K-1's Get your Social Security Number ASAP!!!

[FrancElsie 6]

To those of you bringing your fiancee/fiance to the USA on a K-1 Visa, you should be aware that they are entitled to get a SSN during their 90 days here with you. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TELL YOU OTHERWISE!!! Shortly after (about 3 weeks) they arrive...go to your local Social Security office and fill out the SS-5 form with them. We did this and were told by a service representative that "she is not eligible to receive a SSN because you are not married yet. So, come back after your marriage and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate." I questioned the woman giving us this erroneous information and she got very defensive. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she refused to allow me to speak with anyone...saying, "I am sure that I am correct and my supervisor will tell you exactly the same thing!!!" Not wishing to cause a "scene" I walked away and just decided to return after our marriage and get it done. WRONG THING TO DO!!! What happened next? Our marriage was scheduled about a week prior to the expiration of her K-1 Visa and I-94 entry permit. When we returned to the Social Security office this time (with our marriage certificate) we were turned down a second time. This time because we were within 14 days of the expiration of her I-94. The woman who told us this asked, "Why didn't you get Elsie's SSN shortly after her arrival into the USA? She qualifies under the terms of the K-1 Visa." I went ballistic and demanded to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor called over the first woman who gave us this incorrect information and spoke with her. She acknowledged that she had in fact given out erroneous information and apologized profusely. Still...NOTHING COULD BE DONE because we were within this "14 day window" and they could do nothing to give Elsie her SSN. Now, I have filed a formal complaint against this woman and her supervisor is "looking into" the problem to see if anything can be done. However, he did tell me that he doubts that anything can be done.

The problem with NOT having a SSN for your K-1 is that they are locked out from getting many things that are needed to begin their new life with you in the USA. My bank will not allow Elsie to be added to my account UNTIL she has a SSN. The K-1 cannot get a driver's license or a state issued ID, they cannot get insurance, they can't hardly get a library card!! The SSN card that they receive will have printed on it..."Not Work Authorized"...but, this is not that important. We all know that the K-1 cannot work legally until they receive their Work Authorization aka Green Card with their Permanent Residency.

Just ranting and raving a bit about this because I am frustrated tonight. But, IF I can save several of you from making the same mistake, this may be worth it. Good Luck to all of you at VisaJourney!!

Any ideas on what else I might do???

Regards,

Franc

[adethony 2]

To those of you bringing your fiancee/fiance to the USA on a K-1 Visa, you should be aware that they are entitled to get a SSN during their 90 days here with you. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TELL YOU OTHERWISE!!! Shortly after (about 3 weeks) they arrive...go to your local Social Security office and fill out the SS-5 form with them. We did this and were told by a service representative that "she is not eligible to receive a SSN because you are not married yet. So, come back after your marriage and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate." I questioned the woman giving us this erroneous information and she got very defensive. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she refused to allow me to speak with anyone...saying, "I am sure that I am correct and my supervisor will tell you exactly the same thing!!!" Not wishing to cause a "scene" I walked away and just decided to return after our marriage and get it done. WRONG THING TO DO!!! What happened next? Our marriage was scheduled about a week prior to the expiration of her K-1 Visa and I-94 entry permit. When we returned to the Social Security office this time (with our marriage certificate) we were turned down a second time. This time because we were within 14 days of the expiration of her I-94. The woman who told us this asked, "Why didn't you get Elsie's SSN shortly after her arrival into the USA? She qualifies under the terms of the K-1 Visa." I went ballistic and demanded to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor called over the first woman who gave us this incorrect information and spoke with her. She acknowledged that she had in fact given out erroneous information and apologized profusely. Still...NOTHING COULD BE DONE because we were within this "14 day window" and they could do nothing to give Elsie her SSN. Now, I have filed a formal complaint against this woman and her supervisor is "looking into" the problem to see if anything can be done. However, he did tell me that he doubts that anything can be done.

The problem with NOT having a SSN for your K-1 is that they are locked out from getting many things that are needed to begin their new life with you in the USA. My bank will not allow Elsie to be added to my account UNTIL she has a SSN. The K-1 cannot get a driver's license or a state issued ID, they cannot get insurance, they can't hardly get a library card!! The SSN card that they receive will have printed on it..."Not Work Authorized"...but, this is not that important. We all know that the K-1 cannot work legally until they receive their Work Authorization aka Green Card with their Permanent Residency.

Just ranting and raving a bit about this because I am frustrated tonight. But, IF I can save several of you from making the same mistake, this may be worth it. Good Luck to all of you at VisaJourney!!

Any ideas on what else I might do???

Regards,

Franc

It's happened to me too. I've been there after receiving my EAD, they said they cant find my info with USCIS.

[h1a1 5]

I had similar problems and I'm now SSNless until I get my EAD and I'm sure with my local office being how it is they'll try and cause problems for me again...

[amykathleen2005 441]

I 'm sorry I can't be of any help, but I just wanted to say that sucks!!! You should absolutely file a complaint. Surely there can be something done if it was their error.

[joevegas 67]

So will you ever get a SSN?...because they couldn't find me in the sysyem either when I applied,and I been here for a month...what happens if they can't find you?

[Darnell 8,478]

if you 'aren't found'

then either -

SAVE DATABASE not updated yer or

incompetent SSA clerk, not know how to USE SAVE .

If you aren't 'found in SAVE database' -

do not bother going through 'DHS/USCIS Electronic Verification' as that is some nasty f'ed up blackhole.

Instead, come back in a week, apply again - but asked to be looked up in SAVE database first.

USUALLY, you can be found on or around Day 15 past the POE date, in the SAVE database, at a SSA office.

Save Info - http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=1721c2ec0c7c8110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextoid=1721c2ec0c7c8110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

FWIW, don't give up - if no one can find you, even by day 45 - go to another SSA office, as 'that krewe' of incompetents is wasting yer time.

You have up until DAY 74 , past the POE date, to apply for a SSN, as a K-1 visa recipient.

Good Luck To All !

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

This doesn't detract in any way from the total screw up by the SSA employee, but...

Try different banks. Some banks will allow someone without an SSN to open a limited account. The main reason an SSN is required is because transactions above $10K must be reported to the IRS, so an SSN or ITIN is required. Some banks will restrict the account to transactions of less than $10K, and allow someone without an SSN to open an account.

Most states require proof of legal presence in order to get a driver's license or state issued ID card. I believe there are only three states left that don't. A Social Security card is not proof of legal presence. Some states will allow you to get a driver's license or ID with an I-94, but it will expire when the I-94 does. In most cases, you have to wait until you have either an EAD or green card.

I was able to get my wife and step-daughter on my employer's medical and dental insurance without an SSN. I'm not aware of any statutory requirement that would compel an insurance company to require an SSN. It may be a convenient way to track members, but I don't think they can legally require it.

Not having an SSN is a setback, but it's not a show stopper. If you'd like to vent a little frustration about the situation with the SSA then set your sights on a bank and start kicking up a fuss about getting a joint account. After that, go after your insurance company.

[Chickaflick 0]

The SS office is a nightmare to deal with. The BEST thing you can do is to read up on your situation, print out the information and take it with you for these cases where you get a marshmellow head who doesn't know what they are doing. When I got my TN visa... which is a WORK VISA... I went to the SS office to get my SSN and the lady actually told me that I was not an immigratnt and that I could not ever have one. I wanted to slap myself to see if I was awake or asleep. TN Visa holders get a SSN which is stamped "Work with DHS Authorization Only" on it. I had to ask for her supervisor and then present the documents that I had printed from the DHS website in order to get my SSN.

RIDICULOUS. ... and sadly... its just the start. Wait until you go get your drivers license lol...

ETA: You can apply for a federal tax payer ID number as well and that gets you a few more open doors.. I had to get one for my daughter as thats the only way they'd let her do school there.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Chickaflick

[Darnell 8,478]

-----

FrancElsie - IMO - you should file a complaint with the Inspector General's office, and make sure that this 'incident' gets on that SSA employee's record. Incompetence is rampant on the 'front line clerks' at many SSA offices.

[moleary 2]

....The main reason an SSN is required is because transactions above $10K must be reported to the IRS, so an SSN or ITIN is required. Some banks will restrict the account to transactions of less than $10K, and allow someone without an SSN to open an account....

...I believe there are only three states left that don't. ...

I may as well say it here..it's just as good a place as any...Damn man! Is there anything that you don't know?! LOL Awesome!

Maybe it's the Shiraz.

Edited August 13, 2010 by moleary

[garfield529 47]

Almost a similar problem in our case, the first application never resulted in card, the second visit resulted in the second card request not being filed and then the drama began on the third visit. On the third visit we are told that a number has been issued and that they will get the card out in the mail in about two weeks.....then the clerk tells us that once the card arrives my wife can go ahead and start working. I say in passing, "oh, no...a K1 can not work until she has her EAD card." The clerk then yells at me and says that she knows what is and what isn't and if I am so sure that my wife has to have an EAD card to work, then there is no reason for her to issue her an SSN and that she should just revoke the number. I really didn't know what to say and just slowly and carefully swept my wife away like a ninja and waited for her card to appear the next week. Everyone has a function in life, but sometimes the SS clerks seem to be way off base....there are just too many anecdotes on this forum to argue against that.

To the OP, go with the tax payer number, that should get you accessed to your bank account at least. Good luck!!

[Nwanyioma 11]

One of the employees at the SSA office said that my husband had to wait after the EAD which is so false. Honestly you have to know how to deal with the SSA employees: Know exactly what your talking about. I also think it depends on which type of SSA office you go to also.

Nwanyioma

[del-11-03-2013 1]

I'm waiting for EAD right now....so, I can apply SSN (I wanted to use my married name in SSN and I'm too lazy to change my SSN name to my married name if I do it earlier ). I managed to open joint account even without SSN with Bank of America (I think one of the reason they let me open the account with them because my hubby have account with them). You might want to try that bank.

To those of you bringing your fiancee/fiance to the USA on a K-1 Visa, you should be aware that they are entitled to get a SSN during their 90 days here with you. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TELL YOU OTHERWISE!!! Shortly after (about 3 weeks) they arrive...go to your local Social Security office and fill out the SS-5 form with them. We did this and were told by a service representative that "she is not eligible to receive a SSN because you are not married yet. So, come back after your marriage and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate." I questioned the woman giving us this erroneous information and she got very defensive. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she refused to allow me to speak with anyone...saying, "I am sure that I am correct and my supervisor will tell you exactly the same thing!!!" Not wishing to cause a "scene" I walked away and just decided to return after our marriage and get it done. WRONG THING TO DO!!! What happened next? Our marriage was scheduled about a week prior to the expiration of her K-1 Visa and I-94 entry permit. When we returned to the Social Security office this time (with our marriage certificate) we were turned down a second time. This time because we were within 14 days of the expiration of her I-94. The woman who told us this asked, "Why didn't you get Elsie's SSN shortly after her arrival into the USA? She qualifies under the terms of the K-1 Visa." I went ballistic and demanded to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor called over the first woman who gave us this incorrect information and spoke with her. She acknowledged that she had in fact given out erroneous information and apologized profusely. Still...NOTHING COULD BE DONE because we were within this "14 day window" and they could do nothing to give Elsie her SSN. Now, I have filed a formal complaint against this woman and her supervisor is "looking into" the problem to see if anything can be done. However, he did tell me that he doubts that anything can be done.

The problem with NOT having a SSN for your K-1 is that they are locked out from getting many things that are needed to begin their new life with you in the USA. My bank will not allow Elsie to be added to my account UNTIL she has a SSN. The K-1 cannot get a driver's license or a state issued ID, they cannot get insurance, they can't hardly get a library card!! The SSN card that they receive will have printed on it..."Not Work Authorized"...but, this is not that important. We all know that the K-1 cannot work legally until they receive their Work Authorization aka Green Card with their Permanent Residency.

Just ranting and raving a bit about this because I am frustrated tonight. But, IF I can save several of you from making the same mistake, this may be worth it. Good Luck to all of you at VisaJourney!!

Any ideas on what else I might do???

Regards,

Franc

[Neonred 3,562]

First time we went to SS office to get my wife her number the first person we talked to said she is not eligible. I handed them the print out from their website that says a K-1 is eligible. They called a supervisor over and the supervisor didn't really want to OK it and asked why we wanted the number. I told her "because my wife can have one" which annoyed them, but they processed the request and we got the new card in a week.

After marriage and 28 days before expiration of her I-94 we went back to have the name change. I explained we were adjusting status and had applied for AP. The guy tells us:

1. Now that you are married you must apply for a K-3 visa (he says he knows all about this because he was an immigrant)

2. You do not need AP since you are married she can leave and enter the country without restriction

3. Since it is less than 30 days before expiration of the I-94 SS office cannot make the name change on the SS card

All three wrong answers and I knew it, just did not feel like fighting it so I just told him he was so wrong and didn't know what he was talking about. We got up and left. Came back after we had the green card and made the change without incident.

[FrancElsie 6]

I told her "because my wife can have one" which annoyed them, but they processed the request and we got the new card in a week.

This is one of the salient points that I was trying to make with my original posting...a person with a K-1 Visa is ENTITLED TO a SSN or as you said "because my wife can have one!" It's really none of their business "Why?" And, as you stated in your posting, the SS-5 was processed and you got the new card in a week. Pretty easy, once you overcome the obstacle (person) on the front line, yes?

Getting a SSN is supposed to be a very easy process and you can see that due to incompetence an easy process becomes difficult. It's almost as if the people working in these offices search for a way NOT to help the public.

I find it interesting and humorous that you were receiving "free immigration advice" at a Social Security Office. My expectation was and is to receive Social Security information from there and get my Immigration advice from VisaJourney. (or USCIS...LOLOL)

Regards,

Franc