Pre-Existing SSN# Query

[Ladie of the Bees 0]

Hello all!

Hoping that someone on here can offer me some guidance as I have been unsuccessful in finding the answer for myself.

I used to live in the U.S. on an F-1 visa (went to uni there) and during that time I was given a Social Security Number. I was only allowed to work on campus as I believe there were some restrictions due to my F-1 status, but I don't remember all of the details of it. But I still have a SSN and as far as I understand, you only get issued one. We filled it out on the I-129F but now I'm wondering if that was the right thing to do.

Does anyone know if I will need to apply for a new one? Or if I don't have to do anything other than get an EAD? Is it worth going to the SSN when I get there?

Any help or advice appreciated!

-Rhi

[Lainie B 465]

You will keep the same number. The number is yours for life. You may need to go to the SSA and update the status of your number.

What does the SS card say? Does it say "Valid for work only with DHS authorization" or something similar?

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers ~

[h13rma 35]

Yes right thing to do, its your number for life.

[Ladie of the Bees 0]

You will keep the same number. The number is yours for life. You may need to go to the SSA and update the status of your number.

What does the SS card say? Does it say "Valid for work only with DHS authorization" or something similar?

Yes that's what it says! I'm guessing a trip to the SSA would still be in order then... possibly not till after we get married so I can update my name at the same time? A little bit worried about it to be honest as I always had such problems with on the F-1 but I suppose only time will tell...

[Lainie B 465]

Yes that's what it says! I'm guessing a trip to the SSA would still be in order then... possibly not till after we get married so I can update my name at the same time? A little bit worried about it to be honest as I always had such problems with on the F-1 but I suppose only time will tell...

You should go to SSA when you get married and have the EAD in hand to get a card with your new name (same number).

You'll need to go again when you have your GC in hand to get the "valid for work..." (again, same number).

It's nothing to worry about, in fact you are a bit better off than most people who arrive without a number and have to deal with getting a new number on top of everything else.

[N&S 32]

If that eases your mind: I had the same scenario, SSN from when I was here as I student, listed it as my SSN in my documents when applying for K1 and everything went smoothly. After the wedding I went with my passport, my SSC, my wedding certificate and if I remember correctly my NOA1 for AOS to the social security office and they issued me a new card (still with the same restriction) without any issues.

Worst case scenario from what I've read here is that they don't want to do anything until you have greencard in hand (or I guess at least EAD) but since you can't work until you have the work permit anyway that shouldn't cause too much trouble.

Don't fret about it - you'll be fine!

[Ladie of the Bees 0]

Thank you everyone for the insight! Feeling much more positive about this aspect of it now

[Darnell 8,478]

you have the same # for life, but status for usage is held.

How to update that status? Go into SSA office 2 weeks after POE date, and talk with a clerk, showing yer passport and the K-1 visa stamp.