So, it seems that unless you have a social security number in the USA, you basically don't exist. You need a social security number in order to do pretty much anything here. We can't seem to accomplish anything because everything seems to be dependent on something else, and it ALL comes back to that darn social security number. That, and a permanent address. Neither of which we have. Sigh....
So, until you are in the USA for at least 15 days, you can't even apply for a social security number. Once in the country for the mandated 15 days, you can APPLY, but then you still have to wait for the application to be processed. So, basically, it will be a good month before you see any hint of that number.
I finally insisted to Kevin that we must get a cell phone for me. After his work phone number being changed three times in the last two weeks, he finally has a number that appears to be somewhat permanent. It even has voicemail! Whooohoooo! I can actually get hold of him now! He, however, still cannot get hold of me. There really aren't that many payphones around anymore either...my guess is it's because everyone except me has a cell phone!
So, we did all of the necessary research to find out what plan is best for me, which phone is best for me, and then Kevin proceeded to fill out the online order form. That is, until he got to the part of the form that requested a SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER! Yes, it appears that you need a social security number in order to get a cell phone. Not only that, you also need a driver's license too. We don't have that either, because, guess what? You need a social security number to get a driver's license.
So, today was the day that we could go and apply for our social security numbers. We had a relocation person (hired by P&G) meeting us to take us to the government office in order to begin the process. In advance she told us what documents we would need in order to apply. We walked with the kids in the rain to the meeting point (she was late) and then proceeded to the social security office. We cleared the security check (with two kids and a stroller), we filled out the necessary forms, took a number and waited in line. After waiting in line we were called to the counter to present our documents and we were then informed that we required a marriage certificate in order for me to apply for my social security number. Our relocation person did not tell us that ahead of time! So, guess what? I now have to begin this process over again and I STILL don't have a cell phone!!!
...or a driver's license
...or an American credit card
...or a vehicle registered in my name
...or a permanent address
....oh yeah....or a SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER!!
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4 comments:
LMAO that sounds like heaps of fun
Oh and it gets better because even though you get a Social Security Number you don't have a credit rating in the US. It took quite a bit of talking to convince the bank that we had perfect credit and money in the bank so why should we have to put a $500 deposit down on a credit card? It all worked out in the long run but took a while to establish credit.
Oh yeah, we have already run into the credit rating roadblock because we had to get a MORTGAGE! What at pain! The US doesn't seem to care that we have perfect credit in not one, but two other countries! And one of those countries happens to be Switzerland, which is like, the banking capital of the universe! What I don't understand is why, for insurance purposes, we had to get a report from Canada saying that we have made no claims on our auto insurance. If the insurance industry accepts this type of report from another country, why can't the banking industry just do the same thing with credit ratings?!
It's interesting learning how hard it is for non-natives to live here. I can tell ya anything you want to know about the requirements of Switzerland, but I don't have a clue what it takes to live in my own country ... besides being born to parents who have always lived here!
Hang in there. Once you get through all the red tape, I'm sure you'll start to have more fun.
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