K1 and SSN before marriage

[Jwen 4]

Hi again y'all..

What does the term Eligible to work mean...I ask this because if a K1 can apply for an SSN prior to marriage based on the immigrant status which implies Alien allowed to work, why then would we need to apply for an EAD if we are already allowed to work.

Would this not then imply that K! can work without an EAD.

I would like clarification on the matter as my fiancee wants us to got to the SSN office and apply prior to getting married. However, having been told I need an EAD on the phone from an SSN employee i don;t want to go there and look stupid.

Thanks

[ricnally 258]

You need an EAD or Green Card to work. Where are you seeing "Eligible to work"?

[danver 15]

Hi again y'all..

What does the term Eligible to work mean...I ask this because if a K1 can apply for an SSN prior to marriage based on the immigrant status which implies Alien allowed to work, why then would we need to apply for an EAD if we are already allowed to work.

Would this not then imply that K! can work without an EAD.

I would like clarification on the matter as my fiancee wants us to got to the SSN office and apply prior to getting married. However, having been told I need an EAD on the phone from an SSN employee i don;t want to go there and look stupid.

Thanks

YOu will be able to get an SSN but I doubt you will be able to work unless you have your EAD = Employment Authorization DOcument.

[Jwen 4]

I am seeking to apply for an SSN but the lady at the SSN office says I cant get one in Arkansas without an EAD...In my reading it seems I can get it without an EAD because persons are saying K1 status means Alien eligible for work, so am confused...Thanks

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Hi again y'all..

What does the term Eligible to work mean...I ask this because if a K1 can apply for an SSN prior to marriage based on the immigrant status which implies Alien allowed to work, why then would we need to apply for an EAD if we are already allowed to work.

Would this not then imply that K! can work without an EAD.

I would like clarification on the matter as my fiancee wants us to got to the SSN office and apply prior to getting married. However, having been told I need an EAD on the phone from an SSN employee i don;t want to go there and look stupid.

Thanks

You can apply for SSN before get married because K-1 visa holder is allowed to do so. On SSN card says " valid for work with DHS authorization". When you have your EAD the restriction on SSN is lifted. If you waited until got married and your green card is finally come or EAD at least, I am afraid you can't get W-9 if your future employer asked it from you. Because when I apply W-9 from IRS, they asked my SSN number. Since I did not change yet my maiden name on it even though my EAD with married name, my W-9 came with maiden name instead. The bottom line is, apply SSN as soon as you can before your I-94 is going to expire. Edited September 18, 2014 by Girl from Celebes

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I am seeking to apply for an SSN but the lady at the SSN office says I cant get one in Arkansas without an EAD...In my reading it seems I can get it without an EAD because persons are saying K1 status means Alien eligible for work, so am confused...Thanks

Print this. You need go to the office in person since not all government employees know the rules. K-1 visa holder allows to apply SSN without an EAD.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211530

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

K-1 is allowed to work, but a K-1 is allowed to work with DHS authorization, which is the EAD. You can get your SSN right after arrival, but you cannot use it for employment without first applying for AOS and receiving an EAD. Once the green card is approved, you can get the stipulation removed from the social security card and the EAD is no longer needed.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

You can apply for SSN before get married because K-1 visa holder is allowed to do so. On SSN card says " valid for work with DHS authorization". When you have your EAD the restriction on SSN is lifted.

Having the EAD does not remove the stipulation from the SSN that you must have the SSN and authorization to work. You can get that removed from your SS card once you have a green card and are a permanent resident.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers - topic about SSN~

Edited September 18, 2014 by KayDeeCee

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

I am seeking to apply for an SSN but the lady at the SSN office says I cant get one in Arkansas without an EAD...In my reading it seems I can get it without an EAD because persons are saying K1 status means Alien eligible for work, so am confused...Thanks

Some SSA workers do not know what they are talking about. Getting an SSN is not a state-related thing. It is federal/nationwide.

It usually helps to file for the SSN in your maiden name, even if already married, so that it matches the name in their system. Otherwise, they can sometimes insist you get the EAD in your married name first.

[Jwen 4]

Thanks all. Will visit the office and apply

[Girl from Celebes 588]

K-1 is allowed to work, but a K-1 is allowed to work with DHS authorization, which is the EAD. You can get your SSN right after arrival, but you cannot use it for employment without first applying for AOS and receiving an EAD. Once the green card is approved, you can get the stipulation removed from the social security card and the EAD is no longer needed.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Having the EAD does not remove the stipulation from the SSN that you must have the SSN and authorization to work. You can get that removed from your SS card once you have a green card and are a permanent resident.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers - topic about SSN~

Does it mean that I have to go back again to SSA office for removing the restriction for the third times? Because I have planning to change my maiden name into my married name next week by bringing my EAD.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Does it mean that I have to go back again to SSA office for removing the restriction for the third times? Because I have planning to change my maiden name into my married name next week by bringing my EAD.

You can get the name changed on the SSN with the EAD in your married name. The new card will not come without the 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' though. That can only be removed when you are a permanent resident, or USC of course. You can always wait until you get your green card and change the name then, if you don't want to make another trip just to remove that stipulation.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

You can get the name changed on the SSN with the EAD in your married name. The new card will not come without the 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' though. That can only be removed when you are a permanent resident, or USC of course. You can always wait until you get your green card and change the name then, if you don't want to make another trip just to remove that stipulation.

Thank you for the information and corrected I was wrong. I am learning everyday.

[jxn 86]

You can get the name changed on the SSN with the EAD in your married name. The new card will not come without the 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' though. That can only be removed when you are a permanent resident, or USC of course. You can always wait until you get your green card and change the name then, if you don't want to make another trip just to remove that stipulation.

My wife and I are waiting for our green card interview. She had a Social Security card from before we even met, but after we married and filed for AoS, we decided to update her SS card with her married name so that she could go to the DMV get a state driver license. So as soon as her EAD arrived, we got her a driver license, which ended up being a great decision due to the long and ongoing green card interview wait.

Although it may be annoying to make an addition trip to your local SSA office, I recommend it once you have your EAD in order to get a driver license / ID, get a bank account, work under your new married name, et cetera.