How and where do I get my Social Security Number (SSN)?

Accepted answer

If you're work-authorized (a green card, or a visa with work rights), apply for an SSN in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office — bring your passport, visa, and I-94 (printable from the CBP i94 website). It is free — never pay anyone for it. New green-card holders can also request the SSN as part of the immigrant-visa application, in which case the card arrives by mail. This is general info — always confirm current requirements on ssa.gov. Which SSA office did you use, and how long did the card take? Add your experience.