How long to wait for SSN?

[Me&Her 2]

Hi,

She entered the US two weeks ago on a K1 visa, and she indicated on the visa application form that she would like to have a SSN. I am wondering how long does it take for a SSN mailed to our home, and if there is a way to check on the status of it, if it has been too long.

Thanks!

[rogerj 0]

Where in the application for a K-1 can you ask for a SSN?

We just completed this process and married in December, and there was no provision for requesting a SSN at that time...

[Otto 83]

That doesn't apply to K-1 entrants (it would for CR-1/IR-1) - you'll need to go the the SSA and apply for it.

Follow this guide for best results.

[M.O 6]

about 2 weeks....after you go to SSA and apply for number...Good luck...

[Darnell 8,479]

whoops.

she's confused on the DS-230 - the part II section (which shes not to fill out ) has a tickbox for this.

NEVER APPLIES FOR K-1 Visas.

In the mean time

wait about 13 days from the POE entry date, then go to a SSA OFFICE with her, the passport, the I-94.

Tell the clerk she's a K-1 visa holder, and to look her up in the SAVE database under her VISA name. (not married name, if yer married already)

Then - if they can't find her, or won't 'accept' the application, or cry about 'need further USCIS verification', STOP ! Ask for the application back, and tell them to 'forget it'.

Go back the next day, apply again. Repeat this each day UNTIL they can find her in the SAVE database.

Usually - the front desk clerks know nothing about 'how to verify a K-1 visa holder' and if they seem idiotic , moronic, or if you get an answer 'we must do electronic verification with USCIS, takes 30 days'. STOP. Get a supervisor. Explain about K-1 Visa and the SAVE DATABASE.

The SAVE database tracks HER from the POE . It is NOT updated in real-time, ever. USUALLY, because of the batch-update processing and timing, SHE WILL BE FOUND IN SAVE database by a SSA employee (if they are trained for it, btw) on day 13.

Now, if she's been 'accepted' at the SSA office (ie - no waiting, no USCIS verfication delay #######) then she can come back 2 days later and get the number. Not the card, but the number. The card will be mailed out within 10 to 30 days, depending.

I absolutely hate this particular SSN issue for K-1s, but - it is what it is. Good Luck !

Edited February 22, 2010 by Darnell

[Darnell 8,479]

hey - any news? you guys run by an SSA office yet?

[Me&Her 2]

hey - any news? you guys run by an SSA office yet?

Hi Darnell,

Thank you for following up. Well there is a SSA liaison here in the building, so I went there Monday, right after reading your post to learn more about the process. The lady was very knowledgeable, but pleasantly surprised that I know about the SAVE database. Anyway, I just brought her with me to the SSA liaison, and spent about 15 minutes there, that was it.

A few notes: the lady looked her up on her computer, and said she is authorized to work right now because the "Work Authorization is temporary". She is not sure what that SSN card would say, but she asked us to come back if the SSN card says anything (not authorized to work, or authorzied to work temporarily), once we get the green card, we can come back to get a new card without any words.

Thank you again for your insight!

Edited February 24, 2010 by JRSmooth

[Darnell 8,479]

ya - mentioning 'SAVE database' in a sentence usually makes a clerk perk up - it's a different process for them .

if yer lass APPLIED for SSN (ie - application was accepted without hint or rumour of extra processing required) - hey thats cool.

I suggest going back 1 to 2 days later - so see if the number was actually 'issued' . if it wasn't 'issued' - then it may be that the 'liason person' is waiting on 'electronic USCIS verification' - which is a unroyal PITA.

Good Luck ! let us know how it goes?

Edited February 24, 2010 by Darnell

[Me&Her 2]

ya - mentioning 'SAVE database' in a sentence usually makes a clerk perk up - it's a different process for them .

if yer lass APPLIED for SSN (ie - application was accepted without hint or rumour of extra processing required) - hey thats cool.

I suggest going back 1 to 2 days later - so see if the number was actually 'issued' . if it wasn't 'issued' - then it may be that the 'liason person' is waiting on 'electronic USCIS verification' - which is a unroyal PITA.

Good Luck ! let us know how it goes?

The lady just got the SSN card, "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization".

Thank you very much for all of your help, Darnell.