Where I get SSN and how long it takes?

when we arrive to California, my wife have L1 visa (I will be later applying for L2), where should we go to apply for SSN and usually how long takes to get it?

Go to http://www.ssa.gov/

Click on Find a Social Security Office on the left side.

It takes a week or so for DHS to update the SSA database with your visa (you need to be legally allowed to work in the US to apply for an SSN and they need to verify this before they will issue you one). There are forms on the site you can print off and fill out before arriving at the SSA office to save some time. Expect to wait in line for awhile.

The actual card is sent to you in the mail in about 2-4 weeks but you get a receipt from the SSA proving you applied for a number.

The question is , my wife will have L1 for sure, (but i need apply for L2 and wait at least 90days to get L2. ). Can both of us + kids to get SSN right away?
My understanding that my wife will get visa in consular department in Toronto, can we apply for SSN while still in Canada?

Why do your kids need an SSN? Are they going to be working?

You can't get the SSN until you get the L-2. You can't apply for an SSN in Canada.

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?
for example, if we have medical coverage from my wife's job, we don't need any SSN to register at clinic?

As a non-citizen/non-permanent resident of the US, you cannot get a Social Security number in the US unless you are legally eligible to work. I don't understand why you would need your SSN to get medical benefits. The SSN is to track taxes and retirement benefits, it has nothing to do with private health care.

..and do I need to register my car that we're bringing with us?

One car on my wife name (who will have SSN) and 2nd on mine (I won't have SSN for at least 90 days)

This has been discussed previously. You can do a search on some old threads to find some more detail.

Basically, you are allowed to drive your car in the US for up to one year without formally importing it. However, some states require all residents to register their cars in their state within a certain time frame. Have a look at the CA DMV site: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm

If you choose to register your car in California, be aware that you have to formally import the vehicle into the US before you can register it. There is no duty if you are importing the vehicle as a personal effect.

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.

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.

When did you get your SSN?

The SSA quite plainly states that "only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number." http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html