U.S. Social Security
SSA = (Social Security Administration)
SS# = (Social Security number)

If you are a non-U.S. born OneWorld client coming into the United States to work, our WOW ® services include accompaniment to the local social security office. Applying for a Social Security card is a relatively easy process, if you are patient, and provided you bring all of the required documentation, the completed SSA form http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html and follow our recommended guidelines below:

The U.S. Government mandates a personal interview for anyone who is applying for a SS# for the first time and we strongly suggest that you wait at least 8 – 10 business days before applying from the date of your arrival so that the U.S. Homeland Security Department has had the proper amount of time to share your data with the SSA.

If you arrive to the U.S. and again leave before your application to the SSA, your arrival date starts all over and we will again suggest you wait the 8-10 days before applying.

When you first reach to the United States you will go thru customs with a company sponsored VISA and will be required to complete an I-94 form. A portion of the I-94 form will be placed in your passport and stamped with your entry date. At this point, double check that that all of your I-94 information matches your passport exactly with hyphens, sur names, given names, etc.

To apply for a card you will want to provide as much documentation as possible, but not less than your company sponsored VISA, I- 94, unexpired Passport, either your office Picture ID or your home country’s driver's license, translated to English. You may also bring Form I-551 (includes machine- readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport) or a work permit card (i-766 or I- 698B). Although not a mandatory requirement, we also suggest keeping handy, your birth certificate and your employment letter on company letterhead. If nothing else, be sure that all of your information is translated to English, and that there are no errors, typos and that you complete the application in the proper order such as Sur Name, Given Name, etc. Even the slightest error will hold up the entire process.

When applying, you may use your corporate “temporary living” accommodations address on the application, but preferably not a business address.

We will discuss this further as we approach the SSA clerk on the day of your visit, however, unless the SSA clerk confirms that your data has been inputted into their system, you will need to leave and return approximately five (5) more days later. If your data has not been inputted, it will delay process and receipt of the card to up to 60 days.

The SSA offices open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. An appointment is not needed, and the process should take approximately one to two hours maximum from the time you walk in to the office until the time you leave. Try and avoid lunch hour between 12 noon and 2:00pm. Approximately one (1) week after your application is submitted you will be able to obtain your social security number by returning to the SSA but allow at least three (3) weeks to actually receive your Social Security Card in the mail.

For SSA office locations and further information you can visit the SSA web site at: www.ssa.gov and then click on top left “Social Security Number and Card” - or call toll free:

1-800-772-1213 7am-12 midnight, Monday-Friday and Saturday 8am to 5:00pm
Hit “0” button when they ask for a current SS#

Please note that all SSA procedures are subject to change