SSN

[jola83 19]

Hi guys ,

Just wanted to thank all my fellow vjers who have been helpful throughout this whole process not to mention you all understood the stress of the wait .

I arrived in colarado springs on Saturday and life is good and I'm settling in just great :-) .getting ready for my family to come visit next Thursday and our wedding on November 23rd.

I'm planning on getting my SSN sometime soon.I was wondering what forms and documents do I need to take with me in order to get it ?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Application http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

Note: On the application for #5, check Legal Alien Allowed to Work

Print out of your I-94 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Passport

Another form of ID or see the form instructions

Apply in the name exactly as written on the I-94

If they say a K1 is not allowed, ask for a supervisor. Some offices aren't too familiar with K1s. Don't give in. You are allowed a SSN based on being a K1.

After you get an EAD card or greencard, you can go back to do two things at the same visit--

1) to get the wording that says you are allowed to work only with DHS authorization removed.

2) change the card to your married name. Take your marriage certificate to show legal name change.

[Dianna. 5]

I was just wondering what the use of getting a SSN is while on a K1? I will be facing that situation soon too.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I was just wondering what the use of getting a SSN is while on a K1? I will be facing that situation soon too.

You can get it through Day 76 after POE. Then the window closes until you get EAD or a greencard, so don't dally around if you want a SSN.

Uses--

You already have it when you get authorized to work, so no delays if you have a job lined up. Nice to be able to give the number to your employer ASAP.

Some banks are persnickety and refuse to let you have a bank account or join in you spouses without a SSN. People post "I can't get a bank account" all the time.

Some apartments won't rent or put you on the lease If you don't have a SSN. Nice to have your name on the lease and a joint bank account if you have an AOS interview as evidence of non-fraud marriage.

Driver license offices require them, but getting a license can be difficult in some states for a K1 before EAD. Again, an additional wait for it after EAD so you can't get on with a driver license.

Some are told "I can't verify your SSN because it is too new". Get it early so it's not so brand new when you need it for work.

And the best reason to get it is because you can. There's not a helluva lot a K1 can do at first. It makes you feel like you are making a bit of progress as a resident of your new home. It doesn't matter if it in in your maiden name. It is the number that counts so learn it from memory. When you go to the bank to open an account, tell them the number. Don't pull out the card. You can be Mary Marriedname on the bank account, with a Social Securit card that says Mary Maidenname.

[Sharkano 13]

Great advice. Nich-Nick -- thanks!

[3SS 0]

Also DO NOT wait until after you are married during the K1 period as they will refuse as you will then be classed as K3 (spouse). I married my fiancée 12 days after POE and we went to the SSN office once we got our marriage certificate and we had decided to do both in one trip. Suffice to say I am now waiting on my work permit so I can get mine.

My own stupid fault I know, just passing it along so no one else makes the same mistake

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Also DO NOT wait until after you are married during the K1 period as they will refuse as you will then be classed as K3 (spouse). I married my fiancée 12 days after POE and we went to the SSN office once we got our marriage certificate and we had decided to do both in one trip. Suffice to say I am now waiting on my work permit so I can get mine.

My own stupid fault I know, just passing it along so no one else makes the same mistake

You got a stupid office. You DO NOT turn into K3. It is a totally different visa. You are a K1.

As I said above, many offices are inexperienced. Usually a supervisor knows better, so don't leave if you have problems. Married K1s get SSNs all the time. My husband did. We married on Day 5. But do not try to get your married name on the card the first go round, even if you are already married. It needs to be issued in the name on your entry...your name at POE. It has to match the USCIS database record of your entry. Just don't even bring up marriage. Fix the name later when you go back to get the "not for work" wording taken off the card.

Anna Grant who posts in the UK forum got a stupid office and was refused on that same K3 story. She went to the next closest office and put in a new application. Got the card easily.

[Anna Grant 169]

Anna Grant who posts in the UK forum got a stupid office and was refused on that same K3 story. She went to the next closest office and put in a new application. Got the card easily.

Yes, this is my tale - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/442017-ssn-told-i-cant-apply-for-one-as-married-on-k1-visa/

[nobbie 105]

I got married first and had no issues, I took passport, I-94, and marriage cert. I also took, just in case, the document that is recommended in the SSN guide which shows which classes of visa can apply for an SSN and it shows a K1 can. I did not need it but took it in case i got a dork at the office.

I went in Thursday and my card arrived on the following Monday.

The stuff about turning in to a K3 is nonsense.

[Tracey&Greg 35]

From our personal experience my hubby is here on K1 and he got his social security card in no time, he had to bring with him was his passport and 1-94. Just that simple. Only problem we have now is they misspelled his first name by switching two letters *doh*. How it got passed Homeland Security is beyond me. I hope we get it sorted soon.

[Mcbride260808 1]

I got married first and had no issues, I took passport, I-94, and marriage cert. I also took, just in case, the document that is recommended in the SSN guide which shows which classes of visa can apply for an SSN and it shows a K1 can. I did not need it but took it in case i got a dork at the office.

I went in Thursday and my card arrived on the following Monday.

The stuff about turning in to a K3 is nonsense.

Hi Nobbie - did you go to the office in Baltimore? I ask as we will be living in baltimore - and getting married in Annapolis

[nobbie 105]

Hi Nobbie - did you go to the office in Baltimore? I ask as we will be living in baltimore - and getting married in Annapolis

Hi McB, I was living in Baltimore but we have moved to Annapolis so I went to the Annapolis office. Its just off route 50, easy to find, right opposite a marriot hotel and loads of parking. I would recommend going there as there were no queues, I was in and out in about 10-15 mins. I would imagine a city office would be more crowded and you may have problems, in the office i went to it was a doddle.

Here is a link to the office site showing opening hours, location etc.

http://socialsecurityhop.com/offices/social-security-office-annapolis-md-21403-maryland

[Azsara 110]

Hmm I have filled out the form in my new MARRIED name, and put my maiden name as a previous name, attaching my marriage cert as proof. Steve was supposed to be taking this to the SS office tomorrow. Now thinking I should have just applied for it in my maiden name. Will they point blank refuse it in my married name? Also, does anyone know if Steve (my husband) can hand this in for me or do I have to be there?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hmm I have filled out the form in my new MARRIED name, and put my maiden name as a previous name, attaching my marriage cert as proof. Steve was supposed to be taking this to the SS office tomorrow. Now thinking I should have just applied for it in my maiden name. Will they point blank refuse it in my married name? Also, does anyone know if Steve (my husband) can hand this in for me or do I have to be there?

Every office has a different skill level, but the safest way to actually get a SSN is maiden name, no marriage certificate, and in person. Then sort the name later becaue you need to go back to update your status as a permanent resident anyway. (Another FYI is update status with the SSA. If you become a US citizen. A lot of people don't know that)

Edited November 11, 2013 by Nich-Nick