Problem at Social Security Office - Beware!!

[Tsup2 0]

My wife and I went to the Social Security office yesterday after waiting for two weeks after her arrival. We were told that since we were married that her K1 visa was no longer valid. They instructed us to get a document from USCIS that reflected her new immigration status. I tried to explain that the K1 visa was her immigration document until it expired but they would not listen. We were denied the Social Security Card. I spoke with a supervisor and she supported the clerk. I called the Social Security Administration hotline and was told by one individual that my wife was entitled to a SSN card based on the K1 (I-94 form) even though we were married. When I called back later got a different response. They will give a fiance a SSN card but not a spouse. I have read of others on VJ who had no problem getting their spouse a SSN card with the K1 visa. They could not show me any regulation to substantiate what they were telling me. The supervisor would only give me her first name. I dont know who to complain to other than my congressperson. I dont have any faith in members of congress. I suppose we will wait until she gets her EAD and then try again.

Edited December 12, 2007 by Tsup2

[*JG* 2]

We had the exact same problem. We got the green card in the mail and headed up to the SS office immediately.

[alexandra8886 0]

My wife and I went to the Social Security office yesterday after waiting for two weeks after her arrival. We were told that since we were married that her K1 visa was no longer valid. They instructed us to get a document from USCIS that reflected her new immigration status. I tried to explain that the K1 visa was her immigration document until it expired but they would not listen. We were denied the Social Security Card. I spoke with a supervisor and she supported the clerk. I called the Social Security Administration hotline and was told by one individual that my wife was entitled to a SSN card based on the K1 (I-94 form) even though we were married. When I called back later got a different response. They will give a fiance a SSN card but not a spouse. I have read of others on VJ who had no problem getting their spouse a SSN card with the K1 visa. They could not show me any regulation to substantiate what they were telling me. The supervisor would only give me her first name. I dont know who to complain to other than my congressperson. I dont have any faith in members of congress. I suppose we will wait until she gets her EAD and then try again.

i have a friend from california who had the same problem like yours.. she was denied to secure SSN until AOS is approved.. weird..

if that's how the Social Security Office works in your place.,i feel that you really need to wait for the greencard & then the SSN..

in my case, the people in the Social Security Office are very nice. We even got there nearly 4pm (closing time) but still one lady settled our application.

the ID is still in my maiden name, so we will just make adjustment as soon as our AOS approved..

if you want, just go ahead with the driver's license application (while doing waiting for the development of AOS). The paper I got from DMV, clearly states that unexpried I-94 is valid for driver's license application. So there's nothing to haggle with staff if your entitle for application or not..

At least in such way, your wife is still going to have a new (US) ID...

hhhmmm..while doing this reply, its just remind me to include that lady in the Social Security Office for a christmas gift...

[msendrey 0]

If you go on the SS website www.ssa.gov , it clearly states that with the I-94 you can get a SS#. You can print it and go again to show them. See below:

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show us your I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show us your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.

Also, because there is a change of residence, you can automatically get a driver's license in your state. If you were to be pulled over by the police you could get a ticket for not having a valid driver's license.

Good Luck.