SSN before or after marriage on K1?

[panterchen 1]

Hey guys,

since the day of our wedding is coming closer I am already starting to look into our next steps of AOS and getting my SSN.

Since I need an SSN for almost everything (to be part of our joint bank account, joint apartment, leases etc) I would want it asap. I read it takes about 2 weeks for the US to have my name in their computer system and that should be the earliest that I apply for the SSN after I get into the country. However, we will get married roughly 2 1/2 weeks after I enter the US.

Would it be wise to apply for SSN before we marry in my maiden name to get it asap?

Is it really true that if I don't apply before we marry that I will have to wait for my EAD to get the SSN?

Is there another fee and how much of a hussle is it to change the SSN card later to my married name?

Guys, I need your help and am confused. What would be our best option considering that we get married so soon after my entry to the US and that we want to have the SSN asap`???

[Precious 2]

Hi, I can share my own experience with this. And location matters, because depending on the state you are, things might change a little. I'm in Houston, TX.

I got my SSN soon after we I got married under a K1 visa. At the time I took my marriage certificate asking to have the card on my married name. The officer told me it would not be possible as the name on the USCIS 'system' would not match my married name, so I got the card on my maiden name.

It turned out that having a SSN card under my maiden name was useless, as I could not join may husband's bank account (bank needed more than one ID on my married name and all I had was a marriage cert.); also I could not get a driver's license, and this is because ' i don't have a valid visa' - K1 expires in 90 days.

Oh, after some weeks, I went to the SSN office to change the card on my married name. Useless. They would not do it, again, because of the system.

Anyway, I would advise to wait. The SSN office here is a pain, long waits, long lines and it is not worth it.

I ended up giving up until I got my EAD and CG. I understand is a long wait, but now they cannot turn me down as I have evrything I need to change my SSN and get my drivers license.

So, check with your local SSN office. Rules might be different in your state.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[john_and_marlene 162]

Marlene got her SSN after we were married and with her married name. It was 13 days after her arrival. We took the marriage certificate with us.

Edited February 9, 2009 by john_and_marlene

[wifetobe 2]

Hey guys,

since the day of our wedding is coming closer I am already starting to look into our next steps of AOS and getting my SSN.

Since I need an SSN for almost everything (to be part of our joint bank account, joint apartment, leases etc) I would want it asap. I read it takes about 2 weeks for the US to have my name in their computer system and that should be the earliest that I apply for the SSN after I get into the country. However, we will get married roughly 2 1/2 weeks after I enter the US.

Would it be wise to apply for SSN before we marry in my maiden name to get it asap?

Is it really true that if I don't apply before we marry that I will have to wait for my EAD to get the SSN?

Is there another fee and how much of a hussle is it to change the SSN card later to my married name?

Guys, I need your help and am confused. What would be our best option considering that we get married so soon after my entry to the US and that we want to have the SSN asap`???

It is recommended to apply for the SSN before you get married. A friend of mine on VJ had delays when she applied after she got married....not that it matters but if you want things rolling on a good pace, apply for your SSN two weeks approximately after your arrival to the US. The best of luck!

[sarah&rob 1]

my husband applied for his SSN 10 days after he came here.

It may be different for women vs men since many women choose to change their name after marriage, but the only problem my husband had was the guy at the window didn't realize that K-1s are allowed to get SSN. Thankfully due to the guides here on VJ, we had the SS Manual that shows who is and isn't allowed an SSN and we showed him our copy and then he looked at his own and asked a co-worker who also looked in her manual and it proved us right.

I don't think the Social Security rules are different in each state because it is a federal administration and all should be the same, but I guess it will depend on where you are getting married and if you need an SSN for marriage (some places require it).

He applied for his card and received it in the mail about a week later. It does have the words stamped on it that say it isnt valid for work without authorisation, but those can be removed after you get the green card.

Oh and yes it is true that if you wait till after, you can't get it until you have your EAD

Edited February 9, 2009 by sarah_n_robbie

[MissDinaDee 8]

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

Try going to the link above and read the information, especially section C-1, for information about obtaining and SSN without DHS authoraiztion... Some people are just not familiar with all the rules & regulations surrounding an immigrang getting and SSN. Print what you feel is sufficient support for you claim and take it into the office with you!

Good Luck!

[panterchen 1]

Thanks guys. I think I will apply before we get married then since I dont want to have to wait 2-3 months until the EAD is approved. I guess it depends on the bank whether they will allow a joint account with just SSN and marriage certificate. ...

[MissDinaDee 8]

Thanks guys. I think I will apply before we get married then since I dont want to have to wait 2-3 months until the EAD is approved. I guess it depends on the bank whether they will allow a joint account with just SSN and marriage certificate. ...

I already have a bank account here as a visitor... I will change the status of my account upon having all of my documentation... They ask for your passport and why you want and account in the US - Just an FYI!

[ikarus 1]

We were advised to get the ss card in the maiden name and then change it to married name; so after 3 weeks of her arrival, my wife went and got her social; not a problem. We got married, then we went to changer her name on the SS card, not a problem. We then got the joint accounts at 2 different banks and not a problem; however, one bank just asked to see her passport and marriage certificate, other bank asked for passport, and anothr form of id with the marriage certificate. For the other form of id she used her national id card. So far so good.

Edited February 10, 2009 by ikarus