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Applying for a Social Security Number
In order to work legally in the United States, you must apply for a Social Security Number as soon as possible after entering the country.
This number is used by the government for all U.S. citizens and residents to track tax payments, and is an important form of identification. 
Although we will assist you with this process, it is recommended that you find the the nearest Social Security Office by calling toll-free
 1-800-772-1213 upon arrival or  by visiting the social security web site.
 

When you apply for a Social Security Number, the cards will be mailed to WISE Abroad and we will mail this to you as soon as we receive the
card to you permanent address in the U.S.

Other Important Points
The Social Security Administration requires an additional document verification process involving the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) for all J1 participants applying for a Social Security Number.  This verification will allow
your card to get to you sooner.

Once you submit your application and paperwork to the Social Security Office, you should expect the following:

1. The Social Security Office will confirm your point of entry into the US, and verify if the program is registered.
   If everything is in order, the Social Security Office will issue you a Social Security Card.
2. If you are not verified at your point of entry, the Social Security Office will contact the Los Angeles Social Security
   Office to verify that you are registered with SEVIS. This will take about 2-3 days. If you are registered properly, the
   application will go through, and you will receive your card soon thereafter.
3. If you are not registered with SEVIS properly, the Los Angeles Social Security Office will investigate the situation.

How Long Does It Take?
Please be aware that there may be delays in receiving your card.    In general, it may take something like 2 to 3 weeks to
receive your card, or possibly sooner.

In order to insure that you receive the card sooner, you should follow these steps:

1. Make sure you register with SEVIS as soon as you arrive to the U.S.
2. Apply for your Social Security Card at your local office of residence.   In some cases, offices in small towns/cities may
   process social security numbers more quickly. To locate the nearest Social Security Office, dial 1-800-772-1213, or
   visit their web site at www.ssa.gov .
3. When you apply for a Social Security Card, make sure that request for a receipt or proof of application.  This is helpful
   if your employer demands to see proof of a social security number. WISE Abroad will also help you address  
   problems if the employer is not willing to make any payments without the card.  If you encounter any problems please
   Contact Us.  Please let us know the office where you applied and the social security officer that serviced you.

We recommend that you call the toll free Social Security number (1-800-772-1213) about two weeks after you apply for your
card to check on the status of your application.   If the Social Security office does not have a record of your application, ask
the officer what you must do next.  Be aware that applying more than one time can cause your card not to be issued. Keep
records of your receipts and proof of application.

If an employer refuses to pay you until you show the Social Security card, please contact the WISE Abroad office so we can
assist you.

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