Obtaining an SSN before entering the US

I accepted a position at a company in the States, I have already started work from home since it's all on computers anyways, but in order to get paid for the work I've already been doing and to recieve the money for relocation I need an SSN.

Currently I have all my information ready to get a TN Visa, but I do not have it yet since I'm still at home. So is all this possible or am I going to have to drive down to the border and do the interview for TN Visa then apply for SSN, come back home for 2 weeks, and then move?

Confusedly,

Kris

When I got my SSN, I had to go to the local office with my passport and TN-1, they also took a quick look at my lease to verify residence. It then took a week or two to receive the card in the mail, although they give you a receipt for the request, I don't recall it having the number on it.

Currently I have all my information ready to get a TN Visa, but I do not have it yet since I'm still at home. So is all this possible or am I going to have to drive down to the border and do the interview for TN Visa then apply for SSN, come back home for 2 weeks, and then move?

You need the TN before you can apply for the SSN, plus you must be present in the US to initially apply for an SSN anyway (i.e., you have to go to a Social Security Administration office to apply). They have to verify with DHS that you can legally work in the US before they issue you the SSN.

You don't get the card right away. They will give you a receipt that shows you applied for an SSN (which you can show to employers, etc.) and the actual card is sent to you in 2-4 weeks.

It's best to wait a few days until your TN-1 status reaches the SSA system, then apply and you should get it in a couple of weeks. Why they can't issue them on the spot after verifying your status I have no idea.

It is possible to get them through the consulate but you have to have status first so there's no advantage doing it that way. It's more for US citizens born abroad, etc.

It's best to wait a few days until your TN-1 status reaches the SSA system

It takes two weeks for the information to get from USCIS to SSA. You can go and apply for your SSN immediately after receiving your TN, however they won't be able to issue your number or card for at minimum 2 weeks. There has been more than one member here lately however that it has taken up to 6 weeks before they receive their SSN.

In the meantime, one option is your employer can set you up as an accounts payable, and pay you that way until you get your SSN and they can pay you thru payroll.

They can also set you up on a "dummy" SSN and then they just change it when you get your actual SSN.

Great info here thanks. How is it proven with a TN that one is authorized to work by the Dept of Homeland Security, as is required to obtain an SSN? Does the TN Visa itself imply this authorization?

Nope, the USCIS database does. Which is why it takes a while for the SSA to determine your eligibility. USCIS has to update the system, and SSA won't have access to it for about 2 weeks after your TN is granted.

Bearing in mind that working for a US company in Canada requires you to perform Canadian payroll withholding. In that situation you would not need an SSN because you would be self-employed in Canada.