social security office and timeline

[Becky&Steven 1]

on the K-1 visa, once steven is here, do we have to apply for his social security number first, or can we go get the marriage license first - asking because I'm going to be changing my last name, and it would be nice to streamline things into as few trips as possible. I would like to take care of my name change there while he applies for his SSN.

thanks!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

It takes a little while for the arrival info to hit the database so they recommend waiting about 10 days before trying for your SS number. Don't wait too long , my husband had issues with his name spelling in the database ( the I 94 was right ) but it took us 3 trips to get it all fixed. How soon yo want to marry may play more into how soon you want to get the AOS package off.

[Becky&Steven 1]

yeah, I read you have to wait 10 days. what I was trying to ask was is the SSN required for the marriage license? I've been looking all over the gov page looking for this info, and it only says a valid ID is required. do we have to go get his SSN first, or can we take care of that afterwards so I can change my last name and get his SSN at the same time.

[Inky 1,110]

yeah, I read you have to wait 10 days. what I was trying to ask was is the SSN required for the marriage license? I've been looking all over the gov page looking for this info, and it only says a valid ID is required. do we have to go get his SSN first, or can we take care of that afterwards so I can change my last name and get his SSN at the same time.

That is state specific and county specific. You will have to check with your state/county. I would call to make sure. When we were trying to find out we looked online at our countys website and got the number, their phone response did not match their website list of items needed so we were glad we called.

[bmiles62 5]

That is state specific and county specific. You will have to check with your state/county. I would call to make sure. When we were trying to find out we looked online at our countys website and got the number, their phone response did not match their website list of items needed so we were glad we called.

I am checking the same thing here in North Carolina. We do not need a SS number. Here is the link to your county in Virginia. I think you will be OK without it but they have a number you can call to make sure. good luck!!! http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/marriage_license_info.htm

[Jubi & Tony 3]

That is state specific...call the state marriage license office to find out. I'm getting married in Hawaii and know that a SSN is not required. But other states do require it...good luck

[Haarp425 26]

Technically, you don't have to wait 10 days to apply for SSN card after arriving at POE.

There is a new guidelines. Check this out.

RM 10213.305 Procedure when an SSN Applicant Files for an SSN within 10 Days of Arriving in the U.S or being Granted a New Status

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110213305

K-1 visa holder are entitled to SSN card and marriage will change the K-1 visa status of an individual. However, some local SSA office will interpret that K-1 visa holders who got married (after arriving at POE) are no longer valid K-1 visa holder because they are no longer a fiance. This is not true. K-1 visa holder will not change your status as K-1 visa to something else because that is your visa status a K-1 regardless you got married or not.

Anyway, to prevent all this headache. Have your fiancee go to SSA local office 10 days after arriving at POE.

Wait until he gets his SSN card with correct name before getting married.

Get married.

Try to get DMV Photo ID or DMV Non-Driver's license - this is state specific but try anyway (used for Idenfication purposes).

Get all AOS documents ready and submit.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

on the K-1 visa, once steven is here, do we have to apply for his social security number first, or can we go get the marriage license first - asking because I'm going to be changing my last name, and it would be nice to streamline things into as few trips as possible. I would like to take care of my name change there while he applies for his SSN.

thanks!

My opinion is get a marriage license by showing his passport as photo id. Marry. Wait on your certified marriage certificate. Go to SS office and apply for his card and change your name (showing marriage certificate) in one trip to the office. If your weddding will be soon after his entrry, that should work out fine. His eligibility to get a SS card has a window that closes 2 weeks before his I-94 expires so don't wait too long.

[Haarp425 26]

K-1 visa holder are entitled to SSN card and marriage will change the K-1 visa status of an individual.

Correction: K-1 visa holder are entitled to SSN card and marriage will NOTchange the K-1 visa status of an individual.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Technically, you don't have to wait 10 days to apply for SSN card after arriving at POE.

Technically you never HAD to wait 10 days. It's just something that's suggested so that you don't have to wait for manual verification because after 10 days you're supposed to be registered on the SAVE system. Manual verification can take 3+ weeks which is why if you CAN avoid it, it's best to. It took almost 2 months for me to get my SSN fixed (updated after name change and GC registered).

Thank you for the link though, it's always interesting to read their rules.