Now, I never actually finished reading it because it seemed at least half of it was based on the American system (which was useless to me as an Australian living in Australia). But last night I picked it up again and almost couldn't put it down! All of a sudden everything made sense. The FICO score, opening a bank account, borrowing money, mortgages, etc etc. It even had a small section on getting a job - great!
So with that in mind, I kept thinking to myself - is there a way to apply for a SSN before I arrive in the US? Considering my whole financial future relies on this number and my credit score...
So of course I went to my good friend Google for information. I should preface this by saying that I'm already a US citizen but have lived in Australia for most of my life so this article will only help you if you're in the same boat (ie US citizen living abroad, moved away from US at a young age so never had a SSN) but there may be links that are helpful to you too.
Grant Holliday - An Aussie in Seattle
This is such an informative site. It is easy to read and understand and nicely laid out. Grant talks about how to get an E-3 or E-3D visa and how to drive in the USA. This is not relevant to me but particularly useful for any Aussies wishing to work/live in the USA. I noted his description of the US Consulate in Sydney (which I've been to several times) and the security there. It actually is the most secure place I've ever been to, it's pretty scary. Lots of queues, x-ray machines, waiting, chaperoning, waiting, queues, etc. There is no toilet there either so if you need to go you need to go back down from the 59th floor to the 10th floor and then queue and wait all over again!
FAQ for international students
Various common questions and answers.
Chat transcript with the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia
Kind of like a FAQ it features random questions and answers about citizenship and Social security issues. There was one question which was particularly relevant to my situation and that is:
Q: My daughter was born in the U.S. and came to Queensland with her mother and me when she was 6. She doesn't have a social security number and when we contacted the consulate to apply, we were told that she needed to come to the consulate in person for an interview and that it could take up to 6 months for a US-born applicant! Why does a 14 year old need to travel all the way to Sydney and why does it take so long?
A: Post September 11th 2001 security laws and regulations required Social Security to strengthen the integrity of the Social Security number process. The regulations are applied uniformly all over the world. If your daughter lived in the U.S. she would need to apply at the Social Security Office nearest to her, because she's in Australia, that is in Sydney. The process takes so long because of the need to verify all of the information on the application.
Social Security foreign offices addresses worldwide
Now, this is interesting because it says if you are in Australia or New Zealand you need to go to Manila in the Philippines. However, upon further research if you simply want to apply for a SSN you can do it in Sydney.
US Consulate General, Sydney: American Citizen services
This page says pretty much the same thing "The Social Security office at the American Embassy in Manila, Philippines, provides direct service to Social Security beneficiaries living in Australia."
Initial Benefit Claims: 1-800-750-030 Toll free from Australia
This number is only available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12pm- 5pm Sydney time (10am - 3pm Manila Time)
General Enquiries: 0011-632-525-6481
Fax Number: 0011-632-522-1514
Email: ssad.varo.manila@ssa.gov
Mail:
Social Security Division
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
American Embassy
1131 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita 0930 Manila
Philippines
Now I realize they are talking about people who want to claim SS benefits.
Socialsecuritygov: Social Security FAQ for international residents
Aha! Now this is the page I needed to find in the first place. I clicked on the first question "I live outside of the U.S. How do I contact Social Security?"
It then tells me: I live outside of the U.S. How do I contact Social Security?
If you are in Canada, British Virgin Islands or Samoa, you may obtain services from an SSA Field Office.
In countries where there are a relatively large number of Social Security customers, American embassies and consulates have personnel who have been specially trained to provide a full range of services, including the taking of applications for benefits.
For phone numbers and addresses of offices serving customers outside of the U.S. see Service Around the World.
Social Security International Operations
It mentions Manila again...
No no no! I don't need to go to Manila.
There was something else I found which was more relevant and accurate. I went to the US Consulate in Sydney website, typed 'social security number' into the search box and then followed some links to the US Embassy in Canberra website which gave me these links and pieces of information:
Applying for a Social Security Card
(Or to change your name on your Social Security Card)
Documents you need to apply for Social Security Card
First time applicants 12 years or older: you must submit your application in person to the Consulate General serving your area.
All other applicants: you may submit your application by mail to the Consulate General serving your area. (Please include a self-addressed pre-paid Registered or Express Post Platinum envelope or Courier satchel for return of your original documents).
If you are changing your name, please also submit original documents (e.g. marriage certificate) to support this.
All supporting documents presented with the application must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing authorities.
If an applicant is unable to sign his/her name, then original photo identification of the signing parent/legal guardian must also be included with the application.
Related links:
Social Security FAQs for U.S. Citizens outside of the U.S.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Download the Social Security Number application form (PDF) here
Interesting to note that they allow A4 paper! Just as well, I have no idea where to buy US letter sized paper around here.
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Are you confused yet? I sure am!
To summarize:
• I'll read through the list of documents I need to bring.
• Go to the US consulate in Sydney (in Martin Place) between 8am-11:30am Monday-Friday (their opening hours)
• Bring and show them the documents and the filled in application form
• Attend the interview
• Wait patiently for the SSN/card to come in the mail. Hopefully it won't take six months to get but if it does, so be it.
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