DCF and Social Security Cards

[philb]

A little useful info for those whom will be going the DCF route.  The Social Security Administration recommends that a permanent resident applies for a Social Security number as part of the immigrant visa process on the DS-230.  Here is the link

http://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/help_immigrant.htm

They site this method as being quicker and easier than going to the local SS office and applying directly. In my experience applying for a number as part of the immigration process is a complete waste of time.

My wife applied in this way and after 6 weeks had not received her card nor did she even show up in the SS computer system.  We went to the local office and were told that we should reapply for a card.  They also told us that in their experience applying for a SS number as part of the immigration process typically does not work simply because USCIS typically neglects to release the info to the social security administration.

She received her card 7 days after applying at the local office.

Other than a couple of little blips such as the one above, things are going quite smoothly.  After 8 weeks she has her drivers license, green card, social security card, and began taking an English Comp class at the local college.

[apple47]

     This is one of those YMMV things.   We went DCF in Almaty.  My wife had her SS card and Green card within 2 weeks.   The daughters however,while they got there Green cards within 4 weeks,we had to go to the SS office to apply for thier SS cards.  And  I known that the box was checked on the DS-230 for them to get thier SS cards.

                                                                             ...Larry