Social Security Experience at Bellevue

sampai

Registered Users (C)
Got my passport stamped with the ADIT yesterday ( sampai "Seattle passport stamping experience" 2/5/02 5:17pm ) and decided to get the "not valid for employment" removed from my Social Security card. Downloaded the SS-5 form and got the address of the nearest SSA office (Bellevue, WA) from http://www.ssa.gov

Went to the SSA office at 1 PM with a filled-out SS-5 form, my passport and my Social Security card. No one there, even though it was beginning of week and beginning of month. Guard asked me why I was there, offered me a SS-5 form (I declined) and made me sign in. A couple came in behind me and he searched their bag.

I went to the counter and the lady asked for my card, the SS-5 form and my passport. She photocopied the passport stamp and my visa and printed out a form for me to review and sign. She then told me that she would verify my status with INS, which should take about 30 days. At that point, I would get a receipt. I would get my card 10-14 days. In the meantime I could continue using my current SSN, which would remain unchanged. I mentioned that six weeks wasn\'t too long and I could wait. Also said that I hadn\'t noticed this on the web site. She said it was a new rule only a few weeks old to "keep the bad guys out." Asked her for a receipt for my card; but she said the card was invalid and she couldn\'t give me a receipt. Tried insisting; but she wouldn\'t budge.

Bottom line: walked in with a valid Social Security card and walked out without it. All I have is the SSA\'s assurance that I should get my new card in about six weeks.
 
No Title

Read my experience at Marta "INS nightmare continues with Social Security cards" 2/5/02 10:50am.
 
My two cents worth....

It is better to go for your SS card atleast a month after passport stamping for PR. By then the system at the SS office can see your details of PR and hopefully the wait is just two weeks for the new SS card to come in.
 
No Title

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee.

As you have read in the thread, even person who was waiting 5 months after stamping for PR experienced the same problem. On the other hand, people who did stamping and went to get their SSN almost immediately did not have any problems.

I am afraid that this is another reminder of the INS inconsistent performance.
 
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