Where I get SSN and how long it takes?

It was about 10 years ago or so.

Perhaps things have changed since then???

Yes, things have definitely changed since then.

I received a SSN number from a Visitor Visa. I was not allowed to work in the US, but they still gave me an SSN, so you should be able to do it.

You need an SSN to get a drivers license in the US.

The SSN is not valid for work, it says so right on the card, but you CAN get one.

They scrapped this back around 2002. It dawned on the SSA that no-one needed an SSN who wasn't work authorized because the IRS can issue them an ITIN. The IRS at the same time cracked down on issuing ITINs although it is still possible to get one as a visitor.

This was part of the post-9/11 crackdown together with the Real ID Act which among other things requires States to check the SSN (or have proof the person is legally in the country and can't get one) to get a DL.

There have been a number of other changes to the SSN system for non-immigrant aliens since then as well.

-- Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:23 pm --

I'm kinda confused.. I thought SSN is analog of our SIN and both my kids have SINs.
So SSN it's only for work purposes?

It is, but you're in a non-immigrant category, if you moved to Canada as a non-immigrant then the SIN would be subject to similar restrictions.

As an L-2 spouse, you can get work authorization, so you can get an SSN which is valid for employment while your L-2 status is valid (note your SSN is always valid for things other than employment regardless of your status).

However children of L-1 holders cannot get work authorization, so they cannot get an SSN. If you need it for other reasons, the best bet is to get a letter from the SSA saying they're not eligible. For tax purposes they can get an ITIN by filing form W-7.

I did some research on the web and I'm not sure if I can apply for SSN if I have L2 (but still don't have EAD)? somebody telling - you can, somebody - opposite.....

Unless something has changed recently the answer is yes. The SSA know that L-2 can get work authorization so they will issue you an SSN even though you don't have the EAD yet. They may want to see evidence that you are the spouse of an L-1 holder as only L-2 spouses can get it.

They may want to see evidence that you are the spouse of an L-1

I hope that it will not cause an issue. Our marriage certificate is from Cyprus (even though in English) and my wife maiden name is missing 1 letter. When we immigrated to Canada in 1999 , noody even asked us something.... don't know what to expect in California

I doubt it'd be a problem for SSA, or CBP for that matter, you need evidence you're married, a marriage certificate helps but is not the only way to do it.