K1 Visa - applying for Social Security Number

[Lisa-O 8]

Hey guys,

I had filed for a K1 Visa, arrived in March, we're married (April), and embarking on the next step of adjusting my status. 6 weeks ago (9 May) I applied for a social security number, 4 weeks before my I-94 was due to expire. Anyway, I haven't received my ss card, so went to my local office today to be told my application hadn't gone through because they hadn't followed up on the paperwork and they can't put the paperwork through again as my I-94 has expired, and they said in not so many words that I shouldn't be here!! I am livid, they have asked me to apply for another I-94 online, but I'm worried that this will affect my adjustment of status, advanced parole, or work visa. Has this happened to anyone - and what did you do...freaking out a bit here, I want to make sure nothing goes wrong!!

Thanks, Lisa

[amberlynnloves 125]

My husband applied for his SSN on January 4 and he didn't receive his until February 20th. Someone had called and said he needed to go to the local office again for an interview for a SSN. But we didn't end up going because we were so busy with wedding stuff. Then it just arrived in the mail one day.

Good luck. I hope everything works out. You can be put on your spouses bank account without a SSN and you really don't NEED one until after AOS anyways for work and such.

Good luck though!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Social Security Numbers forum.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

A K1 can't get an extension on the I-94, like many other visas can. That shows how much she knew about K1. At this point you have to wait for your EAD card which will show you have a year's presence allowed in the US. They need something in writing with a date. Your only thing has expired. That's why we try to encourage people to go to SSA very shortly after they arrive. Then you would have some time to follow up on their lack of following through.

Be warned, they still have to find your name and EAD status in the SAVE database, so wait about two weeks after you get it just to give USCIS time to get your status in the database.

[baron555 934]

Hey guys,

I had filed for a K1 Visa, arrived in March, we're married (April), and embarking on the next step of adjusting my status. 6 weeks ago (9 May) I applied for a social security number, 4 weeks before my I-94 was due to expire. Anyway, I haven't received my ss card, so went to my local office today to be told my application hadn't gone through because they hadn't followed up on the paperwork and they can't put the paperwork through again as my I-94 has expired, and they said in not so many words that I shouldn't be here!! I am livid, they have asked me to apply for another I-94 online, but I'm worried that this will affect my adjustment of status, advanced parole, or work visa. Has this happened to anyone - and what did you do...freaking out a bit here, I want to make sure nothing goes wrong!!

Thanks, Lisa

Should have applied two to three weeks after your POE. Yes now that the I-94 has expired, you have to wait until you receive your GC. Then go apply for the SSN. Not having one has no affect on AOS.

[Darnell 8,478]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

[Lisa-O 8]

The cleric admitted this is their fault...I applied in plenty of time...granted it doesn't affect much, but I want to apply for my driving licence here, which states I need a SSN...it was the manner in which I was spoken to which has made me angry, he implied because the I-94 has expired I should be here, and also asked if I'd left the country at any time. Really unhappy with all of this, I can understand if I'd left this a few days beforehand, but they had a month and all my contact details, and didn't bother once!!! Thanks for the info, I didn't think I could apply for a new I-94, that's why I checked here!!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The cleric admitted this is their fault...I applied in plenty of time...granted it doesn't affect much, but I want to apply for my driving licence here, which states I need a SSN...it was the manner in which I was spoken to which has made me angry, he implied because the I-94 has expired I should be here, and also asked if I'd left the country at any time. Really unhappy with all of this, I can understand if I'd left this a few days beforehand, but they had a month and all my contact details, and didn't bother once!!! Thanks for the info, I didn't think I could apply for a new I-94, that's why I checked here!!

The cut-off date for a SSN is Day 76 in the country. So in fairness, they only had 2 weeks. It sounds like they were needing to do a manual verification which would have taken longer than the two week window you had. Still no excuse for the guy who clearly didn't know his job to treat you rudely.

You wouldn't be able to get a driver license anyway with an expiring I-94. But your EAD should be coming soon and will give you proof of at least a year in the US. Right now you are in that limbo part of a K1 where you are past your 90 day entry the I-94 allows, but have nothing new to show you have legal presence here until your EAD or greencard come.

[Lisa-O 8]

The cut-off date for a SSN is Day 76 in the country. So in fairness, they only had 2 weeks. It sounds like they were needing to do a manual verification which would have taken longer than the two week window you had. Still no excuse for the guy who clearly didn't know his job to treat you rudely.

You wouldn't be able to get a driver license anyway with an expiring I-94. But your EAD should be coming soon and will give you proof of at least a year in the US. Right now you are in that limbo part of a K1 where you are past your 90 day entry the I-94 allows, but have nothing new to show you have legal presence here until your EAD or greencard come.

Thanks Nich-Nick!

The cleric stated they needed a second verification which clears same day, someone didn't go into my file to check it off the list, it had all been approved but expired because they didn't check up on it...anyway it's done now. I'm going in to the SSO tomorrow to show them my receipts from homeland for AOS, AP and work permit and to speak to their manager, as it's a computer says no formality, (still don't think I'll get any joy)...other than that, looks like I'm waiting till I get EAD or GC in 5 weeks (ish)

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hey guys,

I had filed for a K1 Visa, arrived in March, we're married (April), and embarking on the next step of adjusting my status. 6 weeks ago (9 May) I applied for a social security number, 4 weeks before my I-94 was due to expire. Anyway, I haven't received my ss card, so went to my local office today to be told my application hadn't gone through because they hadn't followed up on the paperwork and they can't put the paperwork through again as my I-94 has expired, and they said in not so many words that I shouldn't be here!! I am livid, they have asked me to apply for another I-94 online, but I'm worried that this will affect my adjustment of status, advanced parole, or work visa. Has this happened to anyone - and what did you do...freaking out a bit here, I want to make sure nothing goes wrong!!

Thanks, Lisa

As others posted you can apply for another I-94, but that doesn't matter anyway. You do not need your SSN for anything at this time. Not having it makes no difference when applying for AOS, EAD/AP. Once you apply for AOS your EAD/AP will arrive within 4-8 weeks, you can then go back down to SSA and apply for your SSN if you so choose. Don't stress... its all good.

[Hank_ 9,174]

As others posted you can NOT apply for another I-94, but that doesn't matter anyway. You do not need your SSN for anything at this time. Not having it makes no difference when applying for AOS, EAD/AP. Once you apply for AOS your EAD/AP will arrive within 4-8 weeks, you can then go back down to SSA and apply for your SSN if you so choose. Don't stress... its all good.

I see an OPPS in my previous post! Should read can NOT...

[Lisa-O 8]

Just to give everyone an up to date - so yesterday I went back to the social security office, presenting my receipts for adjustment of status,work permit and advance parole. The cleric took the A number and voila - just like that was told my social security number will be ready the next day...got a call this morning to collect the paper receipt - so I am currently with SSN. This means I can apply for my US driving license...just an FYI for anyone else in the same position Have a great weekend everyone!!!

[shell20 746]

Just to give everyone an up to date - so yesterday I went back to the social security office, presenting my receipts for adjustment of status,work permit and advance parole. The cleric took the A number and voila - just like that was told my social security number will be ready the next day...got a call this morning to collect the paper receipt - so I am currently with SSN. This means I can apply for my US driving license...just an FYI for anyone else in the same position Have a great weekend everyone!!!

I am in the same situation. Arrived here on May 10th, married on May 23rd, applied for social security number on June 13th, so I could get my driving licence. 2 weeks later they told me that it was being chased up. Today I rang and they tell me that in 2 weeks I will be out of status. I am SO angry!! Can't get my driving licence, so I am stuck at home day in day out. I said I want to make a formal complaint and they tell me they are sending my paperwork manually, as the computer wont take it...... Welcome to the USA, how not to make you feel very welcome.

[Lisa-O 8]

I am in the same situation. Arrived here on May 10th, married on May 23rd, applied for social security number on June 13th, so I could get my driving licence. 2 weeks later they told me that it was being chased up. Today I rang and they tell me that in 2 weeks I will be out of status. I am SO angry!! Can't get my driving licence, so I am stuck at home day in day out. I said I want to make a formal complaint and they tell me they are sending my paperwork manually, as the computer wont take it...... Welcome to the USA, how not to make you feel very welcome.

Hey Shell20, sorry to hear you're having problems! My problem was completed in a local Social Security Office, do you think you could go to your local one and speak to someone face to face. My SSN was issued because it was an error on the clerics part, and really they should sort it out for you as you applied well in advance! If you have a driving license from 'home' you can apply for an 'international permit' and use your current driving license for up to a year...google it, as I'm not sure how you get them in the states. It is very frustrating, and yes, I felt as if I was being treated different...it's a struggle, but it definitely feels better once everything is in order! Hope it all works out, and check up on the international permit!

Take care

[Darnell 8,478]

that's kinda cool they went on just receipts,

as the common knowledge bits are either:

1. EAD card in hand or

2. Green Card in hand.

Maybe they were being conciliatory about prior stuff, or maybe something changed with how SAVE authenticates your status.

I am in the same situation. Arrived here on May 10th, married on May 23rd, applied for social security number on June 13th, so I could get my driving licence. 2 weeks later they told me that it was being chased up. Today I rang and they tell me that in 2 weeks I will be out of status. I am SO angry!! Can't get my driving licence, so I am stuck at home day in day out. I said I want to make a formal complaint and they tell me they are sending my paperwork manually, as the computer wont take it...... Welcome to the USA, how not to make you feel very welcome.

If you apply in VISA name, there is no lag . If you applied in married name, it's a boon-doggle. Refer to my prior post here with the link, post #6.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Darnell