SSN trouble after marraige

[jim&nay 1]

Dear all

There is a lot of conflicting information on the forums on here (or maybe I am not comprehending - or the search function isnt very good!)

How ever can anyone please help me regarding my acquision of an SSN

After POE, We were to marry 16 days later. Therefore I didnt see the point in going to get a SSN after 14 days, to then return after two days to change my name. In my many consulants to this site, I somehow thought this was the easiest way to get my SSN.

So on the same day I went to NYC city Clerk office and got marrage certificate and duplicates, and then wandered over to Federal Plaza to get an SSN number. After waitng 45mins the lady behind the desk said I couldnt apply for an SSN and officialy I was no longer K1 becuase I was married (and i did fill in my SSN form with my new name), so my 1-94 was invalid. She told me to go down to immigrations on teh first floor and speak to them.

The guy there didnt really seem to know what to do, and kept telling me SSN was a different organisation. He seemed to think that either I had to wait until I had recieved my EAD (unthinkable) or at the very least the letter you received from immigration informing you your application has been received - apparently this would label me "Pending Temporary Permanent Resident".

I said I need my SSN to be covered on my Husbands medical insurance and it was unthinkable that I had to wait up to 90 days for this, he kinda shrugged and said he didnt know!!!!!

So after reading some thinsg on here, some people had copied and pasted a lot of text on the forums which doesnt really answer my question...

Do I have to wait for EAD now I didnt apply for SSN in my K1 Status???

If not, what do I need to talk with me to SSN to bloody prove to them I can get one.

Or, should have I have got it with my maiden name (I mean if this is the case thats outrageous to be honest, and i cannot believe that as a K1 visa immigrant I would have not been informed that this is the case by immigration, and also my past posts ive put on here - no one warned me this could happen?)

Please please help!

Nadine

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Nadine--

SS Adminiistration is a different government entity. They don't coordinate with each other that well so you jump through different hoops. And SSA offices have workers that aren't always knowledgeable about all the nuances of immigration. So on VJ you will find people who were refused a SSN because they were told K1 is never eligible, some who had no problem getting it after marriage, and some who are told what you were. My personal opinion is get it immediately in the maiden name, which will match your name in the SAVE database and I-94. Then just use the number. It will never change no matter how many times you change your name. The first card will have "not authorized to work" type wording on it. Once the greencard is received, then go back to SSA and order a new card without that wording and with the new name. There's no time urgency to do either change because it's having the number, not the physical card that's important.

Asking for a supervisor at the SSA office might solve your problem. Or another office might be better informed. Have you read the VJ guide on SSN? http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Also many SSN discussions are in a different forum Working & Traveling During US Immigration. Try trolling through there. Member 'I Quit' is the expert on Social Security. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/115-working-traveling-during-us-immigration/

Edited October 24, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[jim&nay 1]

Thanks Nich-Nick

V knowledgeable as always.

well as i am already married, do i just go in "without" my marraige certificate just to obtain a number??? I could actually do this by mail? Else I have to hike down the office and play swings and roundabouts to see which member of staff is most knowledgeable?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks Nich-Nick

V knowledgeable as always.

well as i am already married, do i just go in "without" my marraige certificate just to obtain a number??? I could actually do this by mail? Else I have to hike down the office and play swings and roundabouts to see which member of staff is most knowledgeable?

By mail doesn't work. Going with your passport and I-94 and applying in that name might be a good solution. If they say a K1 isn't eligible refer them to that document the VJ SSN guide links to. Ask to see a supervisor if that doesn't work. Some people are easily accepted with K1 and under the new married name, but others have met resistance on the part of the worker. Sometimes the reason is they have to give it in the exact name on the I-94. That's the reason I think in the maiden name seems a little easier--just because of the workers training.

As far as the actual card and the name on it, you will hardly ever have to show the card. I haven't seen my card in decades. Maybe a driver's license office would want to see it for your first license. Memorize the number and then verbally tell those that require the number or fill it in on their form. You will want your name correct in SSA records by retirement and perhaps for income tax filing but getting a number soon and sorting names after the greencard works. Even income tax doesn't seem too bothered with names and numbers. I read an article about undocumented workers with fake social security numbers. Sometimes as many as 25 workers all used the same SSN at their different jobs and each filed their taxes under that same number. Sheesh! How does that happen?? An example of how IRS and SSA and immigration aren't too bothered with each other's business.

[jim&nay 1]

thanks very much for your help Nich-Nick!