Obtaining a Child's Social Security Card

[Voyageur]

I am sure that this question has been asked and answered before (although I did perform a search and other due diligence I posted this question). How can a seven year old girl from Russia on a K-2 visa get a social security number? My wife's daughter has received her first green card.

The social security web-site does not give an absolute "NO" answer to this, but it appears as if a I-765 Work Authorization approval (EAD) from the USCIS is required before issuance.

Does anyone else know when a child can obtain this number without the cost of obtaining a EAD approval?

[ConnerVT]

A Resident Alien card (conditional or not) trumps an EAD.  There is no need for an EAD, as the green card is also authorization for work.

Bring your daughter and her card down to the SS office, and file an application.  Exactly what we did for our son when he recieved his.  (Very timely, too.  Mid december, just before tax filing season.  )

[William3rd]

Yep- The SS office will run a computer check to see if the Alien registration number is logged into their system. As soon as they verify the number, they will accept the application. And it arrives without the work validation requirement on it.

[START2]

and if none of that works, file a w-7 from the IRS when you file your taxes and she'll receive an ITIN which will be good until she turns 14/16 I'm not sure. You'll send your tax forms to the Philly office and they'll issue her a that number.

[Jet]

and if none of that works, file a w-7 from the IRS when you file your taxes and she'll receive an ITIN which will be good until she turns 14/16 I'm not sure. You'll send your tax forms to the Philly office and they'll issue her a that number.

The rules are a bit tricky with the ITIN, be careful! If she qualifies in any way for a SS card, she does NOT qualify for an ITIN. Voyageur is set with the GC so there's no need to even think about an ITIN.

[Voyageur]

Thanks for the information guys. I will post back what results after we make a visit to the local Social Security office.

Unfortunately, I have come to understand that a great deal of success or failure depends upon the mood of the counter clerk on that particular morning. This was the case for my wife's SSN application and  her PA driver's permit, for sure  .

[Voyageur]

As everyone here predicted, once we produced the green card, we were able to apply for a SSN for my wife's daughter without any problems or nasty looks  from the friendly people behind the counter.

[catzenmouse]

Hey Voyager!

 Congradulations on one more completed step! We're next in line to get over to SSN now that we have his GC. Hope all is going well in your world!

Ken

[Voyageur]

Thanks for the good wishes Ken. I hope your move west went OK and that your SSN is approved without any problems also.

We haven't received the actual number yet, but it should  arrive in two weeks. We'll see.

[Bruce]

Hey, one for the good guys!