SSN Applied For Too Early Uopon Arriving USA?

[RumRunner 0]

Can someone here on a student visa (we are now engaged but not going through fiance visa, we will convert the visa after we marry in May) apply for an SSN? He is in school and having a heck of a time getting any type of student loans without an SSN, even with me (a USC with very good credit) as co-signer. So, can he go apply for an SSN (he knows he cannot yet work) just for the purpose of being on bank accounts, student loan, etc. without being in process for finacee visa?

Heading to SS website to read up. Thanks all!

[Elbereth 0]

Can someone clarify for me, is the EAD a requirement for the SSN, or is a K3 nonimmigrant elligible prior to receiving EAD?

K-3 must have EAD or AOS. K-1 can apply immediately. There is nothing about "being in the system" you do not need to be in any "system" as a K-1. Prior to going to the SS office, go to the SS website and download their rules and take them with you. It is often necessary to train government employees.

If the response you get at the SS office is anything but "Great, you will have your card in 1 week" then ask for a superviosr and do not leave until you get someone that knows the rules and follows them. DO NOT allow yourselves to be harrassed and denied because of a untrained, paid-by-the-pound government clerk who makes up rules instead of calling a supervisor when they don't know what to do.

Hahaha that makes no sense. Why would they not let a K3 get a SSN without an EAD, but let a K1 get one?

[mr and mrs 187]

hey gary,

what do you suggest we bring along to the SS office as back-up evidence of the guidelines for issuing a SS#/card to a K-1 visa holder?

the vj guides suggest to print and bring along this to the SS office and that section C is part to pay attention to. do you think this will be sufficient if there are any hesitations on the part of the SS officer?

:: 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

4. another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions)

5. You should also bring the document RM 00203.500 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.

is this 2 week waiting period a generally a good idea, or not? i know that you certainly did not wait 2 weeks, but do we know of others who have lengthened their wait for a SS card by applyin to early?

and finally, i too am in vermont. did you go to the burlington office? im wondering what to expect.

thanks very much!

-lisabette.

[island_princess 2]

If you are a K-3 holder, they need an EAD. Whereas, a K-1 can apply for SSN even before marriage to USC. Weird policy, isn't it?

I thought you needed an EAD to get the SSN. That's why I haven't tried to apply to one yet.

[darika 0]

loveusomuchhoney you are not alone! I applied for SSN 2 weeks after arriving, they said i was not in the system and i had to wait for up to 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of nothing, I went back and they still said i still couldn't be found on the system and they had sent a letter requestig for verification with the DHS but still no reply. Ok, i kept relaxing and waited 'till I got EAD in my hands and then I went back there agiain and GUESS WHAT! Nothing has changed! I AM STILL NOT IN THE SYSTEM!!! they just told me to keep waiting and there was nothing they could do for me (again) I got EAD for almost 2 months now, and i still got no SSN.

[Marc & Solika 1]

Hi! How are you guys?

I just want to share my experience to you and I hope it will help with your situation.

I arrived here in US last November 2008 and I think 4 or 8 days after, I applied for SSN and too my surprise I was approved for that. All I did was filled out the form at the SSN Office, took a priority number until I was called. They asked for my passport with my I-94 and visa attached to it. Then I think I paid something but not that much. I think that was only $25 then the lady gave me a receipt and informed me to wait for my SSN card in the mail. After a week, my SSN card arrived on the mail. And so far I haven't got any problem applying one.

With regards to other situations, I think the problem is with them. I think they made an error and they didn't realized it until you complained. They always covered it up some some bullshit reasons and made us think like we're buying it. Some of them are such an ####### for making us look like we're dumb enough.

But what I can advice you right now. Please don't stop maing follow-ups to your wife's SSN. If they find you guys annoying then so be it. If you want to write a letter then go on. Because most of my friends who applied for SSN doesn't seem to encounter such problems like this. So annoy them more if you could until they will provide what you want. That's their job.

You had to pay to get your SS card???

[mr and mrs 187]

has anyone else on a k-1 applied sooner than the recommended two weeks without issue?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

has anyone else on a k-1 applied sooner than the recommended two weeks without issue?

About the 10th day for us. Some have applied the next day. I think the trick is to see if the name is in the SAVE database and if not, walk away and try again after a few days, otherwise the manual verification. Also they should search the name as written on the I-94 is what our office told us. There's so many experiences people have had with the various local SSA offices.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

This post is related http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry2829389. See the reply from "I Quit", who always has the best info on SS.

[mr and mrs 187]

so best bets are to:

a. sit tight and wait for the 10 days/2 weeks

b. go to the SS office and check to see if your name is on the SAVE database BEFORE submitting an application (if its not, check back and see if after a few days it is there and then submit)

i guess i already knew this. im home in bed sick and feeling impatient.

thanks, nich.

[edp333 9]

Can someone clarify for me, is the EAD a requirement for the SSN, or is a K3 nonimmigrant elligible prior to receiving EAD?

K-3 must have EAD or AOS. K-1 can apply immediately. There is nothing about "being in the system" you do not need to be in any "system" as a K-1. Prior to going to the SS office, go to the SS website and download their rules and take them with you. It is often necessary to train government employees.

If the response you get at the SS office is anything but "Great, you will have your card in 1 week" then ask for a superviosr and do not leave until you get someone that knows the rules and follows them. DO NOT allow yourselves to be harrassed and denied because of a untrained, paid-by-the-pound government clerk who makes up rules instead of calling a supervisor when they don't know what to do.

Hahaha that makes no sense. Why would they not let a K3 get a SSN without an EAD, but let a K1 get one?

It is a very simple reason. Many states require a SSN to get a marriage certificate. As a K3 holder, you are already married.

A K1 holder can get a non work SSN as soon as their information can be verified online. Sometime after 75 days in the US then he/she must wait to get an EAD before getting a SSN.

[ManilaIdaho 2]

has anyone else on a k-1 applied sooner than the recommended two weeks without issue?

I applied after a week of my arrival.When we went to SSA office here in Idaho,my husband told the lady there that i am applying for a SSN,she asked for my passport and I 94,she questioned why i already have an Alien number,I told her it was given to me when they issued my visa,when she checked on the computer,she told me she'll give me a denial letter because i'm not eligible to get a ssn yet.My husband told her that according to my friend i am already eligible to get one,she told us dont listen to my friends coz they dont know what they're talking about,I told her it's not all about my friend,I also read from their website that K1s are already eligible to apply for ssn and insisted to check their website.she looked at it and told us to wait and ask her supervisor about it,she was back after a few minutes and asked for my birth certificate and filled in the applilcation for me .she said they never encountered K1 applicants before that's why she dont know and told us that she learned something that day.My SSN card arrived after 10 days.

[AaronM 0]

Hi! How are you guys?

I just want to share my experience to you and I hope it will help with your situation.

I arrived here in US last November 2008 and I think 4 or 8 days after, I applied for SSN and too my surprise I was approved for that. All I did was filled out the form at the SSN Office, took a priority number until I was called. They asked for my passport with my I-94 and visa attached to it. Then I think I paid something but not that much. I think that was only $25 then the lady gave me a receipt and informed me to wait for my SSN card in the mail. After a week, my SSN card arrived on the mail. And so far I haven't got any problem applying one.

With regards to other situations, I think the problem is with them. I think they made an error and they didn't realized it until you complained. They always covered it up some some bullshit reasons and made us think like we're buying it. Some of them are such an ####### for making us look like we're dumb enough.

But what I can advice you right now. Please don't stop maing follow-ups to your wife's SSN. If they find you guys annoying then so be it. If you want to write a letter then go on. Because most of my friends who applied for SSN doesn't seem to encounter such problems like this. So annoy them more if you could until they will provide what you want. That's their job.

You paid $25.00 for your SSN , that's illegal for them to charge money for your SSN . It says that applying for a SSC , or SSN is allways free .