Carmen,
First of all I was only joking to nelsona about forwarding the mail. Come on, I don't think anyone is that naive.
Definitely go to the SSN office. That's your best bet. At least you might be in the system already and be able to get a number. I understand what you mean about trying to rent an apartment.
Here's a suggestion.....the SSN for the apartment is only for a credit check. Same thing for a car or anything else you might need. Even if you get an SSN, it won't reveal anything about your past cresidt history because you do not exist in the U.S. System.
Equifax is one of the major credit reporting agencies in the U.S. They also own the Candian credit reporting agency. If you haven't learned anything yet since you have been here, your credit score rules your life (at least it does in California). Welcome to America - I'd like you to meet FICO - the new ruler of your life. Everything you do will revolve around your FICO score. Try and get a copy of your Canadian Equifax report and take that wherever you go. I did it back in 1996 and it helped quite a bit for the first little while.
Here is their info:
EQUIFAX CANADA, 1717 JEAN-TALON EAST
VILLE D' ANJOU, QC,
H1M 3N2 •
(514) 493-2470