There is a noticeable pattern among foreign visa holders applying for a new Social Security Number (SSN), that when the visa and the I-94 information match exactly, they seem to be cross checked in the computers within a 10 working day period.  Those with obvious discrepancies, i.e. last name not matching exactly, will encounter delays in having their information successfully verified.  The lack of secondary proof of identification can also lead to delays.

What shows up on Social Security Administration’s (SSA) computer screen has been input by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the transferee’s point of entry into the US and is based on what the transferee wrote on the I-94.  Because this document is filled out usually along with the customs declaration form just before arriving in the US it’s extreme importance may not be obvious.

According to the SSA clerk, it is imperative that especially the last name reads on the I-94, name for name, and letter for letter exactly the same as on the visa and passport (and hopefully as on any other legal documentation presented as proof of ID, e.g. driver’s license).

However, herein lies a good deal of the problem for two main reasons:

1. Certain nationalities don't always follow the same protocol concerning names when it comes to order and reference, with respect to first name, last name, middle name, married name, maiden name, surname, given name, family name, mother's name, etc.
2. There may not be enough spaces to accommodate the entire surname. According to SSA contact, problems do occur when the number of letters of the surname exceed the number of spaces on the I-94, as the computer database in use has even fewer spaces.

It is strongly recommended to communicate clearly to the transferee the necessity to write their names and other information, precisely and consistently on all incoming U.S. arrival forms as noted in their passport/visa.

ST