Quote Originally Posted by rockzmom View Post
Ummm... maybe it has changed in the last two years, but two years ago it was taking about 30 days for them to process a SS card for a new PR and that was here in the Washington, DC area.

You also need to make certain you have the documentation they require...

Unless by any chance they filed for one with their application???
There are two ways you can apply:

  • You can apply in your home country before you come to the United States when filing an application for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. In almost all cases, if you apply for a Social Security number and card with your immigrant visa application, you do not have to visit a Social Security office in the United States.
I've been doing it for 10 years.
J-1 visa holders. Both under my employ and others. Until last year they could show up with no job / sponsor.
Last month I brought 2 Russians to the SS office in Hyannis and was out in 30 minutes.
Sign in, take a number. Fill out form. Called into office, submit form, show Visa and Passport. Issued card.
Drove around for a while, got ice cream cones and back to the motel. Filling in tax forms within an hour. 72 hours after they landed in NY.
Returning J-1s use "their number" (Ilya from last year was bummed he didn't get ice cream this year).

Same process for H-2b visa holders.

I need all employees to have a valid SSN within a week of hire. Theoretically I could run a SSNVS (Social Security Number Verification Service) but I know they are legal and didn't swipe an SSN.
The local Brazilians get checked! Over-stayed visas are common, and I had 2 women give me the same SSN...


J-1 Visa Basics

The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant visas.

J-1 Visa Basics | J-1 Visa