SSN and PTAL on an H4 visa. - kiran402

[ArchivalUser]

Hello I am an FMG on an H4 visa and I maatched to a program in California. I have all my documents submitted for my PTAL except for SSN. I am unable to obtain a social security number as I am on an H4 visa despite showing my offer letter. What can I do apart from waiting for my J1 visa processing to be completed? I am afraid it might be too late then. Does anybody have any suggestions or alternatives? Really desperate here.

Thanks.

[ArchivalUser]

As simple as that, No SSN = No Ptal

[ArchivalUser]

Hi Kiran402,
I have a question, can we apply to California programs without a PTAL, because I heard that to apply also for programs in CA, we need a PTAL.
Can you please explain.
Thank you.

[ArchivalUser]

Someone was canceled his match in CA a few years ago cuz he could not finish PTAL process due to SSN issue. It's very risky to apply for PTAL and California without SSN.

[ArchivalUser]

kiran can we apply california programs without ptal?
i am from nepal, can u explain

[ArchivalUser]

Guys, YOU CAN NEVER apply for a PTAL without a SSN. There is a reason why not all IMGS can apply in CA because of this reason. YOU CANNOT apply to get a SSN with a B1/B2 visa. YOU CANNOT just apply online or submit documents online in applying for PTAL without a SSN.There is a detailed explanation for the PTAL that can be easily accessed thru the internet.

@kiran

How was it even possible that you applied in CA without a SSN. Programs in CA dont sponsor visas. The authorization to work wont be coming from your residency program because it is understood that once you have a PTAL, you have a SSN already

[ArchivalUser]

I applied for PTAL without having an SSN. I sent my application documents via regular mail. I have confirmation from Medical Board of California that all documents are received and all that is needed for my PTAL to be approved is SSN. I am hoping to get SSN once my J1 is approved (fingers crossed). My question was is there any way to get a SSN without waiting till my J1 process is completed?

[ArchivalUser]

hi kiran could u please tell me if we can apply in california without ptal , i plan to apply for ptal too...

[ArchivalUser]

@john, we need to begin an application for PTAL and have a letter from them confirming that the application is in process. We can upload such a letter on ERAS as a California letter. But there are very few programs that favorably consider candidates who do not actually have a PTAL in hand.

[ArchivalUser]

Hi Kiran,

If you dont mind can you please post your credentials beacuse I plan to apply in california and would like to know my chances of matching.