Applying for SSN with name change

[shira 4]

My wife will enter the U.S. on March 7 on a CR1 visa. When we filled out her DS-230, we requested that a SSN be automatically be applied for upon her arrival. But i have a question:

At the POE, will she be given the opportunity to fill out an application for a SSN (Social Security form S-5), or should she bring an already-filled-out S-5 form with her? Or is there an already-filled-out S-5 in the sealed immigration packet the she'll be giving to the immigration agent? (And if so, does she need to tell that person "Here's a replacement S-5?)

I'm asking because I think it will be easier for her if her "American name" is official, and is the name associated with her SSN. And on the S-5, I see that the applicant can specify any name they want (but they also specify their birth name).

Thanks!

[jkelly07 120]

at the poe she won't get the ss-5, wait a few weeks then go to the social security office with your ss-5 and your documents together takes a few weeks to get in the system

[shira 4]

at the poe she won't get the ss-5, wait a few weeks then go to the social security office with your ss-5 and your documents together takes a few weeks to get in the system

Thanks for the reply, but I'm a little confused. On the DS-230, space 43a asks "Do you want the Social Security Administration to assign you a SSN and issue a card?" We answered "Yes." Won't that start an automatic process?

Thanks again!

[Boggy1974 124]

Yes you checked question 43a...In a perfect world that should ensure that your wife's pertinent info get sent to the SS administration and automatically she will get her ss card in the mail. But we are dealing with government bureaucrats who make tons of mistakes, and some even don't do what they are paid to do.

There are plenty horror stories in the forum here where people expected the ss card to be mailed only to wait for months & months without it showing up.

The advice is, when your wife arrives here, give it a few days to a week or two. If the card doesn't show in the mail then you go to your nearest ss office with her requisite documents to apply for one. Good luckà

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Social Security Numbers forum.