USCIS: Missing number on I-551 stamp preventing SSN issuance for child - What to do?
I'm having trouble getting a Social Security number for my kid. The SSA says they need a specific number on the I-551 stamp in the passport, but it's not there. Has anyone else dealt with this? What should I do when I call USCIS about it?
23 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve missing I-551 stamp number issue, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgv5ePqBUQ
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Diego Vargas
Ugh, bureaucracy at its finest π I had a similar issue with my nephew's paperwork. Have you tried contacting your local USCIS office directly? Sometimes they can be more helpful than the national line.
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Chloe Harris
Thanks for the suggestion! I haven't tried the local office yet. Did you have to make an appointment, or could you just walk in?
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Diego Vargas
For us, we had to schedule an appointment online. It took a few weeks to get in, but it was worth it. The in-person staff were way more helpful than the phone reps.
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NeonNinja
Just a heads up, some local offices are still appointment-only post-covid. Check their website first before heading over!
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Anastasia Popov
I found a method to get someone on the phone quickly. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/eSz742AOvHc
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Sean Murphy
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this service? Is it legit?
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Anastasia Popov
I was skeptical at first too, but it really did work for me. Saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imho.
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Zara Khan
$20 to skip the hold time? Sign me up! π USCIS hold music is my personal hell lol
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Luca Ferrari
Here's what you need to say when you get through: "Hello, I'm calling because my child's I-551 stamp on their passport is missing a specific number required by the SSA for their Social Security application. Could you help me verify or provide this number?" Be polite but firm. If they try to brush you off, ask to speak to a supervisor. Good luck!
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Nia Davis
have you checked if theres an ombudsman office for USCIS? they might be able to help navigate this mess
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Chloe Harris
I didn't even know USCIS had an ombudsman! I'll look into that, thanks!
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Mateo Martinez
Ombudsman can be hit or miss. I tried them once and it took forever to get a response. But maybe worth a shot if nothing else works?
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QuantumQueen
This happened to my cousin last year. Turns out it was a printing error on USCIS's part. They had to reissue the stamp with the correct info. Took about 3 weeks to get sorted, but persistence is key. Don't let them give you the runaround!
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Chloe Harris
Oh wow, that's good to know. Did they have to go back to the port of entry or was it handled by mail?
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QuantumQueen
They handled it all through the mail. Just make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. USCIS and 'lost paperwork' go together like peanut butter and jelly π
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Aisha Rahman
idk man, the whole system is broken af. i've been trying to get my work permit renewed for 6 months now. feels like we're all just stuck in this kafka-esque nightmare π«
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Ethan Wilson
Preach! π Sometimes I think they make it complicated on purpose to discourage people.
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Yuki Sato
Have you tried contacting your congressperson's office? They can sometimes expedite cases.
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Carmen Flores
Pro tip: Keep a detailed log of every interaction you have with USCIS. Note down dates, times, names of reps you speak to, and what was discussed. It'll help if you need to escalate the issue later.
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Andre Dubois
Anyone else feel like we need a support group for dealing with immigration bureaucracy? π I swear, I've aged 10 years just trying to navigate this system!
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CyberSamurai
LOL sign me up! We can all commiserate over bad hold music and conflicting information πΆπ€ͺ
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Zoe Alexopoulos
Seriously tho, a support group would be amazing. This process is so isolating sometimes.
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