Getting Your Social Security Cards (Information supplied on this topic is from experience only, and in no way reflects policies, regulations, or laws from either Canada, USA, Manitoba, or Minnesota)

Social Security Numbers:
(Updated: 12/08/98)

You can apply for your SSN as soon as you get your Visa authorizing you to work in the US.  Other family members that do not have TN visas can get their own social security cards by presenting their TD visa.  If the INS Social Security official wants to deny such a SSC for non-working family members, be persistent.  A SSC should be granted to anyone who is legalling entited to be residing in the USA.  Such a card will be stamped "Not Valid for Employment" though, which is fine. You will need your original Visa and your driver's license, birth certificate and/or passport (passport is not required, but it helps). The more documentation you have, the quicker the process will be. You do want to get these as soon as possible - it will make life a lot easier, a lot quicker. Visit the excellent US Government's Social Security On-line for more detailed information. The Application Form can be downloaded in PDF format ahead of time, but trust me - you will have lots of time to kill while waiting in line!

Getting your SSC will make life a lot easier when opening up bank accounts (not required to open them, but required to earn any interest, obtain loans, mortgages, etc), getting your driver's license, and attending colleges or schools.  All family members (at least members over the age of 16) are encouraged to obtain their own unique cards.   Should your visa status be changed in the future (ie to a Green Card, for example), cards that are stamped "Non Valid for Employment" will be re-issued with the same number, but with the stamped message removed.

If you are coming to the US from Winnipeg on a TN-1, and you're going to the border to get the actual TN form, you may as well take the time to apply for your SSN at Grafton (about 40 minutes south of the border on I-29, then 10 miles west on highway 17). But don't go on Wednesday... they're closed for paperwork then. After applying, it will take one to two weeks to be issued a number. They'll tell you a week to 10 days, but it took us less than 5 working days. Grafton can give you a 1-800 number (which will work from Canada) to call for info on your application status , and that office will give you your number over the phone if you need it a few days earlier.

Another excellent option is to locate the nearest office by using the Social Security Office Locator.

There is lots of information available at the US Social Security Home Page along with locations of other offices, but it's pretty confusing. The easiest thing to do is find the nearest Social Security office to where you live, and give them a call. Expect to get a lot of busy signals - they seem to be understaffed and overworked. To find an office nearest you, you'll have to get some zip code information about the closest US town to you, and go to the US Social Security Home Page and use their location finder. Use the US Postal Service to find Zip codes.

Update: (10/19/98): Anyone who does not obtain a Social Security Card (only working, or employeed people must), must obtain what is called a "Tax ID Number".  This number is used when completing your annual income tax returns with Uncle Sam.  Dependants that are claimed on ones return who do not have this "Tax ID Number" will be denied such a claim.  Download the W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ( 48K) Adobe PDF direct from the IRS if you have an Adobe PDF file reader.  

This article and information supplied by Bernie Krause.  If you want more information specific to getting your social security card, try e-mailing him.

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