Social security #

[GD21 0]

So do we need to get this before we get married? It would strike me as being easier if we could get married then do the social thing so we don't have to go back a second time to change her name.

Thanks.

[Dakine 26]

Yep ! Saves the hassel of going back later and changing the name. No need SSN to adjust status either.

[AbbynSheryl 0]

after marry is better. abby n sheryl

[tallcoolone 102]

after marry is better. abby n sheryl

I disagree.

My wife needed a Social Security to fill out paperwork in Texas for the Board of Nursing to take NCLEX.

It was easier and turned out to be the best decision to get her SSN as soon as she arrived in USA, and we went back a few months later to change her name.

It only took about 15 minutes waiting and filling out paperwork on each trip.

[Tahoma 2,292]

I recommend that a K-1 beneficiary get their Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. When the beneficiary obtains their SSN, it will give them a head start with their upcoming Adjustment of Status (AOS).

Keep in mind that the AOS is all about proving that you have a bona fide marriage. One of the ways you show USCIS that you have a real marriage is through a shared life. It is helpful to start this process early.

Here are some ways a SSN can help you prepare for your AOS:

> A SSN is often required in order to open a joint bank account.

> A SSN can be a requirement to get a state identification card. A state identification card is often a necessary requirement for adding the beneficiary's name to the electric bill or the utility bill.

> A SSN may be needed to add the beneficiary to the petitioner's health insurance policy or to the petitioner's life insurance policy.

> If the beneficiary applies for an EAD (permission to work) at the same time that they apply for their AOS, their EAD will be approved before their AOS interview (before they have their two-year conditional green card). The EAD will allow the beneficiary to get a job. Their employer will require them to have a SSN.

I recommend waiting about ten to fourteen days after the beneficiary arrives in the U.S. before applying for a SSN. The reason for this is because that's how long it takes for the beneficiary to be added "into the system." Once the beneficiary is "in the system," they can apply for a SSN, and will receive it in about two weeks. It is easy to file a name change after the couple is married.

~ Tahoma

[Señor Bonito 2]

I recommend that a K-1 beneficiary get their Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. When the beneficiary obtains their SSN, it will give them a head start with their upcoming Adjustment of Status (AOS).

Keep in mind that the AOS is all about proving that you have a bona fide marriage. One of the ways you show USCIS that you have a real marriage is through a shared life. It is helpful to start this process early.

Here are some ways a SSN can help you prepare for your AOS:

> A SSN is often required in order to open a joint bank account.

> A SSN can be a requirement to get a state identification card. A state identification card is often a necessary requirement for adding the beneficiary's name to the electric bill or the utility bill.

> A SSN may be needed to add the beneficiary to the petitioner's health insurance policy or to the petitioner's life insurance policy.

> If the beneficiary applies for an EAD (permission to work) at the same time that they apply for their AOS, their EAD will be approved before their AOS interview (before they have their two-year conditional green card). The EAD will allow the beneficiary to get a job. Their employer will require them to have a SSN.

I recommend waiting about ten to fourteen days after the beneficiary arrives in the U.S. before applying for a SSN. The reason for this is because that's how long it takes for the beneficiary to be added "into the system." Once the beneficiary is "in the system," they can apply for a SSN, and will receive it in about two weeks. It is easy to file a name change after the couple is married.

~ Tahoma

I agree with Tahoma.

Tahoma, my friend, you must be on cloud nine when your neighborhood was the scene of a big upset in college football yesterday!

[Dakine 26]

Yep ! Saves the hassel of going back later and changing the name. No need SSN to adjust status either.

I have to reverse my comment. Yeah better if you get it ASAP. Been while and I'd forgotten the things my wife couldn't do without the SSN.

[Ban Hammer 13,491]

moved from pi regional to Working & Traveling prior to getting a Green Card

This section also covers getting a Social Security Number (SSN) and is for general discussion on all these topics, plus you'll get a wider range of opinions than just those offered in the pi regional.

[I'm Gone 60]

Wait 10 to 14 days after she arrives and go apply. Then once she has an SSN and married and if she still has time apply for the name change.

SSA will not assign an SSN or issue a card if her status is expired or within 14 days of expiring. K-1 status is good for 90 days, so that gives her 76 days to be assigned an SSN or issued a name corrected card based on her K-1 status.

SSA also will not assign an SSN or issue her a card until her status has been verified and sometimes that can take a while and overall K-1s have less hassles when applying with the maiden name because of this.

Edited September 21, 2009 by I Quit

[gary9891 10]

So do we need to get this before we get married? It would strike me as being easier if we could get married then do the social thing so we don't have to go back a second time to change her name.

Thanks.

Remember some states require a SSN for a marriage license, state ID card and to obtain a bank account. I recommend getting a SSN after 7-8 days in country, it is free, took us less then 20 minutes. changing her name after is simple. Just my 2 cents.

[I'm Gone 60]

I recommend getting a SSN after 7-8 days in country...

Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html

We recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number.

[thepizzadude 26]

Do it before marriage and try to do it at least 30 days before your I-94 expires that way if you get the runaround you have some time to redo it etc...

[GD21 0]

Thanks all.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Do it before marriage and try to do it at least 30 days before your I-94 expires that way if you get the runaround you have some time to redo it etc...

Yes...the earlier the better when applying for a SSN. At the very latest, apply for a SSN a minimum of 30 days before the beneficiary's I-94 expires, otherwise you could run into trouble (like what happened to a couple that we know).

~ Tahoma

[Tahoma 2,292]

Tahoma, my friend, you must be on cloud nine when your neighborhood was the scene of a big upset in college football yesterday!

I was at work during the game, so I missed any celebration. However, I'm not much of a football fan anyway. I wish they would bring World Cup soccer to Seattle!

~ Tahoma