Consular Section Application For The Social Security Card: Fill & Download for Free

OBTAINING/RECLAIMING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN)Over time, the US Social Security Number (SSN) has evolved from merely the number of your account for retirement savings to something akin to a single national identification number that follows you throughout your US administrative life. It is indispensable on passport applications, tax returns, financial account reporting and numerous other business forms. And now it has gone international: under FATCA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) banks and other financial institutions around the world are required to ask American citizen clients for an IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification), which includes their SSN.For many American citizens (or green card holders) living abroad, such requests may cause panic. They haven’t thought of their SSN for years (if ever). Some never had one; some have lost theirs, don’t remember the number, or don’t even know if they ever had one. So, yet another unanticipated fallout of FATCA is the extra workload falling on American embassy and consulate Federal Benefits Units (FBUs) around the world.Add to this mix the enhanced requirement for high-quality, verified documentation prior to issuing a SSN, due not only to FATCA, but to various recent laws aimed at countering fraud and fear of terrorists. The bottom-line message, particularly for Americans residing abroad, is: verify now that you and any citizen (or green card holder) you want to claim as your dependent, have SSNs. If not, roll up your sleeves, assemble your documentation, and apply as soon as possible, because it costs time (but not money) to obtain a SSN.SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION’S USER-FRIENDLY WEB SITEThe Social Security Administration web site provides clear and reader-friendly information: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. All applications for SSNs, whether original, replacement, or for change of name or data, use the same form, the SS-5 form (www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). The different purposes may occasion differing degrees of documentation.SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES WHILE ABROADAs an American abroad, you will work through the US consulate or consular Federal Benefits Unit serving your region. To locate the appropriate FBU, you can check the website of the Social Security Administration at this link: www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htmWHAT IS YOUR STATUS?I have my SSN.You are all set to file taxes, get your passport renewed, etc.I remember my SSN, but no longer have the card.You should be OK, without taking further action. The foreign financial institutions (FFIs) are not required, under FATCA regulations, to actually see your SSN card. If called upon to produce one, you can apply for a (free) replacement card, and the FBU can supply you with a letter saying that you have applied for it.I used to have one, but I cannot find it and don’t remember the number.Check first via the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) serving your region. These can be found listed here: www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htmThe FBU may perhaps confirm if a SSN has been issued to you; however they are not permitted to transmit this number to you, either over the phone or by letter. The procedure in this case is to apply for a replacement card by postal mail using the approprite form. You can leave the space asking for the SSN blank.I don’t know if I ever had a Social Security Number. How do I find out?Check via the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) serving your area (See:www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm). With the data you provide them, they can inform you if a number has ever been issued to you.If you have never been issued a SSN, see information concerning an initial application, below.If you have been assigned a SSN however, the FBU is not permitted to transmit this number to you over the phone or in written form. The procedure In this case is to apply for a replacement card using the appropriate form. (You can leave blank the space asking for the SSN.)How does one apply for a replacement SSN card?The procedures for applying for a replacement card or making a correction to your data are as follows:1. Application form and instructions are available at: www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf.2. Complete, date and sign the application.3. Present one document as acceptable proof of identity. If you are a citizen born outside the US, you must also provide proof of your US citizenship. (Your US passport can fulfill both functions.)Original US Passport, must be current and signed;Original Permanent Resident Alien Card (“Green Card”), must be current;Original US state driver’s license, must be current;Original foreign passport is acceptable but must be accompanied by proof of US citizenship, such as a Naturalization certificate or US birth certificate.4. If the replacement card is for a child, provide proof of identity for both the child and the parent who signs the form.5. If the name has been altered since the initial application, you must provide official documentation of how the name change(s) was/were effected.6. The completed application and relevant documents should be mailed to the Federal Benefits Unit serving your region.If you have never had a SSN, however, the procedure to obtain a SSN is more complicated and lengthier. See below.NOTE: A key factor in any initial application for a SSN is the necessity to produce thorough documentation in the original, or in copies certified by the originating institutions; photocopies are not acceptable. The consular sections of American embassies or consulates can also certify original documents. You can find how to obtain certified copies of vital records issued in the US via: www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm . This can take time to assemble.Be aware that, while your American passport can serve as one identification document, you must produce two pieces of identification, in addition to any other proofs you must submit.I have never had a Social Security Number. How do I get one?Requirements vary, depending on the age of the applicant (under or over age 12); whether the applicant is a US citizen or not; and, if a US citizen, whether the applicant was born in the US or abroad. An excellent overview can be found at: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm .For individuals over 12 years of age applying for an initial SSN:1. It is essential to appear in person. You will need an appointment, which you can make by email or phone call.2. You must have two pieces of identification – for example, US passport and your birth certificate.3. If you were born in the US, you must also prove why you do not already have a SSN. Documentation is required to prove the allegation of absence from the US as the reason for non-assignment of an SSN. The documentation must be comprehensive and dated from the time the person departed the US to the present to provide sufficient evidence. The documentation can include:confirmation of residency from foreign registration offices;school records such as report cards or a letter from the school confirming dates of attendance;travel documents such as current or canceled passports (US or other);employment records;medical records;proof of registration with a doctor or clinic.4. If you are a US citizen born abroad, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of US citizenship. These include a US passport, Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561), Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350), Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA).You must also submit documentation to show that you have never been assigned a SSN:If you have lived outside the United States for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the United States could be used to show you do not have a SSN.If you have lived in the United States and you are applying for an original Social Security number, you may be asked for information about the schools you attended or to provide copies of tax records that would show you were never assigned a SSN.Does my American minor child need a Social Security Number? How can I get one for him/her?It is normally advised that a US citizen child should obtain a SSN. In the US, the hospital where the child is born will usually apply for a SSN when recording the birth.A parent can apply on behalf of a child. Note that the parent will also have to prove his/her identity. Children less than 12 years do not have to appear in person as long as there is sufficient proof of identity (see below).The FBUs can accept only certain documents as proof of US citizenship. These include a Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350), Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), US passport or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561), and Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570).An acceptable proof of identity document must show your child's name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture identification also shows your child's biographical information (i.e. age, date of birth, or parents' names). FBUs generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child's name and age, date of birth or parents' names). However, they prefer to see the child's US passport.For further details, including regarding adopted children, refer to: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm .How long does it take to get a Social Security number?The processing time for these applications varies and is in part dependent on the response time from the Office of Vital Statistics which holds the original birth registration. In cases where the client is within time constraints dictated by his/her financial institution, the FBU can issue a letter confirming that an application for an SSN has been duly submitted.PROBLEMS IN OBTAINING A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?American Citizens Abroad, Inc. (ACA) is following this issue, particularly with respect to US citizens abroad who are trying to come into conformity with new financial reporting legislation and regulation. If you have particular difficulties in obtaining a SSN, please submit your personal experiences via ACA’s secure online portal. You can determine the degree of anonymity you wish to maintain and the extent to which ACA can share your story.

Adam, the answer to your question is ASAP for the CONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH ABROAD. You will need to involve your parents because the forms needed are for them to complete. It also requires fees.I apologize to give you a long answer but I need you to have the full information. Please have your parents read this completely:If your child was born outside of the United States and you believe he/she is a U.S. citizen, your first step is to apply for the child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). This document serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and is generally a prerequisite for the issuance of a U.S. passport. Although applications are accepted up until the child's 18th birthday, you should apply for your child's CRBA as soon after his/her birth as practical. Applications submitted years after the child's birth may take significant time to resolve because evidence to prove the child's citizenship may be difficult to obtain. In some delayed cases it may impossible to establish the child’s citizenship.To request a Consular Report of Birth, an application must be personally submitted to the U.S. Consulate in Curacao. Please keep in mind that the Consulate serves and processes CRBAs for births in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. CRBA applications for births in Saint Martin (French side) should be registered with the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. CRBA applications for births elsewhere should be registered at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Applications must be made at the Consulate and no appointment is necessary.While the Consular Report of Birth Abroad is an essential document, it cannot be used to travel. Consequently, at the same time that you apply for your child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad, you may also apply for his/her U.S. passport. There is no need to visit us twice to apply for your child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport; you may apply for both at the same time. Finally, most parents will also want to apply for their child’s Social Security number, which is required for most U.S. government services, or to declare a child as a dependent on the parents’ U.S. tax returns.The application may be submitted when you apply for your child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport.Who must appear at the time of application? In all cases, the child and at least one of the parents must appear in person at the time of application. If practical, both parents should accompany the child, since the consular officer will be better able to determine citizenship if he/she has the opportunity to interview both parents in person. If only one parent is present, the consular officer has the discretion, depending on the facts of the case, to withhold a determination of citizenship pending an interview with both parents. Additionally, bear in mind that both parents must ordinarily appear or otherwise consent to the issuance of the child’s U.S. passport.Please see our passport information for details about this consent requirement and further instructions about the passport application process. Required Forms When you visit the Consulate, you will be asked to submit up to five different forms.To keep your visit as short as possible, we ask that you print and complete these forms before your visit.  Application for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad: This form can be filled out and signed by either parent. The signature must be notarized by a notary public, either in the United States or the Netherlands Antilles, or at the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agency when you submit your application.  Application for your child’s Social Security number: A Social Security number is required for many U.S. government services, and to declare your child as a dependent on your U.S. tax returns.  Affidavit of paternity/maternity and physical presence: This form which must be completed by the U.S. citizen parent if the other parent is not also a U.S. citizen. It is not required if both parents are U.S. citizens. The affidavit requires the U.S. citizen parent to acknowledge that the child is his/hers, and to state, as specifically as possible, the parent's periods of physical presence in the United States. Extra sheets may be attached as necessary. The document must be notarized or signed in front of the consular officer at the time of application.  Application for the child's U.S. passport: While you are not required to apply for your child's passport at the same time that you apply for his/her Consular Report of Birth Abroad, you are encouraged to do so.Please use the passport application wizard to complete and print the DS-11 form but do not sign the application until the consular officer interviews you.  Statement of consent for the issuance of a passport: This form must be submitted if one of the parents does not accompany his/her child to the Consulate. A parent who cannot appear must fill out the form, sign it in front of a Netherlands Antilles or U.S. notary, and give the form (original, fax, or emailed .pdf version) to the other parent, who must then present it at the time of application, along with a photocopy of the absent parent’s photo ID. If the parent is unavailable to fill out the consent form, the form may also be used to explain the parent's unavailability in the section titled "special circumstances."This form must be completed only in English. Required and Suggested Evidence  Proof of physical presence in the United States: In cases in which only one parent is a U.S. citizen, that parent must submit evidence that he/she was present in the United States for the required amount of time prior to the birth of the child. (See above.) Such evidence frequently takes the form of passports; tax records, including W-2 forms; pay statements or other evidence of employment; photos; school transcripts; apartment leases; or annual Social Security statements. These are suggestions, and you are encouraged to submit all available documentary proof. If no such evidence is available, the consular officer will advise you at the time of your application what alternatives you may have for proving your presence in the United States.  Child's birth certificate: You must submit a certified copy of the child's Netherlands Antilles birth certificate.  Proof of parents' identity: Each parent must submit an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, or the photo page of his/her passport.  If parents are married - proof of parents' marriage and termination of previous marriages: If the child's parents are married, the consular officer may also request a certified copy of their marriage certificate. If either parent has been married previously, the consular officer may request evidence that any previous marriages were terminated, such as a certified divorce decree or death certificate. While these documents are not always required, it is to your advantage to bring them in case the consular officer requests them.  Proof of paternity/maternity: In cases in which paternity or maternity is in question, the consular officer may request additional proof. Sometimes this proof may take the form of family photographs, baptism records, medical records, or other documents. In other cases, DNA testing may be suggested. If DNA testing is appropriate in your case, the consular officer will advise you about the process. Please note that DNA testing will not be accepted if it is performed without the consular officer's guidance.  Additional evidence: The consular officer, in his/her discretion, may request additional documents or other evidence as necessary. You will be advised at the time of application if such evidence is required in your case. Passport Photos No photo is required for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are also applying for your child's passport, you must bring one recent photo of the child, measuring 5x5 cm (2x2 inches) and with a white background. The photo is identical to the photo used for a U.S. visa.Fees The cost of applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is US$100, and is not refundable even if your application is denied. The fee for applying for your child's passport is an additional US$105, also nonrefundable. These fees are payable at the time of application, in dollars or guilders. Checks and credit and debit cards are not accepted. The fee for delivery of documents to your home is additional and is described below. Pickup or Delivery of Documents The method of pickup or delivery depends on where you live. If you live on Curacao, your child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport will be available for pickup at the Consulate ten calendar days after your application is approved. Pickup hours are 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays except holidays. If you live elsewhere in the Netherlands Antilles, delivery of the documents by courier service is available at an additional charge, payable in cash, while you are at the Consulate. That fee, current as of July, 2010 is $30 U.S. Dollars. The documents will arrive by courier service 2 weeks after your application is approved. If you apply for your child’s Social Security number, a Social Security card will be delivered to you by international mail directly from the Social Security Administration to your address in the Netherlands Antilles.Because of delays in processing of overseas Social Security applications, delivery of your child’s card will take 8-12 months. If one of the child’s parents will be in the United States before the card arrives, you are encouraged to visit a Social Security office while there to request an update on your application.Please visit the Social Security Administration’s website for the location of Social Security offices in the United States. Children Born in Other Foreign Countries If your child was born in another foreign country but is currently in the Netherlands Antilles, you may still submit an application for the child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport in Netherlands Antilles, as described above. Your application will then be sent to the U.S. Embassy or to a U.S. Consulate in the country where your child was born, and a consular officer there will make a determination of the child's citizenship. This process may take several months, and you are therefore encouraged to apply in the country where your child was born, if practical. Replacement Copies of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad Official copies of a previously issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad are not available from the Consulate and must be requested directly from the Department of State in Washington. Please see the Department of State website for ordering instructions. Additional Questions If you have additional questions, please email Consulate’s American Citizen Services at [email protected]

Hope this helps -Step 1: File a petition with the USCIS on behalf of your FiancéYou, the US citizen, must file the Petition for Alien fiancé (Form I-129F) with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Click here to see the additional documents you need to file the petition.Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.Tips: Instead of waiting in long lines at the USCIS field office make an appointment online at USCIS Website.Step 2: The Fiancé's obtains a visa at a US consulate at his/her home countryAfter the USCIS approves the petition, it sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé will apply for a K-1 non-immigrant visa. Once approved he/she will get a visa stamped on their passport and will be ready to come to the United States. Click here to see the required documents your fiancé will need while applying for the visa at a US consulate in his/her home country.Download the Checklist for Form I-129F (Alien Fiancé/K-1): Download I-129F ChecklistWhat Happens and What to Do After Getting the Fiancé Visa?Once you've received the K-1 Visa successfully you are ready to enter the United States. Following are some important information and steps for you and your fiancé to follow through on after entering the United States.Step 3: Entering into the United StatesAfter getting the fiancé visa, your fiancé enters the United States through a U.S. immigration port-of-entry. The U.S. immigration official gives your fiancé instructions on what to do at the the port of entry.Step 4: Get Social Security NumberYour fiancé can apply for a social security number card. There are many advantages of having a social security number card the sooner the better.A permanent resident of the United States needs a Social Security number to:Work in the United StatesConduct business with a bank or financial institutionPay taxes or to be claimed on a tax returnAnd for other purposes not listed.Refer to the Social Security Website for further instructionsStep 5: Get MarriedAs per the Condition of the K-1 Visa you and your fiancé must get married within 90 days of his/her arrival.Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card) by Filing Adjustment of Status (AOS/I-485)If your spouse plans to work and stay in the US, after marriage, he/she must file Form I-485 Application to register as permanent residence or to adjust status with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live in the United States. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS for your spouse's application to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).File the following 2 forms at nearest USCIS Field Office:Download Form I-485 - Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusDownload Form I-864 - Affidavit of SupportStep 7: Remove Conditions on Permanent Status for Your New SpouseThe permanent residence you have received through this marriage is conditional, which means your new spouse's green card will expire in 2 years. You'll have to file the I-751 petition in order to remove this conditional status.Find Out More On Petition to Remove the Conditions on ResidenceDownload I-751 Form - Petition to Remove the Conditions on ResidenceRequired Documents of the Sponsor for K-1 PetitionDocuments Required of the United States citizen who is petitioning his/her fiance to come and live in the U.S. The following needs to be provided at the USCIS field office when filing for petition.Form I-129F Petition for Alien FianceIf your fiance has unmarried children who are under 21, they are eligible to accompany your fiance, but only if they are listed on this form.Evidence of Your U.S. CitizenshipYour original U.S. birth certificate, your U.S. passport, your Certificate of Naturalization, or your Certificate of Citizenship. (Please see USCIS Form I-129F for information on the use of copies.)2 G-325A Forms Biographic Data SheetsCompleted and signed G-325A Forms, one with your information and one with your fiance's.Color Photos of You and Your FianceOne color photo of you and one of your fiance taken within 30 days of filing>>Find out more about photograph specificationsPrior Marriage Nullification DocumentsA copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees if either you or your fiance have been previously married.Permission to MarryProof of permission to marry if you or your fiance are subject to any age restrictions. (For instance, in some U.S. states, you must receive special permission to marry if you are under the age of 16.)Required Documents For K-1 Visa ApplicationThe following documents should be provided by your fiancé to the US consulate in his/her home country while applying for the K-1 Visa.A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.Valid Birth certificateIf applicable, divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitionerPolice certificate from all places lived since age 16Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)Evidence of financial support - Form I-134 Affidavit of Support may be requested. (Should be sent by American sponsor.)Two Non-immigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate.)One Non-immigrant FiancéVisa Application, Form DS-156KTwo nonimmigrant visa photos(each two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background)Evidence of a fiance relationship - i.e. photos of engagement.Payment of feesThe consular section at the embassy or consulate where you, the fiancé of an American citizen, will apply for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements that you need to fulfill to complete your visa application, such as where you need to go for the required medical examination.Note: The consular officer may ask for additional information according to the circumstances of the case. Documents in foreign languages should be translated.Tips: Take clear, legible photocopies of civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, to the interview. Original documents can then be returned to you.Where Should I File the Petition?If you are filing for your fiancé, file this petition at the Service Center with jurisdiction over your area of residence.If you are filing for your fiancé and live outside the United States, submit this petition to the Service Center with jurisdiction over your last place of residence in the U.S.If you are a U.S. citizen, and are using this form to bring in your wife or unmarried child under the LIFE Act, file this petition at:U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesP.O. Box 7218Chicago, IL 60680-7218Find out more about the LIFE Act >> Find a USCIS Office next to youVaccination RequirementsAll applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations (if appropriate for age, medical condition, or medical history):MumpsMeaslesRubellaPolioTetanus and diptheria toxoidsPertussisInfluenza type BHepatitis BVaricellaPneumococcalNote: As a fiancé you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiance visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status to permanent residence following your marriage.Extending the PetitionThe Form I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval from USCIS. Consular officers can extend the validity of the petition (revalidate the petition) if it expires before the processing of the visa application is completed.What if my visa is denied? How can I appeal?If your petition for a fiancé visa is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal. Generally, you may appeal within 33 days of receiving the denial by mail. Your appeal must be filed on USCIS Form I-290B. The appeal must be filed with the office that made the original decision. After your appeal form and a required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU) in Washington, DC. (Sending the appeal and fee directly to the AAU will delay the process.)Fees - How much will it cost?Fees are charged for the following services:Filing an Alien Fiance Petition, Form I-129F - $535USDFiling I-130 - $535USDMedical examination (costs vary from post to post)Fingerprinting fees (if required)Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.).Filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status$1,140 plus $85 biometric fee for a total of $1,225 if you are 14 years of age or older. If you are under 14 years of age, and are filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $750; if not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $1,140. If you are 79 years of age or older, the fee is $1,140 with no biometrics services fee.If applicable, $595USD plus $85 for Biometrics for Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence