Question

How can I obtain a Social Security Number if I am not residing in the United States?

Answer 1

Contact the local American consulate and ask them. I can tell you one thing, though: you're not a citizen automatically just because your wife is, but you do qualify for a green card.

Answer 2

Are you sure the Cal Bar will admit a non-citizen?

Answer 3

You are not a US Citizen just because you wife is one. She has to apply to the Department of Homeland Security to start the paper work. You first have to be a Temporary Resident and receive a Work Permit to get a Social Security Number. This cost around $1,000 dollar and three to six months from the time the paper work is filed to get to the point of getting a Social Security Number. Also too you must have a US Tourist Visa or a Spouse Visa to enter the United States...if you do not , you have to wait for the Visa to be approved...which can take from 6 months to a several years. (Tourist Visa a few weeks to a few months, Spouse Visa six months to a few years.) Good Luck. Also too it takes two years to get a "Green Card" and five years to become a citizen.

Answer 4

I would also call the bar examiner's office to see if there is another ID that can be used. Most of the time, they're only asing for the Social Security Number to (a) run background checks, and (b) to use as some form of tracking number. There might be an alternative that works. . (And to Mlaw's comment, I have no doubt that Cal Bar accepts non-citizens. While you might have to be a citizen to get certain jobs, such as prosecutor, etc., there are generally no citizenship requirements just to be a lawyer...)