When Is The Best Time To Apply For An Social Security Number?

[CarolineLovesPaul 0]

Hi guys.

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but when is the best time to apply for a Social Security Number? We are getting married in just under three weeks' time and then going through yet more bureaucracy. I've been checking out the Application Form and there is the section:

If you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work," you must provide a document from a U.S.

Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number

and that you meet all of the requirements for the U.S. government benefit.

Does anybody know if the I-94 (Fiance Visa) stapled into my passport will suffice or will I need to await until I can prove that the Adjustment of Status is underway and I am married to a US citizen? And if so, what other documents are required - birth certificates, marriage certificates, something with my name and US address on it? The Visa is valid until December 18th (we are getting married November 17th) so I was wondering if anybody could give us advice on this.

Kind regards,

Paul & Caroline.

[Jeraly 4]

I just went to the SSA two weeks after POE to find out if I was entered into the system yet. I was so the person who dealt with us filled in all the forms etc after checking my visa/passport and I got the card a week later. After we got married, we went back to the SSA with our marriage certificate in hand and got my name changed on it - the new card also turned up after a week. It was really easy.

Some people have had problems whereby they haven't been in the system yet so the process has been done manually which actually takes longer. If you aren't in the system then it is best to wait a little longer then go back again

Hope this helps!

[English Muffin 59]

I'd wait about 2 weeks after entering before going.

By the way you need to check 'Legal Alien Allowed To Work'.

[CarolineLovesPaul 0]

I'd wait about 2 weeks after entering before going.

By the way you need to check 'Legal Alien Allowed To Work'.

Thanks for your help, guys, I really appreciate it.

Paul

[I'm Gone 60]

Hi guys.

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but when is the best time to apply for a Social Security Number?

I think it's been asked at least once before. LOL As soon as possible is the best time, but if you wait 10 days after getting here will be fine. Since I assume you aren't changinging your name, before or after getting married isn't going to matter. Just would be wise to remove the ring and not say anything about being married if you do apply after getting married. The must important thing is getting the application processed before you have been here 76 days.

If you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work," you must provide a document from a U.S.

Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number

and that you meet all of the requirements for the U.S. government benefit.

If you apply as a K-1 using your unexpired I-94 you want to check off Legal Alien Allowed to Work

Does anybody know if the I-94 (Fiance Visa) stapled into my passport will suffice or will I need to await until I can prove that the Adjustment of Status is underway and I am married to a US citizen?

I would take your birth certificate, passport and I-94.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Nick went 11 days after POE and was already in the system. He showed passport, visa, and I-94

Some small town offices are not quite up to speed on processing K1 applicants because they don't get them often. We took the RM 00203.500 Employment Authorization for Nonimmigrants document to show K1s are authorized to work in the U.S. without specific authorization from DHS. It's a long document but section C is the important part to you. Our girl was a little confused, but when I showed her the document, I think it helped her know where to look in her system. She read a long time on her screen and then did the application.

Here's the document, cued up to section C.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/links/0100203500#c1