2013 H1 Approved. COS h4 to H1. Can apply SSN before Oct 1st.

USA H1B Visa
1

Hi,

My H1B approved and i have my documents in hand. Its H4 to H1 COS. which is effective from Oct 1st, 2012. Can i apply SSN before Oct 1st or i need to wait till Oct 1st.

2

Hi Dharan,

SSN has nothing to do with H1. You can also apply for SSN even with H4. All legal residents with 18+ years will have and should have a SSN. In this case I am sure you can apply for SSN. However wait until you get your H1 petition, as the process goes through USCIS, it may delay your process.

Ram

3

Ram, Do you have any URL to say this "You can also apply for SSN even with H4. " I am 100% sure that with H4 you cant apply for SSN.

4

Hi Dharan,

There is no specific link but I am sure people in some states got the H4 even with H4. For example the state of Iowa issues SSN even with H4. Please try in your state.

5

HI, I am staying in the state of Georgia. To get driving license i went to SSN administration office to get SSN. They gave only ‘SSN Denial notice’. Same notice submitted in DDS office to get license. Need to check with Iowa.

6

SSN is issued by default if you are born in US, how ever if you are a Foreign national on a VISA(I am specifically talking about F1, H1b, L1 and H4) there are few regulations.

F1 - You should present offer of employment(could be as a temporary) from your employer, or University(if you get a job as a TA or LA). If you were a student I am sure you will remember you may have submitted a letter.

H1b, L1 - H1 and L1 visa are issued to employees of any given company and you should provide that information in the application form when you apply for a SSN.

H4 - H4 visa holders are not authorised to work so they cannot get a SSN (because they will not be able to produce any documents regarding their employment. I am speaking specifically about H4 VISA holders), In your case as your H1 is approved you can submit an application along with your I 797 and employment details. Your SSN will issued on or after you are legally eligible to work i.e Oct 1 or later.

Please follow this link and select Adult > Original > Non Citizen

Also refer to this

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10181.pdf

PLEASE ALWAYS REFER TO US GOVERNAMENT WEBSITES AND/OR PERSONNEL AT THE SSA OFFICE.

People here post their opinions rather than facts/rules which are stupendosly inaccurate.

7

hi! When did you finally apply for the ssn??
Thanks!