They don't answer calls...EVER. They don't respond to emails!! What is wrong with them? How is a person to get information?
I"m a Canadian nurse. I have the NCLEX done, Minnesota License and TN Visa Certificate.
I'm applying to California by endorsment and doing a walk through. However, I do not have a Social Security number...as they ask for it in their application forms. Now what? Do I really need the SSN?
I'm not certain, but I don't think non-citizens can get SSNs. Mexicans, that are working in California, can get taxpayer identification numbers to pay income taxes (if they choose to do so). I would call the 800 number for the Social Security Administration and ask your ?. I found this number in a local phone book: 1-800-772-1213.
Your comment about the CA BRN is true. They are swamped and known for not being easily reached. I suggest using a letter, certified w/return receipt, (however, Canadian postal system does this). Good luck.
Also look in the International forum or the Phillipines forum for threads about getting licensed. Suzanne4, our resident expert, talks about this subject often. You can PM her, and she probably can answer you directly. Hope this helps.
Non-citizens can get a SSN#, anyone that has a legal document to work in the US can get one. If the RN has the TN Visa, and have that in hand, etc., they just need to go to the Social Security Adminsitration office and apply for one. That simple.
They are actually very easy to get thru to, easier than many others.
All you need to do when you do the walk-thru is make sure that they have received verification of your license, and your transcripts from school. They can issue you a temporary license that day, and that is what they would be doing even with the SSN# in hand. Permanent licenses do not issued that same day, but are mailed to you.
You do not need a SSN# to get a temporary license.
But you can also go to the nearest Social Security Adminsitration office to you in the US and apply for one now if you want. Takes 1 to 2 weeks to get. You have to apply in person.
Those that hold a Canadian or Mexican passport qualify for the Nafta TN Visa, and are not affected by the retrogression to begin work in the US.
This is a temporary visa that is issued for a one year duration that can be renewed. All the nurse needs to have is the Visa Screen Certificate in hand, and a letter from an employer, and the visa gets issued at the border.
An RN can go thru this while waiting for the green cards to become available again. Has many done by many.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
Non-citizens can get a SSN#, anyone that has a legal document to work in the US can get one. If the RN has the TN Visa, and have that in hand, etc., they just need to go to the Social Security Adminsitration office and apply for one. That simple.