North Carolina, Raleigh- Temporary agricultural workers with H-2A visa They are able to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as they enter the United States. This is a card that can provide you with enormous benefits.
Among other advantages, a Social Security Number allows an agricultural worker to claim government aid, access regular employment, open a bank account or apply for a loan, process a state ID or driver's license state, among others.
How to obtain it?
The process for an agricultural worker with a visa to obtain a Social Security Number is simple. To begin the process, she does not even need to leave her home, since the first step can be done online. And it's completely free.
The first thing you should do is fill out your application for a Social Security card. The form is available in spanish. To complete it, print it and write your data and personal information in blue or black ink.
You also have the possibility of completing it directly online through the Social Security digital tool. This tool is only available in English, although you can press the Spanish translation icon in the upper right corner of your browser.
For an agricultural worker to obtain a Social Security Number, they must have documentation that confirms their age, identity, immigration status, and authorization to work.
For this reason, after completing the application both online and on paper, you must go to a local Social Security office with the required documentation. In this search engine You can enter your zip code to find the office closest to your home.
Finance
Why is it important to take care of your credit history even if you don't have an SSN?
Documentation required for an agricultural worker to obtain a Social Security Number
Since agricultural workers with a visa are not US citizens, to obtain a Social Security Number they must present their foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.
Unlike what happens with US citizens, in this case a foreign birth certificate is not accepted as proof of identity. Nor a certificate issued by the hospital.
Additionally, you must have your United States immigration document that proves your immigration status. That is, a current document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that indicates your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766.
In all cases, only original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them are accepted. Notarized copies or photocopies that have not been certified by the issuing agency are not accepted.
Once your application is approved by submitting the form and documentation, you will receive a Social Security card with your number in the mail within 14 days.
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Keep your credential
The Social Security Number will be useful in various procedures. In addition to those already mentioned, it will allow you to apply for a driver's license. Even the credential that will be given to you may serve as personal identification.
For that reason, it is crucial that you preserve it. Under no circumstances can your employer retain that credential. The only exception is if you expressly request it, in order to keep it in a safe place.
If you need help, you can contact Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 and pressing 7 to receive assistance in Spanish.
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I need help. My employer, Salu Garcia, owner of Garcia and Son's Harvesting Inc., located in Georgia, USA, did not give me my Social Security number. I worked for him from 2016 to 2017 on an H-2A visa. Now that I want to work in the United States with a visa, I can't because they are asking for my Social Security number. I don't know what to do because, according to what I read, it's inactive. I am low-income, and it's difficult for me to contact them. Thank you.