question about the validity of a SS number "valid for work only with INS authorization"?

Question

Hi,

I'm French and I obtained a SSN in 1999 because I had a J-1 visa (summer job).
This visa was valid from June 1999 to October 1999, and of course I returned to France when the visa expired; and I've been living in France since then.

On the SS card, it's written: "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION".

I'm going to get another J-1 visa soon (internship this time) (from April 2007 to September 2008)
But I will enter the USA in January 2007 as a tourist (visa waiver from January 2007 to March 2007).

I would like to open a bank account and get an American driver's license in JANUARY 2007.
Do you think I can use the SS number I got in 1999?
It says that it's valid for work only with INS authorization, BUT I WON'T use it for work in January, I will only use it to open a bank account and to get a driver's license.

Do you think that I can do this? or is my SSN not valid right now? Do I have to wait until April 2007 (I will have INS authorization then).

Thanks you

Answer 1

Basically you will be issued only one and valid Social Security number in your lifetime. With the DMV and the banks, the SS# is being electronically verified your identifying information if it matches with the Social Security Administration's (SSA) master database. To get a driver's license you will also need a proof of legal presence in the US such as a valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94) since you dont have an employment authorization card. You should apply for a drivers license first and then open an account with your valid SS#, and your passport and other government-issued ID such as a driver's license and an official correspondence with your address on it.

Answer 2

Once you have a SSN it is your number for life. Doesn't matter if you have permission to work or not. You can use it for anything other than a proof you can work in the US. Depending on what state you want to get a driver's license, you may or may not be able to do that as a visitor. Every state has different laws, so look at the state driver's authority website for their required documents.

Answer 3

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/index.html

General Information: The Social Security system was set up in the 1930s to provide financial assistance to the disabled and elderly. Employers and employees are required to pay social security taxes to contribute to this fund. Each United States citizen and permanent resident (Green Card holder) has a unique social security number in order to maintain records of the funds being established, as well as to allocate benefits to those who are entitled to receive them. Some temporary visitors, students and workers on non-immigrant visas are also allowed and sometimes required to obtain a Social Security number. The Social Security card is a very important document in the United States. Not only does it entitle the individual to certain benefits once retired, but employers, banks, schools and the USCIS all use the social security card as a form of identification. Social Security is a complex system that is linked to many other government and private and databases and services.

Eligibility Requirements: Any person seeking employment in the United States needs a Social Security number. A Social Security number is also required when filing taxes. Not everyone is eligible to receive a Social Security card. Social Security cards are usually only issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents (Green Card holders) and individuals with permission to work in the United States.

However, there are 2 types of social security cards that are issued to foreigners without work authorization, as well as foreign students and individuals on temporary visas. These social security cards contain of the of the following restrictions printed on them.
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION
NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT

This site can give you the information you seek.

Answer 4

www.ice.gov can tell you for sure on all of that...