Published Nov 10, 2008
casper_j
6 Posts
I'm a H-4 VISA holder and about to apply for CNA program in school. The CNA program requires SSN for Criminal Background Check. But the SSA office says that it's not allow for H-4 VISA holder to apply for SSN.
If anyone can help me out with below questions, I will very appreciate that!!!!!!:bowingpur
1. Applying for CNA program needs SSN??
2. How can I obtain a SSN with current status? Or do I need to change the status to F1 student VISA or other types of VISA?? Is there anyone had the same experience before??
3. Is that mean if I don't have SSN then I may not be accepted by the CNA program or even ADN degree program??
Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN
3,181 Posts
CNA what do you mean, certified nursing assistant, or Certified nurse anesthestist ?
You need a SSN for a nursing license in most states that is required for a master's degree.
RNGrad2006
450 Posts
Casper J,
When I went to nursing school I just left the SSN blank and they were still able to do a criminal background check on me especially if you have some other form of identification like a drivers license etc... if you are on a H4 you likely have other documentation available. Unless they have tightened things up since then I was able to go to school without the SSN.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
You are not going to be able to work as a CNA in the US without having a visa that will permit you to work. There is no way to adjust anything while under the H-4 visas. Not sure if you are aware of this.
You are unable to obtain the SSN# as you are not under a visa that will permit you to work. Even if you were to change to the F-1 status, there is no way to adjust your status as there are no visas available. Chances are that your spouse's H1-B will be expired before there is a chance at a green card.
Would recommend that you take the time to do some reading on this forum about the current retrogression.
And a background check can easily be done without a SSN# as most foreign nurses when they apply for licensure in the US do not have a SSN# in hand.
You are not going to be able to work as a CNA in the US without having a visa that will permit you to work. There is no way to adjust anything while under the H-4 visas. Not sure if you are aware of this.You are unable to obtain the SSN# as you are not under a visa that will permit you to work. Even if you were to change to the F-1 status, there is no way to adjust your status as there are no visas available. Chances are that your spouse's H1-B will be expired before there is a chance at a green card.Would recommend that you take the time to do some reading on this forum about the current retrogression.And a background check can easily be done without a SSN# as most foreign nurses when they apply for licensure in the US do not have a SSN# in hand.
Suzanne4,
Thank you for your help!!!
I'm thinking about applying for CNA(Certified Nursing Assistant) and it's also a prerequisite of ADN application. So it's really necessary and important for me to solve the SSN# problem...
Can you also tell me how to do the Criminal Background Check without SSN#?
Many thanks!!
babygurl15
56 Posts
I'm a H-4 VISA holder and about to apply for CNA program in school. The CNA program requires SSN for Criminal Background Check. But the SSA office says that it's not allow for H-4 VISA holder to apply for SSN.If anyone can help me out with below questions, I will very appreciate that!!!!!!:bowingpur1. Applying for CNA program needs SSN??2. How can I obtain a SSN with current status? Or do I need to change the status to F1 student VISA or other types of VISA?? Is there anyone had the same experience before??3. Is that mean if I don't have SSN then I may not be accepted by the CNA program or even ADN degree program??
hey casper j what state are u in right now? i came to the us with h4 status then changed it to f1 before i got 21 then i applied for my ssn at school..
are u a nurse grad from somewhere? or u just wanted to be a cna here in the us?
hey casper j what state are u in right now? i came to the us with h4 status then changed it to f1 before i got 21 then i applied for my ssn at school.. are u a nurse grad from somewhere? or u just wanted to be a cna here in the us?
You do not apply for the SSN# at school, you can only get one if you have been approved to be able to work part-time as a student and have the document to prove it. It is not something that one automatically gets as a student.
Suzanne4,Thank you for your help!!! I'm thinking about applying for CNA(Certified Nursing Assistant) and it's also a prerequisite of ADN application. So it's really necessary and important for me to solve the SSN# problem...Can you also tell me how to do the Criminal Background Check without SSN#? Many thanks!!
Not sure if you are aware that even with attending school in the US, you are not going to be able to remain here to work. You may qualify for the OPT for a year, but that will be the extent of your working here. You are looking at more than a five year wait for the possibility of submitting for the AOS to adjust your status and chances are that your spouses H1-B will be done before that.
The two year ADN is not accepted by most other countries for immigration purposes or licensure. I am not sure which country that you are from, but you need to be very aware of all of this before you do a thing.