I-94 in-and-out legal?

Hello,

I'm getting an H1B (and my wife an H4) for employment starting in August. I want to obtain an SSN as quickly as legally possible since it's tied to so many things.

I understand that USCIS takes a few (10?) days to put you in the system once your I-94 is registered at the border.

I also understand that I can only enter the US about 10 days prior to the listed employment start date.

1) Could I just drive to the border on a shopping expedition, handle the I-94 paperwork and get it attached to my passport (giving our intended US residence), and then turn around and re-enter Canada for a "visit" (under 30 days) to get the process going?

2) Could I instead visit a consulate and achieve the same result (officially recording my "arrival") without the trip?

Thanks!

There is nothing to do at the consulate. Cdn citizens in H1 status are not granted consular interviews since they are not required.

While you can probbaly enter US a few days ahead of time (your H1 will still only be valid from Aug 1) ,it is doubtful that SSA will accept a SSN application before Aug 1, but they might.

Don't know what 10 days buys you however.