Asked in Social Security and Immigration Law for Oklahoma

Q: My wife is a US citizen but her kids were born in Canada. How do I get social security numbers for the kids?

Currently 1 child lives with us, he is 16. The other children's ages are 24, 24, and 23.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: To obtain Social Security numbers for your wife's children who were born in Canada, there are specific steps you need to follow, particularly because they are not born in the United States. First, it's essential to establish their eligibility for Social Security numbers, which generally requires them to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the U.S.

For the child living with you who is 16, you can apply for a Social Security number as part of the immigration process. If this wasn't done, you can visit a Social Security office with the necessary documents, including proof of his identity, age, immigration status, and evidence of your relationship to him.

For the older children, aged 23 and 24, the process is slightly different since they are adults. They will need to apply for Social Security numbers themselves. They must provide documents proving their U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, age, and identity.

Remember, every individual case can have its nuances, so it might be helpful to contact your local Social Security office or consult an attorney with expertise in immigration law to guide you through this process. This will ensure you have the correct and comprehensive information specific to your family's situation.

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