Preparation:
Download the Following Forms:
1.
Application
for a Social Security Card (SS-5)
2. I-765,
Application for Employment Authorization (K-2, K-3, and K-4 Visa
Holders Only)
The above forms
can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date
it as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite after
you print it (very neatly) in black ink instead.
Print the following webpage out (K-1 Visa Holder Only):
>> RM 10211.530
Find your local Social Security Agency (SSA) Office:
Click
here to Find your SSA Office
Reminder:
On the visa application Form DS-230, you saw the following offer:
"Do you want the Social Security Administration to
assign you an SSN (and issue a card)
or issue you a new card (if you have an SSN)? You must
answer "Yes" to question
43b ("Consent To Disclosure") to receive
an SSN and/or card."
Please note that this program
is ONLY for Immigrant Visa holders (CR-1, etc).
If you checked this box, a Social Security number will
NOT be generated for you if you are a K-visa holder.
As a K-visa holder, use the following guide to
get your first, or replacement, Social Security
number/card. If you have ever had a Social Security
number, that is your number for life; you will need to
visit your SSA office to get new card with the same
number.
The
Application Process:
::
For K1 Visa Holders ::
As a K-1 Visa Holder you are eligible to receive a SSN upon producing
a valid I-94 (unexpired). Do
not wait until you only have a few weeks left until your I-94 expires
to file for a SSN. Many SSA
offices will not allow you to file for a SSN if your I-94 is about
to expire (generally 14 days prior
to the expiration on your I-94). On the other hand, you should also
not file for a SSN too soon either.
You should wait 2 weeks after you arrived in the US before applying
for a SSN. If you go too soon your
record of arrival will not be in the SAVE-ASVI system yet, and it
will require manual verification from the
USCIS. As this will add weeks to the period it takes to process the
SSN, it is advisable to attempt to wait the two weeks to be safe.
If you have waited the 2 weeks and they tell you they can not verify
you arrival record via the SAVE database, you may allow them to to
process it (but remember the potential delay for manual verifications).
You can ask if they will check the computer again for you in a few
days or return personally to have them look again -- thus eliminating
the manual verification. The manual verification will require the
SSA office to file a G-845
with the USCIS.
To apply for a SSN you will need to go to your local SSA office and
bring the documents below. These
documents are proof of your eligibility to file for a SSN:
1. |
The
SS-5
form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office
if you forget). |
2. |
your
Passport (with the K-1 Visa in it) |
3. |
your
valid I-94: Electronic I-94 Copy; or (for older entries) an original (and bring a front/backside copy) of
a valid paper I-94 |
4. |
another
form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions) |
5. |
You
should also bring the document RM 10211.530
that you printed out |
Make sure to bring all the documents above because some offices have
staff that are not aware
that a K-1 Visa Holder is eligible to file for a SSN. A friendly reminder
is a nice thing to have -- if not
you could be turned away incorrectly.
Once you have successfully applied for your SSN, the SSN card will
come in the mail in about 2 weeks. You can check on the status of
the SSN application and/or often get the SSN in advance by returning
in person (try calling) to the SSA office. If you need your SSN before
it arrives in the mail you may ask them for an SSA-7028, Notice to
Third Party of Social Security Number Assignments, to be sent to your
employer or other interested third party once a SSN has been assigned.
Your card, when you receive it, will be marked with the words "VALID
FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" indicating to an employer that
you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible to work. |
::
For K2, K3, K4 Visa Holders ::
As a holder of a K2, K3 or K4 visa you must first have an EAD
from the USCIS. You will be required to
show this to the SSA agency to be eligible to receive a SSN.
To apply for a SSN you will need to go to your local SSA office and
bring:
1. |
The
SS-5
form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office
if you forget). |
2. |
Passport
(with the K-2, K-3, or K-4 Visa in it) |
3. |
your
valid I-94: Electronic I-94 Copy; or (for older entries) an original (and bring a front/backside copy) of
a valid paper I-94
|
4. |
another
form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions)
|
5. |
A
valid EAD |
Only persons age 12 and older must
apply in person. A derivitive visa beneficiary (K2 for example) may
elect to have their parent (the K1 for example) apply on their behalf
(they will still need all the required
documents). The SSA will most likely need to verify the validity of
the EAD and will make a copy to send to the USCIS as part of the SSN
processing. Once they verify the EAD you will receive your SSN card
in the mail.
You can check on the status of your SSN application and/or often get
the SSN in advance by returning in person to the SSA office. If you
need your SSN before it arrives in the mail you may ask them for an
SSA-7028, Notice to Third Party of Social Security Number Assignments,
to be sent to your employer or other interested third party once a
SSN has been assigned. Your card, when you receive it, will be marked
with the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" indicating
to an employer that you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible
to work. |
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