social security card

[vicks5721 18]

I am unsure if this is in the right forum so please admin move it if it is not. Anyway I have been in America 2 weeks today, I came on a k1 visa and we haven't got married yet but we are in a couple if weeks time. Anyway I was reading on the social security website that you can't get a SSC/N if you haven't got authorisation to work.. which I won't get until I have my EAD of course. The dilemma is my fiance called our local bank what is needed for me to get a bank account and they said a SSN. Which is odd as the SS website says for things like bank, medical and to study you don't usually need one. We would like to use the local bank for our reasons, what is everyone else's experiences of SS? Can the bank ask for a SSN and can I apply for SSN when we get married without work authorisation? Also I had a SSN four years ago when I was an au pair J1 visa and I wonder if the old number will still be valid and assigned to me still..I know I definitely need a replacement SS card for sure.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

K-1 visa holder is entitled to apply SSN card even before get married and apply for AoS. As long as your I-94 still valid, you should be just fine.

And yes, your SSN is valid for the rest of your life. No need to apply again.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Girl from Celebes

[charmed2006 31]

I am unsure if this is in the right forum so please admin move it if it is not. Anyway I have been in America 2 weeks today, I came on a k1 visa and we haven't got married yet but we are in a couple if weeks time. Anyway I was reading on the social security website that you can't get a SSC/N if you haven't got authorisation to work.. which I won't get until I have my EAD of course. The dilemma is my fiance called our local bank what is needed for me to get a bank account and they said a SSN. Which is odd as the SS website says for things like bank, medical and to study you don't usually need one. We would like to use the local bank for our reasons, what is everyone else's experiences of SS? Can the bank ask for a SSN and can I apply for SSN when we get married without work authorisation? Also I had a SSN four years ago when I was an au pair J1 visa and I wonder if the old number will still be valid and assigned to me still..I know I definitely need a replacement SS card for sure.

I and my then fiance opened a joint account with Bank of America and there was no requirement for SSN. From other threads, it seems that every bank has its own rules and requirement.

I applied for my SSN with only my I-94, passport and marriage license (as I wanted it under my married name). It all went well, I got my card within 3 working days.

SSN is issued once only for lifetime use. So I suggest to visit SSA and they will be able to help you with just a new card with your old number.

I hope this help. Or other senior members can help you. Goodluck! and congrats on your upcoming wedding

[VOL 425]

Banks have different requirements for opening accounts, varies from bank to bank.

I would just request a copy of you SS Card, it sure makes life easier having it....

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I and my then fiance opened a joint account with Bank of America and there was no requirement for SSN. From other threads, it seems that every bank has its own rules and requirement.

I applied for my SSN with only my I-94, passport and marriage license (as I wanted it under my married name). It all went well, I got my card within 3 working days.

SSN is issued once only for lifetime use. So I suggest to visit SSA and they will be able to help you with just a new card with your old number.

I hope this help. Or other senior members can help you. Goodluck! and congrats on your upcoming wedding

Yes, each bank has their own requirement. USAA asked SSN and some other docs and I won't get my own account until I became a legal permanent resident.

[clairegie 265]

Like Celebes said, as long as your have a valid i94, you can get an SSN under your maiden name and just change it later

[xjoseyx 19]

Seriously, apply for your SSN in your maiden name. I applied for mine in my married name and it took me 12 weeks to get it! My husband was able to add me to his Bank of America account with no SSN.

[vicks5721 18]

Thank you everyone that is really helpful.. it is easier to get a reply on here than it is from social security as I emailed them and still no answer. I dont like phone calls much and I knew I would be put on hold anyway.

We will get married first and then I apply for the replacement of my social security card in my new surname. Then we will apply for a bank account at Star Bank. Thank you I didn't realise banks have different policies that does make sense.

I have one more question, can you just turn up at the social security office to apply or do you need to book an appointment?

I can't remembered what happened last time 4 years ago as my host family at the time just took me there one day. I will bring my I94 passport and marriage license with me when I do go.

[vicks5721 18]

I know I can't ask for an exact copy of my old SSC though as it says the address I had in Colorado at the time when I was there on J1 visa. Also because with K1 fiance visa you can't work until I have EAD, I will need my card to say "not authorised to work under DHS" as my old one says can work when I was an au pair. So of course I am going to need to fill in an application form and kind of start again but be given same SS number.

Edited April 8, 2015 by vicks5721

[LDN2NYC 11]

I opened an account at Bank of America with just my British passport, they didn't need anything else. However you can't get credit cards or anything other than just basic accounts. It was quick and I got temporary card to use, my other card came in the post soon after.

Edited April 16, 2015 by LDN2NYC