SSN time limit before EAD

[catheaven 3]

Eep. I'm scrambling to get some evidence of a legitimate marriage together for our AOS interview. I've been hoping I'd have gotten my EAD earlier so I could bring that to the Social Security office but I'm out of luck. The bank tells me that I need my SSN to have my name added to my husband's account.

So I am now looking to get my SSN regardless of EAD or not. I see now, after reading through the forum, that EAD wasn't needed to begin with. Fair enough. But in one post I saw the disappointing words: 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.

I don't know where the above information is actually stated outside of the forum.

My I-94 'expired' two months ago. Is it still possible for me to get an SSN before I get my EAD?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No. A K-1 can get a SSN with a valid I-94 (at least two weeks left). But now that your I-94 is expired, you've missed this "window," so an EAD is required.

The IO who interviews you will understand that you are newlyweds and might not have a lot of evidence. Good luck.

Edited October 6, 2011 by Harpa Timsah

[catheaven 3]

Thank you for your prompt response!

Edited October 6, 2011 by catheaven

[Inky 1,110]

Nope no ssn without a valid I-94. You will just have to wait. SSN is like a life line in the USA, you need it for just about everything.

[catheaven 3]

Does it seem 'worth it' to try to apply for an ITIN? I mean, it would have to be processed pretty darn quickly for it to be of any use to me (3 weeks).

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No, just tell the IO you haven't gotten a SSN yet if s/he asks why you don't have a joint account.