Canadians: How to get an SSN, I-94, and Bring Family

Moving to the United States from Canada on a non-immigrant visa involves several essential steps. This post will help you understand how to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), retrieve your I-94 record, enter the US with an I-797 approval notice, and ensure your dependents get the correct status at the border.

1. How to Get an SSN with a Non-Immigrant Visa

You need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work legally in the US. Here’s how Canadians on non-immigrant visas can apply:

1. Wait Until You Are in the US: You can only apply for an SSN on your non-immigrant visa after arriving in the US.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Passport
   • Non-immigrant visa (For Canadians E-1 or E-2 visa only)
   • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
   • I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable)
3. Visit a Social Security Office: Use the Social Security Office Locator to find the nearest office.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out Form SS-5, available at the Social Security office or online.
5. Submit Your Application: Provide the Social Security Office with your completed form and original documents.

Find detailed information on obtaining an SSN as a non-immigrant visa holder here.

Tip: Ensure your visa category allows for SSN issuance. Most work visas (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN, E-1, E-2) qualify.

2. How to Retrieve Your I-94

The I-94 record is crucial for verifying your legal status in the US. Here’s how to retrieve it:

1. Visit the I-94 Website: Go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s I-94 page.
2. Enter Your Information:
   • Passport number
   • Date of entry
3. Review and Print: Once your I-94 appears, review the information for accuracy and print a copy for your records.

Tip: If there are any discrepancies, contact the CBP office at the port of entry.

3. Entering the US on an I-797 Approval Notice

If you have an I-797 approval notice, follow these steps to enter the US:

1. Present Your Documents: At the port of entry, present:
   • Passport
   • I-797 Approval Notice
   • Supporting documents (e.g., employment letter)
2. Explain Your Purpose: Clearly explain your visit’s purpose and visa category.
3. Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer any questions from the CBP officer about your stay.

Tip: Keep all documents in an organized folder to speed up the process.

4. Obtaining Status for Dependents at the Border

Dependents (spouse and children under 21) can obtain their status at the border with the following steps:

1. Prepare Documents for Dependents:
   • Passports (Must be Canadian citizens. If a citizen of another country, a visa from the consulate might be required.)
   • Visa stamps (For E-1 and E-2 dependents)
   • I-797 approval notices (if applicable)
   • Marriage or birth certificates
2. Present at Port of Entry: Accompany your dependents and present their documents to the CBP officer.
3. Confirm Status: Ensure the officer stamps the correct visa status in their passports.

Tip: Double-check all entries for accuracy before leaving the CBP counter.

Consultation

If you need a non-immigrant work visa, we can help. The Immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have specific expertise in assisting Canadians in obtaining immigration status to work and live in the U.S.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

We Can Help!