Canadian travel nurses in USA- getting a SSN?

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Hey all,

I am a Canadian RN looking to start a travel position in the US ASAP. I have been getting all my paperwork and credentials in order for almost a year now and am at the point where I am being submitted to hospitals. The problem seems to be that I am an undesirable candidate simply because I do not have a SSN yet- and it seems to be that I cannotget one until I have an offer of employment and a letter outlining said employment along with my TN visa( I believethose are what I need for the ssn office). But I have also had a recruiter state to me thatprevious Canadians that worked for their company were able to obtain a 'not for work' ssn and then once they had a job offer, could switch it to the working kind. Anyone have any knowledge if this is actually the case? I spoke directly to a ssn office and was not told of this option. Any help is greatly appreciately! Thanks

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Hey! I'm Canadian too and had the exact same issue. It's not so much that agencies won't hire you without an SSN, but it's getting your licenses without one. Many of the more popular state boards (ie Cali) won't even look at your application without an Ameican SSN (more and more are adding this requirement) and you can't get a job without a license. If you have a license for the state you want to work in you'll be fine to get you visa and SSN after that. I got my original through MN just over 3 years ago and was able to get an NC one after that without an American SSN. With my NC license I could get a job, then cross the border and get my TN visa and with my TN visa apply for my SSN which only takes a couple weeks, but can also be rushed if needed. Don't listen to the agencies about crossing the border with fake start dates that will allow you to get your visa and apply for your SSN and go back home to wait for licensing. Also, careful about where your agency wants to send you. Many recruiters are not familiar with the requirements of each state and many have very specific rules about foreign trained nurses which can majorly delay your application or not allow you to hold temp permits.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

US SSN will not be issued without something indicating permanent right of residence or work visa

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i had the same problem. however, i was told to use a temporary ssn, and after some telephone calls and lotsa explaining, i finally got my license. i am however, not a canadian nurse, but an australian one. nevertheless, i think the same solution applies. just for your info i am licensed for DC.

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This is an old thread, but I am in same predicament now with Hawaii.

From what I have been reading, first step is to get a job offer, make arrangements to go, at border get TN visa, apply for SSN, then license one SSN is complete. Then start work. The catch is the balancing act. And paying your way in the meantime. Do I have this right?

Can anyone give me advice on applying for a temp. vs permanent license?

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Why not get a ITIN number instead, and worry about SSN once you arrive in USA to work/live?

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Specializes in perioperative nurse.
On 7/31/2013 at 6:28 PM, booha said:

i had the same problem. however, i was told to use a temporary ssn, and after some telephone calls and lotsa explaining, i finally got my license. i am however, not a canadian nurse, but an australian one. nevertheless, i think the same solution applies. just for your info i am licensed for DC.

Hi, this post has been years ago.But, can you pls. share how did you get a tempoary SSN?

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