Social Security Number

[Mcpheeb 0]

Folks,

just looking for some advice. I've read some of the information about obtaining this once I enter the US but the more I read, the more I get confused.

I'm arriving in the US on 17th December which is just before the Christmas hols. From what I can see, I shouldn't apply for the SSN for at least 2 weeks after that so I'm looking at after the New Year. I'll be getting married sometime in February so my questions are:

a) should I apply for the SSN in my own name, despite the fact my name will be changing in about a month?

b) do I apply for a work permit at this time (when I'm being told it's pointless because it only lasts the length of my K1 visa then I'll need a new one.

c) should I also apply for a SSN for my 11 year old daughter when I do my own

Any other pointers on this process?

thanks

[Nik+Heather 121]

a) should I apply for the SSN in my own name, despite the fact my name will be changing in about a month?

b) do I apply for a work permit at this time (when I'm being told it's pointless because it only lasts the length of my K1 visa then I'll need a new one.

c) should I also apply for a SSN for my 11 year old daughter when I do my own

a)Yes, apply in your maiden name, because this is what will match up with the SAVE database (that's where the immigration officer who stamps you in enters your information). They won't issue an SSN to you without the matching name in the SAVE database. Then, when you get married, you go back with your number and change your name. Sometimes people have issues with this because of the staff at the SSA office, but really, once you have the number you can keep using it. When you get the GC in your married name, you go back to the SSA and change it then at the same time that you get an unrestricted number.

b) No, apply for the EAD at the same time as your AOS (based on your AOS application, c9). The reason for this is that the EAD which you can apply for based on your K-1 entry (a6) can take up to 90 days to process, and it will only be good until the expiration on your I-94, 90 days from entry. So, it is likely that the EAD will arrive with only a week or two left before expiration -- IF it arrives before expiration at all!

c)I don't think that K-2 entrants are eligible for a social security number (because they can't work) wait until she gets a green card.

Edited November 9, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[VanessaTony 3,567]

1. Yes. It is often MUCH easier then trying to do it in your married name before you get your GC

2. Don't waste your time.

3. You can't apply for a K2's SSN until they have their EAD or GC

** moved from "Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from Family Based Visas" to " Working & Traveling During US Immigration" as this is relating to SSN **

[Jia you LuckyStar 0]

Wait to clarify, since I'm off work on Wednesday and that'll be at the 71 day mark(which makes me worried). I should get a SSN for my husband before we submit the AOS paperwork? And then go change the SSN card to an unrestricted one with the EAD or greencard in hand?

Confused... why is not easier just to wait for AOS to process?

[SunDrop 59]

Wait to clarify, since I'm off work on Wednesday and that'll be at the 71 day mark(which makes me worried). I should get a SSN for my husband before we submit the AOS paperwork? And then go change the SSN card to an unrestricted one with the EAD or greencard in hand?

Confused... why is not easier just to wait for AOS to process?

If they'll still issue him with a SSN, then yeah, why not. Try and the worst they'll do is say no, come back once he has his EAD/ GC.

Some people like to start setting up their lives, credit history, etc. before they get their EAD or GC. Some of these processes demand you have a SSN before doing this. *shrugs* It's a question of personal preference.

[I'm Gone 60]

Wait to clarify, since I'm off work on Wednesday and that'll be at the 71 day mark(which makes me worried).

If I was your husband I wouldn't say anything about being married. He pretty much has the one shot of getting the SSN while he's at the office on the K-1 status. If there is any delay for SAVE verification, he will need to wait until he has the EAD card or I-551 stamp or card.

Edited December 18, 2010 by I Quit

[I'm Gone 60]

And then go change the SSN card to an unrestricted one with the EAD or greencard in hand?

It's possible to be issued an unrestricted SSN card with the EAD card, but will probably need to have an I-551 stamp or card.

RM 10211.025 Evidence of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status for an SSN Card

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025

C. Procedure and description for accepting evidence of LPR status

-- Permanent resident card (Form I-551)

-- Temporary I-551 stamp

-- Alternate evidence of LPR status

a. Employment Authorization Document (I-766) showing certain alien categories

Generally, when DHS grants or approves an adjustment to LPR status, the alien receives his or her I-551 card several weeks after the adjustment to LPR status has been granted. In these cases, while the alien is awaiting the I-551 card, SAVE will verify the alien’s LPR status, since it is the current immigration status.

Under DHS guidance, we have established alternate evidence of LPR status for those applicants who have adjusted to LPR status and are awaiting their I-551 cards. These guidelines apply even if the applicant does not indicate he or she has adjusted to LPR status.

b. Required I-766 Categories

Under the alternate evidence of LPR status policy described in RM 10211.025C.4.a, in this section, if an I-766 card is submitted, on the face of the I-766 card the Category shown must be one of the following (status indicated in parenthesis):

-- A6, A06 or A-6 (FIANCEE – K1/CHILD – K2)

-- A9, A09 or A-9 (SPOUSE/CHILD OF USC)

-- C9, C09 or C-9 (ADJUSTMENT APPLICANT)