Attempting to get a SSN

Hi there,
I'm new to this forum but I am certainly glad that I've come across it. I am a Canadian and soon to graduate as a veterinarian. I have a job working in Miami, FL in mid June and am looking at all the information on TN's and so on.

I think that I've got a lot of the information on TN's down, but I'm required to have a social security number to be licensed in the state of florida to practice veterinary medicine. The problem is that I can't apply for a SSN without first having a TN (which I can't get until 10 days before I start working apparently). So I'm a bit stuck.

I'm in the process of trying to find out if they will let me write the exam without a SSN, but I was wondering if any of you on here have experienced a similar problem?

Love to hear from any of you with advise!

Thanks,
Jennifer

You cannot get a SSN unless you have legal presence in the US and work authorization. So you are correct that you cannot apply for the SSN until you get your TN. But you can start work as soon as you have your TN because you have USCIS/DHS authorization. You may just have a couple of weeks without a paycheck while you wait for the SSN to be sent to you.

I think there's a part on the TN form for the SSN application.

You just apply at the local social security office for an SSN. It takes awhile for them to mail you the card, it's not like in Canada where you get your SIN on the spot. You have to show them your I-94 to get it.

About going to the social security office; When I applied for my SSN number, the clerk advised me in takes about 10 days for your name/visa to appear "In the system" after being issued at the P.O.E. (I applied about two weeks into my employment), but you can start work as soon as you arrive.