H4-H1 but no SSN-INS database update

gb04

Registered Users (C)
Had H4, got H1 approved over a month ago but havent got SSN number as they (Social Security Office) say that their system (a parallel INS-SSN system) is not updated with the approval. INS online case tracker shows the EAC number is approved.

Called INS but they cant do anything (wonder why not?). Told me to ask SSN office to call them but it takes hrs to get through and SSN office refuses to call them. Employer wants me to join asap but cant without the social security number!! Because of their internal issues, I am stuck and no one is willing to budge. Best offer from SS office is that they will send them a mail asking for a clarification on this and they confess the last time they did this, it took them almost 3 months and I cant wait that long and i might just kiss my job goodbye! On top of that my employer went through premium processing to get me onboard asap!

Anyone had a similar experience, please tell me how to resolve it! Please help me with this as I dont want to lose this job opportunity and my H1 for such a small stupid problem!

Btw, showing the SS guys my original approval, etc is apparently not enough for them to believe that INS approved it!!

Thanks

-G
 
Should try to escalate to higher ups in Social security office. Go with a letter from employer that the offer will expire if SSN is not received by so and so date.
Try to escalate to Social Security regional office...
 
Just came back from SS office. Talked to supervisor after talking, explaining, arguing with representative for hours. Nothing came out of it. He said its very unfortunate but he cannot do anything about it. Until INS updates this "SS-INS database", they cant help me. They did sent out a letter to INS field office but like they said before, it will take months before they hear back from them.

Unfortunately, the information they want is already available on INS public website (online case tracker) or through a phone call to INS but because of procedures, they wont use it!!!!!

Help!
 
Hi ... I know someone who had the same problem. In that case she had 3 options:

1. Wait for the SSN in which case like you she feared she would lose the job.

2. Start working and get paid retrospectively, since the day u started working, after u get the SSN - she went with this option, which u can suggest to ur employer.

3. If after working for a month or two u yet don't have ur SSN, u can either request ur employer for a salary advance or he may suggest the same. This would get adjusted later when u r paid ur salary retrospectively. Or if u feel comfortable working without being paid just get some work experience and get a fat check once u get the SSN.

Hope this helps. :)
 
hmm, what about Tax Identification Number? i am not sure 100% but take a look at this option, if applicable.
 
Same situation

We saw your message in the forum and we are facing the identical problem.

I got my H1B approved from H4 on Sept 11, 2002.
I applied for my Social Security Number (SSN), 5 months back on 16 th Sept, 2002 and have not received it yet.

Likewise, we have been following this constantly with SSN office and their reply always is that their system still shows my status as H4, instead of H1 and therefore, they cannot issue me the SSN.


I am traveling to India in the end of Feb, 2003 and i need to get multiple entry stamping from the US Consulate in Delhi for my new H1B visa. As i don’t have the SSN, my employer cannot pay me.

I would really like to receive some suggestions as how can i travel to India in this situation. My employer is slightly against paying me on ITIN (Tax Identification Number).
 
I am sorry but I am clueless too. Infact now I have lost complete hope as you say that it has been over five months and you havent got your SSN.
 
Got SSN

Got SSN finally after about 5 months of receiving H1B from INS.
Called my lawyer and requested him to talk to his contacts in INS and asked the Mgr in local SSN office and regional SSN office

After 2 days of going between the lawyer, local & regional SSN office, finally recd. the SSN.


Hope you also get your SSN as soon as possible
 
Congratulations!
I would really appreciate if you could be a bit more descriptive on how you were able to get this done. Did your lawyer also call SSN local and regional office? What did you tell the manager at SSN as they are not willing to listen to me? Which SSN/INS offices were you dealing with? Which state/city I mean. What finally convinced them? Details will really help me understand how to approach this. I really need all the help I can.

Thanks,

-G
 
Hi adadoo2003

Could you please tell us how you approached SSN office to get
the SSN?
I have applied SSN for my spouse with EAD and still waiting for
it. Of course, it's less than two months and few of my friends
said that it took 2 months for them because of this INS-database
update thingy..
If you can provide more details we will be prepared to use the
same approach.

Thanks
Sept13
 
Gb04,

Could you please let me know, is there premium process avaliable for H4 to H1?

I Appreciate your reply...
Thanks
 
yes. premium processing is available for all whose employers are willing to pay premium ;-)

btw, adadoo2003, i am still hoping you will reply to my question. i am really anxious!
 
Thnak you Gb,

Let me ans to your first question with my exp. with SSA office..

I am sure you can start your job regard less your SSN,you need to have only H1.
we can't do much with SSA office but from other side we can do something to run.
just ask your employer to pay a check for amt after tax cut.
don't think about true copy of pay check, just ask him pay on company check. you/your employer need SSN only when he is going to pay tax i.e like quaterly or annually.
there are some otherways to by pass this problem also, the only thing your employer should be supportive and it is legal..

Thanks
 
From reading these posts I am coming to a conclusion that while on H4, the
holder cannot receive a SS# at all??? Is this true??? I thought that while
on H4 a holder can get a SS card with a stamp "Not Valid For Employment"

According to many new laws in states, drivers license cannot be issued
without a SS card. My wife will be moving here to US (I'm on H1) and I was
hoping on getting SS card for her. Is it impossible b/c she is on H4? How
can she drive in US?
 
Yes, It is Possiable to get SSN being on H4 with kind of "Not Valid For Employment" restriction.
Here in VA, for drivering license for H4 person,SSA issuing
a letter stating that for H4 they don't require SSN.
Thanks
 
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