"We cannot issue you a social security card"

[attaya_girl 1]

Ok, am I missing something?

I went into the social security card office today with my fiance and his passport, visa, birth certificate (just in case) and the section of the Social Security website that several on VJ have suggested printing out and bringing with you. They looked at all the information, then told us that we couldn't get a social security number, but that we could get a letter of denial that would allow us to get married. I told them that, no, we were qualified for a social security card and that I would like to speak with her supervisor. She balked at that and said that she was not available, but I just told her that I'd wait.

My fiance and I sat there for two hours as they did god knows what with our paperwork, then another woman came out (not the supervisor) and told us that they would like to help us but that we are not eligible for a social security card until we have work authorization or a permanent resident card.

What do I do now? Do I need to go to another office, what? Can someone post the link of what I should bring with me to the office? I'm not sure I printed off the right thing. I'm so frustrated!!!

[payxibka 10,045]

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

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

[Otto 83]

Step-by-Step Guide to getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

Print This and go back to the SSA - use it to quote their own rules to them - ask to speak with a supervisor if you get told they can not help you.

[attaya_girl 1]

Step-by-Step Guide to getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

Print This and go back to the SSA - use it to quote their own rules to them - ask to speak with a supervisor if you get told they can not help you.

That's what I brought with me, and that's what I said. The supervisor refused to meet with me. We were there a total of four hours, and nothing.

[dutchmatt 1]

Step-by-Step Guide to getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

Print This and go back to the SSA - use it to quote their own rules to them - ask to speak with a supervisor if you get told they can not help you.

Well, if you read her post you'd know she did ask to speak to a supervisor. According to the guide you posted she did everything right right. What's the deal? She's asking for help, not links she obviously already read.

[MonkeyJuice 3]

I would go to another office & try again. I had the same problem at first but then when we saw the supervisor, she allowed me to apply. Some offices ask for work authorisation, others don't. Good luck

[attaya_girl 1]

I would go to another office & try again. I had the same problem at first but then when we saw the supervisor, she allowed me to apply. Some offices ask for work authorisation, others don't. Good luck

I can go to any office in the US, correct? It doesn't necessarily need to be within my state?

[Darnell 8,478]

I suggest going to another office. You've run across braindead gov employees at __THAT__ office, it's time to try another office.

IMO, wait 2 weeks from POE date (you've already done that ) - and if no success, wait another week and try again.

The thing that torques everyone is the computer database 'hookups' - CBP to DOS to USCIS to SSA, and back. Usually is 'batch update' problem, so if ya don't have success today, wait a week.

I'd really try another office, though - I've not heard of 'letter of denial' before - this is great twisty bit - I want to barf.

GOOD LUCK

Edited September 25, 2009 by Darnell

[Lisa and Ian 7]

Ok, am I missing something?

I went into the social security card office today with my fiance and his passport, visa, birth certificate (just in case) and the section of the Social Security website that several on VJ have suggested printing out and bringing with you. They looked at all the information, then told us that we couldn't get a social security number, but that we could get a letter of denial that would allow us to get married. I told them that, no, we were qualified for a social security card and that I would like to speak with her supervisor. She balked at that and said that she was not available, but I just told her that I'd wait.

My fiance and I sat there for two hours as they did god knows what with our paperwork, then another woman came out (not the supervisor) and told us that they would like to help us but that we are not eligible for a social security card until we have work authorization or a permanent resident card.

What do I do now? Do I need to go to another office, what? Can someone post the link of what I should bring with me to the office? I'm not sure I printed off the right thing. I'm so frustrated!!!

This link says this:

"Required evidence for employment authorization is either a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, showing a class of admission that indicates the person can work without specific DHS authorization (

RM 00203.500C.1

.) or an employment authorization document (

EAD

) (Form I-766 or I-688B)."

RM 00203.500C.1 specifically mentions a K-1 visa holder is an acceptable class of admission.

Make sure you have these two things printed out and go back.

Did they give you a specific reason why they couldn't help you? They need to read their own documentation, from the sound of it. (grr)

[I'm Gone 60]

I went into the social security card office today with my fiance and his passport, visa, birth certificate (just in case) and the section of the Social Security website that several on VJ have suggested printing out and bringing with you. They looked at all the information, then told us that we couldn't get a social security number, but that we could get a letter of denial that would allow us to get married. I told them that, no, we were qualified for a social security card and that I would like to speak with her supervisor. She balked at that and said that she was not available, but I just told her that I'd wait.

My fiance and I sat there for two hours as they did god knows what with our paperwork, then another woman came out (not the supervisor) and told us that they would like to help us but that we are not eligible for a social security card until we have work authorization or a permanent resident card.

What do I do now? Do I need to go to another office, what? Can someone post the link of what I should bring with me to the office?

You said you took passport, visa and birth certificate. Where's the I-94? If you didn't have that, there is your problem.

[Anh map 2,098]

Step-by-Step Guide to getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

Print This and go back to the SSA - use it to quote their own rules to them - ask to speak with a supervisor if you get told they can not help you.

Well, if you read her post you'd know she did ask to speak to a supervisor. According to the guide you posted she did everything right right. What's the deal? She's asking for help, not links she obviously already read.

OP requested a link and Karin posted a link. Where is the issue?

Recently another VJ'er had the same situation and when they returned to the same SS office the folks realized the error and processed the application on the 2nd visit. Going back for the supervisor and asking specifically if they find your fiance in the system would be good. After 2 weeks he ought to be in the system, but maybe not. If you still cannot speak to the supervisor contact your congressperson's office for assistance.

[tomcat 0]

Ok, am I missing something?

I went into the social security card office today with my fiance and his passport, visa, birth certificate (just in case) and the section of the Social Security website that several on VJ have suggested printing out and bringing with you. They looked at all the information, then told us that we couldn't get a social security number, but that we could get a letter of denial that would allow us to get married. I told them that, no, we were qualified for a social security card and that I would like to speak with her supervisor. She balked at that and said that she was not available, but I just told her that I'd wait.

My fiance and I sat there for two hours as they did god knows what with our paperwork, then another woman came out (not the supervisor) and told us that they would like to help us but that we are not eligible for a social security card until we have work authorization or a permanent resident card.

What do I do now? Do I need to go to another office, what? Can someone post the link of what I should bring with me to the office? I'm not sure I printed off the right thing. I'm so frustrated!!!

I had a similar story when my wife came to the US last year within a week we went to Social security office to apply for a SS card

I was informed by SS that we have to get married and reapply for a K3 visa with that information I knew he was wrong

She was here on a K1 visa so we returned the next day filed the paper work and in about 3 weeks she received her card , not married yet and on a K1 visa

so the people in most SS office are not properly trained

[jkminney 30]

So here's a question for you...someone who enters on a K-1 visa can work straight away? I guess I was under the impression they would have to wait for an EAD card after the marriage before they could work. One other question...On the form you can check YES to be issued a SS card but someone wrote that this does not pertain to K-1 visa holders. So will we or will we not get a social security number issued if we check YES. Will we still have to go to SS Admin office to get one?

[Old Dominion 26]

Having a SS card seems pointless, until a work permit (EAD) is issued. Get the EAD, and everything falls into place.

In this day and age, a SSN entitles you to a $1 cup of coffee just like everyone else...it has no value by itself. You can't get a State ID or driver's license with it, a bank will open an account without it....and it's not necessary for a marriage license.

[jkminney 30]

Having a SS card seems pointless, until a work permit (EAD) is issued. Get the EAD, and everything falls into place.

In this day and age, a SSN entitles you to a $1 cup of coffee just like everyone else...it has no value by itself. You can't get a State ID or driver's license with it, a bank will open an account without it....and it's not necessary for a marriage license.

I understand all that but what I'm asking is WHEN do we actually apply...do we apply by checking YES on the form during the process or do we have to get it seperate from that?