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Activation

H

hansen

Registered Users (C)
Hi together,

I'm about to activate my greencard next week, I have several questions:

1. The address, the greencard should be sent to, has changed. Who do I have to tell?
2. I heard several times that if you requested the SSN when you applied for the visa, that it just doesn't come. Does it make sense to go to the SSA yourself even if you don't know if you'll get it automatically? I mean, should I take care of it by myself on my activation trip?
3. I'm planning to move to USA about 5 months after my activation, anybody here that had problems 5 months or longer after the activation? I heard that at the port of entry you might have problems even if it is in the 1 year period after activation.

All the best,
hansen
 
1. I'm not sure if you can change the address at the POE. If not, auf have to inform USCIS. Thing you need form AR-11 (change of address)

2. Yes, go to the SSA after some days and apply for one. Be warned, there are strange people. If they deny the application try another SSA.

3. You cannot stay longer than 364 days outside the US. 5 month is ok.
 
Thanks Tazmania,

Tazmania said:
1. I'm not sure if you can change the address at the POE. If not, auf have to inform USCIS. Thing you need form AR-11 (change of address)
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Is there no special form for that case than the AR-11? I mean, it's not "my" address, I don't have a job address yet, no alien card number... Or should I just make a note for what it's there for?
 
Thats the only form I know.

Check the envelope you got from the embassy, your A number is on the white sheet that is stapled on it.
 
Your alien number is the registration number on the immigrant visa.
1. You can change the address at the POE. However, the change frequently doesn't work and the card is mailed to the old address anyway (at least that's what I've read).
2. I agree with Bucky: Go to a local Social Security office. You have to be in the country for 10days until they can forward the application for the card, in my case, however, they told me that I didn't have to come back because they would just forward the application after the 10days.
3. The issue is: some flight companies (I know of Air France) wrongly don't let you board the plane with the temporary I-551 (which is your immigrant visa after the activation). You should just check with your flight company.... 5months are not a problem.
 
Igmu said:
2. I agree with Bucky: Go to a local Social Security office. You have to be in the country for 10days until they can forward the application for the card, in my case, however, they told me that I didn't have to come back because they would just forward the application after the 10days.
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you mean I should go to the office on my activation trip and then I have to return after 10 days and I would get it? I will be there for 8 days, so that's not an option :( Or what are the 10 days for?
 
It takes 10days until your arrival in the US is in their system. That's why some SS offices don't accept your application if you arrived less than 10days ago. Others, however, will accept your application (but they cannot forward it to the central system until 10 days have passed, but you don't need to go back to the office, meaning: you can already leave the country). Therefore my advice (same as tazmania's): go to your local SS office, if they don't accept the application, try it someplace else.
If you don't do this on your activation trip and if it doesn't work automatically, there will be delays once you move to the US (for many jobs you need the SSN to even apply for the job).
 
but they cannot forward it to the central system until 10 days have passed,
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I must disagree ;) They can do it immediately if you have a nice person at the SSA like we had :)

Igmu said:
Tazmania should know that since he activated the greencard there (and if I recall correctly, he went to more than one office)
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I'm sorry, we flew into New York City but went straight to New Jersey. Our first try was in New Brunswick, but they denied to accpet the application. Then we went to Trenton, NJ and had success, there was a very friendly lady :)

And I would strongly recommend that you show up about at the SSA 30 min before they open or you stay the half day there!
 
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Okay, then I'll try some SSA office in NYC. Any recommendations what else I should take care of on my activation trip? I can't think of anything right now, I think there must be several threads in this forum concerning activions trips. If you know any please insert the links here!
 
http://ssa.gov/ssnumber/

You need to bring:

- your green card
- your passport (or if you have other state ID such as driving license)
- birth certificate and its translation (my wife was asked for this...weird)
 
birth certificate and its translation (my wife was asked for this...weird)
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I told you, there are strange people at the SSA. Birth certificate is not needed to apply for a SSN. As a new immigrant, passport with I-551 is enough.
 
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