Reason for SSN# ?

[PuraVida11 3]

In the K-1 guide on VJ, it's recommended to apply for a SSN approx 2 weeks after POE. I can appreciate why having a SSN would make life easier, since most institutions request it as a primary form of ID. However, in the SS-5 document, it states that:

"If you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work" or "Other," you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit. NOTE: Most agencies do not require that you have a Social Security number. Contact us to see if your reason qualifies for a Social Security number." From: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

Since my alien fiance does not intend to work (nor drive) until after adjusting his status after we marry in a couple months, do we need a SSN? And, if so, what reasons/documentation have you provided as part of your application for SSN, as required based on the above statement?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice!

[Barbara J 115]

In the K-1 guide on VJ, it's recommended to apply for a SSN approx 2 weeks after POE. I can appreciate why having a SSN would make life easier, since most institutions request it as a primary form of ID. However, in the SS-5 document, it states that:

"If you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work" or "Other," you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit. NOTE: Most agencies do not require that you have a Social Security number. Contact us to see if your reason qualifies for a Social Security number." From: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

Since my alien fiance does not intend to work (nor drive) until after adjusting his status after we marry in a couple months, do we need a SSN? And, if so, what reasons/documentation have you provided as part of your application for SSN, as required based on the above statement?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice!

We aliens all need a SSN regardless of what that statement says. You need it for joint bank accounts and so on. Health insurance they all ask for aliens SSN. And yes you can apply for it 2-3 weeks after entry and if married have it in married name for a female.

[Dave&Roza 748]

You need a SSN because most companies ask for it as a form of ID. They may not have a valid or legal reason to require it, but they ask for it. Ever tried to get an apartment or electric service or cable without a SSN? They do not have a legal right to demand it, but they ask for it and if you do not have one it really throws things into a mess. I tried to not give it out a few times and found it is much easier to give in and just give it then to try to get them to change a company policy.

It is up to you as to when you apply for it. Just remember that from day 76 to 90 of the valid period of the I-94 SSA will not issue a SSC until you have GC or EAD in hand. On the SS-5 form you check legal Alien allowed to work when applying for the SSC. If you wait until the GC, you may save yourself the problems other K-1 visa holders have had with untrained SSA employees who do not know their own policies.

Good luck,

Dave

[PuraVida11 3]

Thanks for your responses! So, what I'm hearing, Barbar, is that you didn't give a reason for needing a SSN and weren't asked for one?

Dave&Roza, I see that you said "On the SS-5 form you check legal Alien allowed to work when applying for the SSC." Did you mean that you checked that AFTER applying for AOS, EAD, etc? I didn't think K-1 visas allowed the alien to work until applying for an EAD? We're not getting married until the end of November and will wait to apply for AOS, EAD after that. My fiance's 90 days will be up about 30 days after the wedding (so we won't have his EAD) before the I-94 expires, unfortuantely...

[* Kristin * 49]

You will still check 'allowed to work.'

When your SS card comes, it will be stamped with something that says 'Work with DHS Authorization only' or something of the like. You won't be able to work until EAD.

Thanks for your responses! So, what I'm hearing, Barbar, is that you didn't give a reason for needing a SSN and weren't asked for one?

Dave&Roza, I see that you said "On the SS-5 form you check legal Alien allowed to work when applying for the SSC." Did you mean that you checked that AFTER applying for AOS, EAD, etc? I didn't think K-1 visas allowed the alien to work until applying for an EAD? We're not getting married until the end of November and will wait to apply for AOS, EAD after that. My fiance's 90 days will be up about 30 days after the wedding (so we won't have his EAD) before the I-94 expires, unfortuantely...

[PuraVida11 3]

You will still check 'allowed to work.'

When your SS card comes, it will be stamped with something that says 'Work with DHS Authorization only' or something of the like. You won't be able to work until EAD.

Ok - thanks much!

[Matt & Bing 56]

I think you need 2 SS numbers to file tax returns jointly with your spouse. Filing jointly (even if only one has income) is almost always beneficial.