TN VIsa and Social Security Number...

Alright here is my problem. :!: I am a health professional in the process of getting my educational credentials assessed in order to go work in the US on a TN Visa (my NAFTA profession requires me t...

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Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

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CanPT
New Member

Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Ontario

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:54 pm

Alright here is my problem. Exclamation

I am a health professional in the process of getting my educational credentials assessed in order to go work in the US on a TN visa (my NAFTA profession requires me to proove I have education that meets the US equivalent). Once my educational credentials are processed and deemed that they meet the US standard I am issued a certificate stating this with INS approval (the educational credentialling board is authorized by the INS to do the credentials). Rolling Eyes

The problem is that in order to be licensed in the state of California (where I want to work) I MUST have a SSN BEFORE I submit my application for licensure and thereafter write the licensing exam. (And therefore before I can even think about working in my profession.)
So what I am wondering is: Can I get a SSN now without the certificate? Or must I wait for my educational credential certificate to get a SSN? When I do go to the border from Canada what do I say at the border on the way to the SS office?

Thanks! Very Happy

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1306
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:10 am

You won't be able to get an SSN until you have your TN with work authorization.
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CanPT
New Member

Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Ontario

Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:49 am

is there any way around this? As from what I know I cannot get my TN visa before I have my license. (and I cannot have my professional license in California before I have a SSN)!

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1306
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:53 am

Unfortunately no. The SSA cannot give you a SSN without USCIS authorization. If you do not yet have a work authorized visa, they can't give you a SSN.
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CanPT
New Member

Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Ontario

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:59 am

I have heard about a non-work SSN that is sometimes given by SSA. Also sometimes people who cannot get a SSN are able to get a ITIN? Are you familiar with the process for any of these? Also the document I get from the educational credentialling board gives me work authorisation (the document is from the Foreign Credentialing Board on Physical Therapy authorised by INS).

slashgnrfan101
New Member

Joined: 25 Jun 2008
Posts: 9
Location: Los Angeles

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 2:03 pm

CanPT wrote: I have heard about a non-work SSN that is sometimes given by SSA. Also sometimes people who cannot get a SSN are able to get a ITIN? Are you familiar with the process for any of these? Also the document I get from the educational credentialling board gives me work authorisation (the document is from the Foreign Credentialing Board on Physical Therapy authorised by INS).

The SSA doesn't issue non working SSN's anymore. What you will get is a SSN with "must have DHS authorization" on it.

Is there anyway you can get another job that doesn't require to be certified, get your SSN then apply for your certificate?

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1306
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:08 am

ITIN is only available if you are filing taxes with a USC spouse, and can only be applied for at tax time.

Only USCIS can give you work authorization, the board licensing office is a different purpose altogether.
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CanPT
New Member

Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Ontario

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:36 pm

Reba wrote: ITIN is only available if you are filing taxes with a USC spouse, and can only be applied for at tax time.

Only USCIS can give you work authorization, the board licensing office is a different purpose altogether.

But doesnt this mean that FCCPT give work authorization?
"U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has recognized and given authority to only two
(2) organizations to prescreen Foreign Educated Physical Therapist (FEPT) and issue qualifying healthcare worker certificates for immigration purposes:
(1) Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) "

If this is incorrect, it seems my only other option is to go to another state then California first. There are a few other states that do not require a SSN in the licensure application. (Like slashgnrfan101 was saying in the earlier post.) Or go on a student visa and get a SSN then come back up? I just want to get to California.