Moving to a new country can be daunting whether it is permanently or temporarily for work purposes. If you are moving to the US, you need to get a social security card which has your social security number on it. This is a vital document that you need if you want to work, file your taxes or get a bank account.
Methods For Applying
When you move to the US, there are 2 ways that you can apply for your social security number. The method that you are able to use will vary depending on how long you are moving to the country for. If you are immigrating to the US, you will be able to use either method. However, if you are moving there temporarily, only one option will be available to you.
The first method which is only available to immigrants is to apply from your home country. The Social Security Department has teamed up with Immigration Services to make this possible. They will use a new system which allows you to apply for your social security card when you apply for your immigration visa.
This is a good option if you are an immigrant as it cuts out a lot of the hassle. Additionally, if your application is successful, you will get your social security card within 3 weeks of your arrival date in the country. This is important because you need to have a social security number if you want to start work. Even if you have a job lined up in the US, you will need to have your social security number before you are able to start working.
The other method is that you can use is to apply for a social security card when you get to the US. This is the only option available for people who are going to be moving to the US temporarily. If you are going to take this route, you need to understand all of the documents that you need to provide as well as the process for this.
Applying In The US
If you have to wait until you are in the country to apply for your social security card, you need to know what documents you need. You also need to know where you can apply and the form that needs to be submitted. It is recommended that you apply for your social security card as soon as you get to the US to ensure that you can start working. However, you will need to wait until you have a permanent address first.
The first step in the application will be to get all of your documents in order. You need to have documents which prove your immigration status and they need to be from the US Department of Homeland Security. You will also need to have 2 different forms of identification.
The documents that you can use to prove your identification will include your passport and driver’s license. You also need to have your birth certificate with you. All of these documents will need to be the originals as the Department of Social Security does not accept photocopies or notarized copies of these documents.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you need to get form SS-5. This is the only form you need to complete to apply for a social security card. You can easily get this form online and print it before filling it out.
When you have the form filled and your supporting documents ready, you need to find your local social security office. This can be done via the social security website which lists all of the offices around the country. As this is your first application, you will need to go to one of the offices instead of mailing your documents in.
After you have submitted your application at the local office, it will generally take around 2 weeks for you to receive your card. This will be sent in the mail to the address you have provided. It is important to note that there are times when this could take longer.
There are no charges for applying for a social security card. You should avoid any websites that charge you to do this.
Getting A Social Security Card For Dependents
If you have dependents who are moving to the US with you, it is important that they also get social security cards. Children do not have to get a social security card and neither does your partner as long as they are not going to work in the country. However, if you are moving permanently, it is recommended that everyone have a social security card. If you are moving to the country temporarily and your spouse or child does not have the right to work, they generally cannot apply for a social security card.
If your spouse and children need these cards, you will have to provide certain information to the social security office. You will need to have documents which show their immigration status or their right to work in the US for a temporary period of time. If your children have joined you as an F-1 student and are eligible to work on campus, they will have to provide a letter from the school official that identifies them and the school status.
Minor children will only be able to get a social security number as a non-citizen in certain cases. You will need to show that there is a federal or state law that requires your child to have a social security number. If you are moving to the country temporarily, you will generally not be able to get a social security number for your minor child.
If you are moving to the US, you need to know how to apply for a social security card. This is important regardless of the amount of time you will be spending in the country. You can only apply for this card if you are eligible to work in the country.