Social Security Number and Work Permit

[C&F 0]

Hello Fellow Visa Journey Members,

Not sure if this is the correct sub, if it isn't, just let me know and I'll post in the appropriate place.

My fiancee (now wife) arrived here last month on a K1 visa. We were married right away, and now we are about to mail off her AOS paperwork. We are pretty clear on everything except for a couple of things.

Obtaining a social security Number:

We went to the SS office here in LA, and a rep. told us that she cannot obtain a social security # until she has a valid reason for needing one; such as bringing in the permission to work here in the States.

This confuses us, because different people have told us that all she would need to get a SS# here in the states is a valid I-94 (which we do have of course).

Does anyone know which is the correct information? Can you get a SS# with an I-94 or do you need to wait until the USCIS grants work authorization to get a SS#?

Also, the work authorization.

Once the paperwork is filed and the work authorization is being processed, is my wife able to look for work if she tells her work authorization should be coming soon? Assuming she can get a SS# with an I-94? Or does she have to wait until the work authorization actually comes before she can seek employment?

Sorry for the wall of text, but we are just trying to get some facts straight and are trying to avoid calling any of the department offices and going though the grueling holding process.

Thanks!

[Boiler 45,558]

She should have applied for a SSN first thing, but EAD takes 80 days or so, no harm putting out feelers now.

[Him and Her 1]

When she gets the work authorization, she needs to go back to SS office and request a SS number that time, they will give it to her right away because she will say is for work.

The SS will igonre the I-94, that is just to entry into the US.

[celeste15 2]

You can get your SS number without the work authorization. I got my SS a month after I moved and before I even filled the AOS.

The card will say only that it's not valid for work unless with a work authorization.

I'm still waiting for my EAD but i started looking for work last week, the people that call back I inform them I'm waiting fr the EAD

[Hypnos 6,576]

A K-1 is entitled to a social security number as a matter of course, they don't need to be married or have any other special considerations. The only proviso is that the K-1 needs to have at least 14 days of validity left on their I-94; provided they do then they can obtain a social security number.

You may wish to print out the following: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211530 which specifically states a K-1 is entitled to an SSN without needing an EAD first (you just can't work without one).

Ask for a supervisor at the SSA if they still give you hassle about this; unfortunately, many of them are clueless regarding this specific issue.

As for your other question, you can look for work and even interview if you wish, but you cannot actually start working until your EAD is in your hands.

Edited January 26, 2014 by Hypnos

[C&F 0]

Thanks all for the info. We will proceed according to all the feedback here.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based to Social Security Numbers - topic is SSN ~