Social Security Number headache and questions.

[MattandMolly 0]

Hi All,

So i've been in the US since 15th November 2012 and after reading the advice on VJ it seemed that it would be fairly straight forward to get a SSN. Although after reading a whole load of posts and the social security website now i'm unsure and need some guidance from the knowledgeable folk out there! So I know that I had to wait 2 weeks before I apply for the SSN so that it gives it time for me to show on the system, i'm male so I dont have to worry about change of surname. Our marriage isn't until Jan 12th so this leaves me in a predicament after reading the SSA website about getting a SSN in regard to that I haven't or can't file my AOS and EAD until we get married. Please see below copied from the SS-5 form:

Evidence of Immigration Status

You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you may need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a letter authorizing employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1). We CANNOT accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., we can issue you a Social Security card only if you need the number for a valid non-work reason. Your card will be marked to show you cannot work and if you do work, we will notify DHS. See page 3, item 5 for more information.

and...

5. 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.

So, technically at this moment I am NOT eligible to work until I get my EAD but I will be as soon as I have it. It seems to me that they want you to supply proof of that eligibility also? Therein lies my question, what do I do? I'd like to get my SSN asap but i'm unsure of which box to tick having read other threads. Also, i'm taking it I don't have to include my parents names on the form as neither of them are or have been US citizens?

Many thanks to anyone who can help!!

Matt

[Enigma11561 336]

Even though you are not yet married you can apply for a SS card based upon the I94 in your passport. When issued it will have " not authorized to work per DHS". After you are married you apply for AOS ( to include your EAD/AP). When you receive your EAD,you are now able to work and can go back to the SS office to have that disclaimer removed and a new card issued.

When you go to the office you will fill out a very short form. It will ask about your parents names. Does not matter if they are citizens or reside here. Get the form, it is self explanatory.

Edited December 4, 2012 by Enigma11561

[MattandMolly 0]

Many thanks for the quick reply, I think the short form you are referring to is the ss-5 form that I am filling out from the ssa website? I'm just wondering from what you are saying that I can put a cross in the box of "Legal alien eligible to work" but they will put that phrase re: the DHS and not able to work until i visit the SS office with my EAD, is that correct?

Thanks again.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

For SSA you are in "legal alien allowed to work" although you are not... It's dumb.

I suppose I could make an argument that you are allowed to apply for work authorization, which you are (even before marriage but it's only good for the time your I-94 is valid and it takes about 3 months to get approved, so you do the math about how useless it is), but it really just boils own to SSA needing you to be in that category so they can push buttons.

Good luck.

[KrystelKyle 16]

Hi All,

So i've been in the US since 15th November 2012 and after reading the advice on VJ it seemed that it would be fairly straight forward to get a SSN. Although after reading a whole load of posts and the social security website now i'm unsure and need some guidance from the knowledgeable folk out there! So I know that I had to wait 2 weeks before I apply for the SSN so that it gives it time for me to show on the system, i'm male so I dont have to worry about change of surname. Our marriage isn't until Jan 12th so this leaves me in a predicament after reading the SSA website about getting a SSN in regard to that I haven't or can't file my AOS and EAD until we get married. Please see below copied from the SS-5 form:

Evidence of Immigration Status

You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you may need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a letter authorizing employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1). We CANNOT accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., we can issue you a Social Security card only if you need the number for a valid non-work reason. Your card will be marked to show you cannot work and if you do work, we will notify DHS. See page 3, item 5 for more information.

and...

5. 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.

So, technically at this moment I am NOT eligible to work until I get my EAD but I will be as soon as I have it. It seems to me that they want you to supply proof of that eligibility also? Therein lies my question, what do I do? I'd like to get my SSN asap but i'm unsure of which box to tick having read other threads. Also, i'm taking it I don't have to include my parents names on the form as neither of them are or have been US citizens?

Many thanks to anyone who can help!!

Matt

I went to the Social Security Office today and to what I've highlighted above are the most important to bring and your passport. Depends on how you enter or immigration status in the US. If you enter US with K1 VISA Bring Documents such as birth cert,1-94 and passport. When I was there earlier at the local social security office I brought the filled up form but they didn't ask for it. They only want to see my I-551 and passport and handed me a letter stating that I will receive my Social Security card in the mail within 2weeks.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

i'm male so I dont have to worry about change of surname.

What does the fact that you have a ####### (hopefully) have to do with you choosing to change your name or not? Is a 'gina required for that in Wales? Here in the Land of the Brave and Free (so they say) it's an option for any person to change or adapt their name to that of their spouse, regardless of their gender.

[MattandMolly 0]

Thanks all, I appreciate the useful replies and am going to head to the social security office tomorrow and get it all sorted.

Regards