Here's a great way to start life!

[canucker18 0]

I just had to share this with everyone because it's so ridiculous.

I am the foreign spouse (from Canada). When I first came I opened my own bank account no problem, and later on my husband and I opened a savings account and made his a joint account. All ok. This was done by a local bank in our area that he has banked with his whole life.

I didn't have my SSN so they filled something out called a "W-8" which is just a form for them for their records. I was told once I have my SSN to come back in to add it to the account. This way I could be tied in with my SSN thus helping to establish myself further.

So far so good.

I have my SSN now, so I went into the bank to add it to our accounts. I was told that A.My SSN number would change once I had the work authorization stipulation removed-WRONG B. Because it has a work authorization stipulation they can't add it to their bank records-WRONG.

I asked to speak to the Manager- I got the assistant manager.

She explained to me that I would need to show them a green card in order to add my SSN to my bank account-which has nothing to do with my greencard, right? So, I explained to her how the K1 vias works, and how this work stipulation has no bearing on the use of the card for other purposes other than work. I also explained to her that the number would never change.

She told me it was the bank policy not to use SSN numbers that has stipulations on it because of something to do with the IRS-which is BS.

I asked to see their policy in writing to which she replied "It's not in writing"

I said, "So how is it a policy?" To which she just ran around in circles and I could see I was getting no where.

She told me I was not a permanent resident-that was the wrong thing to say to the girl who has compiled everything for the entire K1 visa process, including AOS,EAD. AP.

I told her I was a conditional permanent resident and I am completely legitimate. We have a lot of illegal immigrants here in the summer.

So, I thanked her for her time and left. I am going back to speak with the Branch Manager today.

I was articulate, calm, and patient throughout the entire ordeal. I am so frustrated at being told I'm not a legal resident...argh.

I just had to share.

The funny part was I had to go to the SSA office and when I told the story to the SSA officers they were more hostile than me!!! They said that was absolutely inappropriate and I should report them.

Of course I'm not going to, however I am certain that the local media would like a juicy story about their local bank that's been around for 150 years turning away a LEGAL immigrant due to a policy that's NOT in writing.

The saga continues....

[Rocio 0]

well let us know the rest of the story, i wonder if someone in that bank knows what they are doing at all..........hmmmmm

[AlmostMex 0]

I told her I was a conditional permanent resident and I am completely legitimate.

I'm sorry for what you are going through. I hope you find some help in this person's supervisor. I just wanted to question something you said.

I am fairly certain that while you are here legally, you are not considered a conditional permanent resident. Neither is my husband who is here on a K3 visa. Conditional permanent residency is given with the CR-1 visa - when you are granted a "greencard" that you have to remove conditions from within 2 years because you have been married less than 2 years at the time the greencard is granted. An IR-1 visa grants permanent residency, aka greencard good for 10 years because you've been married over 2 years at the time the greencard is granted.

You might want to be careful with your wording, as it could be thrown back in your face if they question it at the bank....

[canucker18 0]

Thanks, although right now I am adjusting my status, I have read posts that said pretty much while you are in the middle of adjusting you are still a conditional permanent resident. Conditional on the fact that you stay married for 2 years. I will keep it in mind though.

Any other thoughts on wordings??

I go at 1 and I will write a follow up.

Anyone else have any helpful tidbits for ammunition??

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Your status is not CPR your status is Adjustment applicant(pending)...

So you are wrong when you say you are a permanent resident... you will be once you are approved at AOS interview...

Good luck with the bank....

Kezzie

[canucker18 0]

But safe to say I'm not an "illegal resident"

I'm also taking my NOA from my AOS for proof.

I"ll watch the wording for sure, thanks for the tip guys. I am still in the right here and having a green card or not shouldn't change the fact that they can't or can add my SSN. Especially when it's not in writing anywhere.

I wish I could make up policies

[rebeccajo 14]

Yeah, that's BS on the greencard rigamarole.

And, yeah, you are an 'applicant to adjust status' after you have submitted your package but not yet approved. You could always show them your NOA1!

Ha!

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I think you might want to tell them that a lifelong banker will switch banks in they don't comply with your needs!

[Girona40 0]

You might want to mention that the local newspaper or t.v. station would be interested to hear that the bank is treating LEGAL immigrants in this way. There is no reason at all why they should simply add your SSN to the account. You are absolutely correct, the number will never change. I had my SSN put on my bank accounts and never had a problem. Actually, I have never had the stipulation about work removed from my SSN card and nobody has ever commented on it.

[iceyspots 0]

I guess that new immigration bill has them all hopped up!!!!!! It's pretty bad when discrimination happens against canadians... lol Tell them you will take your business ELSEWHERE !

[jimmynug 13]

Sorry about your trouble, but like any place you go, you may occasionally run across people in businesses that just flat don't know what they are talking about. And banks are at the top of my list also. Your incident reminded me of when i got a remittance card for my fiancee in the Philippines. The account is in my name, but her name is on the card. I was told by the cashier and the manager that i couldn't do this without my fiancee being present. Well i wasn't as nice as you were, but after calling the national customer service center of the bank, and handing my cell phone to the manager for them to talk to, I have never been treated as nice in my life LOL.

[Jasman0717 9]

We caught a lot of ####### when Claudeth first attempted to open a bank account. They wanted a stupid California I.D. card. We did go apply for one but haven't seen it and that was almost two months ago.

[evilcanuck 0]

I actually opened my account before I moved here, before I was even approved for my k-1 visa. I just went to the bank and told them I was moving here soon and wanted to set up an account. They set it up as a non-resident account, never even asked for a SSN.

I guess I should go change it to reflect tht I am a resident and have an SSN.....we will see what happens there!

No one seems to have much experience where I live with immigrants of any sort so people tend to confuse easily LOL

[chocolaterie 0]

I know how you feel, BofA closed our account three times because I didn't have an SSN... and each time I went to show them my visa they apologized and reopened it.. only to have it suddenly closed a few months later. Sometimes it's better to just take your business elsewhere. I hope you get it worked out, they should give you something for your grief and frustration!

[canucker18 0]

Justice is Served

I went to the bank armed and ready and I am happy to report the Branch Manager looked into it, and found out their Branch was wrong and apologized. They thought all "immigrants" are like temp. workers and those temp. workers do not get their SSN added because it's not a permanent SSN.

She acknowledged the fact that she is not fluent in Immigration and listened to me while I explained to her the process from my end. She apologized for her Assistant Managers rude behaviour. I filled out a new form to basically add my SSN and she did it. I was in there maybe 30 minutes total and left extremely happy.

I have to admit, I didn't think anyone would be very compromising with me. She actually pulled out some State banking book with regulations they use and showed it to me re: Alien Residents. She took the extra time and I was thankful. Now we can continue to bank there and eventually get our mortgage through them.

Yay!!! Happy ending!!!

Thank you for all the support. It's nice to know there are people who not only have gone through similar things, but have conquered them!!!

Have a great day!