New arrival on L1b - Where's my SSN?

[TimLambert7]

Boring immigration related question but, as a few of you seem to have done it, thought I'd ask.

I arrived on 16th August on L1b, applied for Social Security Number on 18th August and was told 'a few weeks'.

Well, it's the 8th of November and it's not arrived.

I've phoned twice, they said sometimes it takes a long time to clear Homeland Security.

Meanwhile, I can't get a cell phone plan, credit card, i'm stuck on a 0 deductible so am getting nailed on tax, no chance to build up credit score. I hadn't realised not having an SSN would make me a second class citizen.

Any ideas?!

[Matt Harper]

Did the Social Security office have your visa details on file, when you showed up?

General consensus is that new arrivals should wait a week before entering the hell that is DSS. If they don't have a visa notification to tie your SSN to, it can all get piss-shaped - requiring another office visit to straighten it out.

Assuming they already had you L1-B on file when you showed-up - then there's bugger all you can do, but wait.

[GavinPearson]

I would take all the paperwork to the Social security office.

I would get them to proof read the application and check everything with painstaking attention to detail.

It may be something very simple to fix.

Good luck.

[TimLambert7]

Thanks gents,

I was just avoiding having to go back to the office at all costs. The Philly office is open from 9-4pm weekdays only, fantastic.

[ReaperCushions]

Yeah, its a horrible process but needs to be done. Head back to the office.

I know this doesn't help you, but I came over on an L1B, did my appointment a few weeks in, then had it in my hand a week after that. I'd certainly suggest heading back... terrible as the experience is.

That was 4 years ago in California.

[h0b0]

TimLambert7 said:

i'm stuck on a 0 deductible so am getting nailed on tax, no chance to build up credit score.

Two things, if you are over paying tax due to have 0 deductions, you will get it back. Secondly, I moved in 2004 and was not paid until 2005 due to delays in my SSN. As a result, my 2005 income was higher than my expected tax bracket and I ended up owing money. Just another reason to not assume that 0 deductions guarantees a refund.

[TimLambert7]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I eventually got my SSN sorted and now have a nice tax rebate coming my way.