TN-1 VISA/SSN/licensing dilemma

If you have your TN visa, getting your SSN is pretty easy. The process takes about 2 days in total, where in 2 days you can go back to the same office you requested it and pick up a temporary piece of paper with you SSN on it. Once you pick it up you can use it and the original/official SSN card will be mailed to you within 2 weeks.

As for the rest of the process I'm unable to help, I got denied my TN visa the first time at TO airport because the border patrol were on a power trip... Land crossing at buffalo/niagra took 15 minutes to get approved.

If you have your TN visa, getting your SSN is pretty easy. The process takes about 2 days in total, where in 2 days you can go back to the same office you requested it and pick up a temporary piece of paper with you SSN on it.

... as long as you wait for DHS to inform SSA that you are a TN; otherwise there will be a delay.

Haha..yeah I realize that. Which is why this process is more fustrating then it should be. Thanks for you help, I have one more question for you. Is there a number I can call after I get my TN to see if I am in the computer system before I go to SSA to get the card? Would they provide that information over the phone?

ssa.gov

[quote="Madilucy"]You DO need a SSN to work in the US and yes you can come back to Canada while you are waiting for it. I am doing just that. I got my TN status in Buffalo, took it to the SSN office in Buffalo applied then drove back to Canada. Less than 10 days later I was able to go back and get the number NOT the card you have to wait for that to come in the mail. US employers will let you start once you have the number. I will be driving to the US next week. I could also have picked the number up at any SSN office in the State I will be working I did not have to drive back to Buffalo to get it.

However, if you get your TN status at the airport you must proceed to the US. Then apply for your SSN there and have it mailed there.[/quote]

Tks for your quote. I'm also preparing my TN papers for an engineering position. My question is I want to apply within 2 weeks, get the TN but not start the job in US until next Jan 10th. Do you know if I can do that or I have to go to US right the way? Also, do I need to specify/write that I will start only next Jan 10th?....tks in advance...

You will not be given TN until about 2 weeks before start.

Technically, you do not need SSN to begin working in US (putting aside security search issue), your TN is work authoization, not SSN.