one of "those" ssa employees who refuses to be helpful at all.  i've run into them too.

[Scandi 4,258]

When I moved here on my K-1 I went to three different offices before I got a hold of someone who knew what they were doing. Had the SS card in the mail 4 weeks later. 

[LadySefiri 0]

My husband entered on a k-1 and we are awaiting his green card.  We were told the same thing -- there's a 90 day hold on issuing all SSN for immigrants.  She offered us a denial letter so we could get him an ITIN so I can file my tax return.  It's so frustrating!

[MTGentleman 4]

2 minutes ago, LadySefiri said:

My husband entered on a k-1 and we are awaiting his green card.  We were told the same thing -- there's a 90 day hold on issuing all SSN for immigrants.  She offered us a denial letter so we could get him an ITIN so I can file my tax return.  It's so frustrating!

Aww I am so sorry you faced that!

I was on my own because my wife was at work.

 

So I created an online SSN application as mentioned above, my appointment is on Monday 14th of April at the local SSA Office. This time I will be able to have my wife with me who knows her stuff haha. If I get denied there and then, I'll ask for proof of denial in writing and things with other steps on what to do.

[JeanneAdil 6,872]

You just arrived in the US and more than likely your info is not yet processed 

you will find out that in the US one government body does not easily talk to another (right hand does not wash the left hand)

 

If you checked the right box on ds260 form USCIS Should be processing the SS #

 

When going to SS office ask for supervisor if the clerk is not helpful / you do have rights in the US