Social Security (SSN) Experience

Recently arrived in the USA, I had been given a 90-day work authorization stamp in my passport when I flew into New York 's JFK airport. I was anxious to get a Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible as you need it for almost everything in the United States.

For this reason, I whizzed down to the SSN offices in Manhattan and waited in line for several hours. When I was finally processed the woman told me that it can take between 10-12 weeks for the number to be processed - a little odd when the stamp is only valid for 90-days! However, I had read on visajourney.com I read that it takes a couple of weeks for my entry into the States to show up in their computer. "Squeaky wheel gets the oil" as they say so I duly returned two weeks later to see if my details were in the system. My details were in the system, but it would take 24 hours to process the number.

Seeing as there was not a lot I could do without the number I returned the next day. I waited in line and heard the woman behind the counter telling people it would take 10-12 weeks - No it doesn't! I wanted to shout. When it was my turn I was told that the SSN number had to be mailed to me and it would take a couple of weeks.

Thankfully it didn't, I received my number in the mail three days later. I'm not sure if my repeated visits did any good but it took three weeks to get the number not 12 weeks as they said.

My advice would be to wait a couple of weeks before going in to make sure your details are on the system. The social security number is vital to new arrivals in the USA as you can't work, properly open a bank account (I did manage to as it happens). It's like you don't exist! Good luck if you're in the process.

BY: Blue