AOS-SSN or SSN-AOS

[rachel-qc 0]

Hi guys,

I just moved to the states two weeks ago on my k-1 and got married last week.

I am completing my aos papers and wondered if I need to get an ssn BEFORE doing my paperwork.

Or is it okay to type it n/a every time the forms ask for my ssn?

sorry about all the questions tonight.

just trying to get all my stuff in order.

thanks guys!

[sanfran2418 1]

On my experience my wife went after the i94 expired. If she would have gone before we could have also got a California ID card for her but now we gotta wait till she gets her green card.

[George & Gina 29]

I would go and apply for the SSN in you married name. Having you SSN will hopefully minimize future headaches with USCIS. Also be sure to get you state ID or Drivers License so that you'll have additional ID in you married name. I've heard that it can sometimes be a royal pain to update your Philippines passport to you married name once you're in the U.S.

George

Hi guys,

I just moved to the states two weeks ago on my k-1 and got married last week.

I am completing my aos papers and wondered if I need to get an ssn BEFORE doing my paperwork.

Or is it okay to type it n/a every time the forms ask for my ssn?

sorry about all the questions tonight.

just trying to get all my stuff in order.

thanks guys!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Hi guys,

I just moved to the states two weeks ago on my k-1 and got married last week.

I am completing my aos papers and wondered if I need to get an ssn BEFORE doing my paperwork.

Or is it okay to type it n/a every time the forms ask for my ssn?

sorry about all the questions tonight.

just trying to get all my stuff in order.

thanks guys!

It's not required to get a SSN for your AOS paperwork. Getting it may help obtaining driver licenses or getting bank accounts, but strictly speaking, it is not required for AOS. Good luck.

[Dave&Roza 748]

At some point you will need to get a SSN. It MAY be easier now or it MAY be easier with the GC in hand--there are several horror stories about getting a SSN that I am dreading this part of the journey.

As a K-1 Visa holder you are authorized by the USCIS to apply for a SSN. Unfortunately most of the poeple working for the SSA do not know this and that is why we have the horror stories. First a couple of questions need to be answered: 1) are you going to change your name to your married name for the AOS process--i.e. the GC will be in your married name, or 2) are you going to keep your madian name so your GC and passport have the same name? Either method is okay and each has its pluses and minuses.

Since you will need a SSN at some point, I would go to the SSA and try to get it in which ever name you want to use. If it is the married name take along your marriage certificate to show proof of name change as well as all the documnets listed on the SSA website. If you should have problems getting it in your married name after asking for a supervisor and all that the first time; go to another SSA office near you and apply for your SSN in your madian name and do not mention you are married. Once you have the number you can easily change it by showing the marriage certificate. Some people in the SSA will not give you a SSN on a K-1, some will not give you a SSN if you are married on a K-1, and some will. It is really a ####### shoot, but it does appear to be getting better.

For the AOS phase a SSN is not required.

Good Luck.

Dave

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Write NONE in the blanks for SSN. I know some newer USCIS forms change NONE to 000-00-0000 if you tried to type that in, but I don't remember which one. The zeros thing is okay as it indicates you don't have a SSN.

Edited November 21, 2010 by Nich-Nick

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It is not needed for AOS however you need to get it before you have less than 2 weeks left on your I-94 or they won't let you get one.

As you are now married they might not let you get one at all (some offices have no idea) but you are entitled to one as a K1 holder. They will sometimes try and tell you that as you are now married you're not a K1, sometimes they'll tell you it can't be in your married name. it doesn't matter if it's in your married or maiden, try and get one if you can (after you've sent AOS is fine as long as you have time left on your i-94

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

Edited November 21, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[kiwirst 39]

Hi All,

I'm pretty much in the same position, arrived November 4th. Saw on here that you can apply for SSN but it is best to wait for a couple of weeks as you won't be in the system. I did this (went in about 10 days after) and wasn't showing up. Called back a week later & they said the application had been submitted but the Immigration Dept was confirming details before allowing the SSA to issue a number.

I am having issues here as this SSN is critical to basically doing everything, no bank account, driver's licence, anything really. If you apply at the local SSA office, do not chase your application with the general number, they WILL make you call the office you applied at for checking the status.

Luck to all, so happy this is the last time I do this immigration thing =)