Social Security card with K-1?????

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

[payxibka 10,045]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

they were wrong... a K-1 is eligible to apply from day 1 to day 76 of entry... on the application you did you mark "Alien allowed to work"?

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

they were wrong... a K-1 is eligible to apply from day 1 to day 76 of entry... on the application you did you mark "Alien allowed to work"?

I didn't even get that far.....it was like arguing with your dad about something you know is red, but he keeps telling you it's blue....ggrrrrr sigh What can I say specifically that will make them understand their own policies????

[payxibka 10,045]

download ss-5 fill it out before hand and go again (or a different office if one is close)... hand them the application

[cEzYcHiC 0]

I had the same problem when I applied for a SSN. However, this worked for me.

Print this page from SSA.GOV https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500 (Highlight part C.)

You need to show them your K-1 visa, and valid I-94 card.

Your fiancee may apply for a SSN 2 weeks after U.S. arrival.

Good Luck!

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

I had the same problem when I applied for a SSN. However, this worked for me.

Print this page from SSA.GOV https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500 (Highlight part C.)

You need to show them your K-1 visa, and valid I-94 card.

Your fiancee may apply for a SSN 2 weeks after U.S. arrival.

Good Luck!

I think he brought this document (called RM xxx) with him. They still refused.

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away.

OP,

Go to a different office if possible. If not, go back there, and try again. Chances are you will get a different person. If not, ask for a supervisor.

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

And if all that doesn't work, don't worry about it. You don't really need a SSN until you are ready to work anyway. Once you get the EAD, you will be able to get a SSN without a problem.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

Yes, K-1s can get an SSN. My wife got hers the day after she arrived. The I-94 cannot be expired, if it is you have to wait until you have an EAD or green card.

If he is K-1 and the I-94 is not expired, go back and don;t leave until you talk to someone that is trained. It may take a while. How far are you from Burlington VT? The girl clerk there knows the system, is well trained and signed my wife up without a question. You can apply for the SS card at ANY SS office.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

they were wrong... a K-1 is eligible to apply from day 1 to day 76 of entry... on the application you did you mark "Alien allowed to work"?

I stand corrected, it is true there is a "cut off" before I-94 expiration. But they are eligible right away, there is no need even to wait two weeks. Make sure you see a supervisor and print out the regulations posted above. Thsi process would be easier if we didn't have to train the governent workers we encounter along the way of their own rules.

It also infuriates me when untrained clerks make up new rules rather than ask a supervisor, until that point it is not their fault they are untrained. After that point they are maliciously and negligently stupid.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

they were wrong... a K-1 is eligible to apply from day 1 to day 76 of entry... on the application you did you mark "Alien allowed to work"?

I stand corrected, it is true there is a "cut off" before I-94 expiration. If Payxibka says it is 14 days, I would take his word for it. But they are eligible right away, there is no need even to wait two weeks. Make sure you see a supervisor and print out the regulations posted above. Thsi process would be easier if we didn't have to train the governent workers we encounter along the way of their own rules.

It also infuriates me when untrained clerks make up new rules rather than ask a supervisor, until that point it is not their fault they are untrained. After that point they are maliciously and negligently stupid.

[kroo_joy 0]

Is anyone else confused about obtaining a Social Security card for their K-1 spouse?

We were told by our SS office that "they don't give just give out SS#'s for any other reason except for work" and that my spouse needs an EAD before they give him a SS card, but isn't he eligible as a K-1 visa holder to get a SS number?

I tried to explain to the guy at SS why he is eligible and showed him the "RM" or whatever it is called and he just waved us away. I have read the guides and the "RMs" only now I am more confused.

Can anyone help??

I was able to get my SSN after my wedding before my 1-94 expires.... But, i did use my maiden name 'coz the SS lady wont let me use my husbands family name . I can only change my family name once i will get my green card. SSN is important especially if youre spouse will get a state I.D or Learner's permit to drive. I think the guy in the SS office doesnt know what he's doing. I exprienced that before, the lady in the SS office rejected my application but i insisted i explained to her that i did a researched in the internet and found out that K-1 visa holders can get an ssn, so the lady refers my case to her manager. Finally, after 30 minutes of waiting she said gave me my number.

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm sure this will help others too!

[Cino 5]

If people @ SSA don't want to give SS # to K-1 Visa Holders. Tell them to look at their own website.

Maybe they can learn something. Every office makes up different rules & stories.

This is taken exactly from FAQ section of their own web site.

How can I get SS # as a K-1 Visa Holder ?

Edited May 23, 2009 by Cino