social security card with only I94 and EAD from JFK

[korswe 0]

Hi, folks. I have a hypothetical question. Let's say that my swedish fiance comes here as a visitor with a JFK point of entry, where she'll get her I94 card with a EAD stamp on her passport. Would it be possible for her to apply and get a social security card within two weeks of her arrival?

The reason I ask is because I want to add her to my health insurance, which I believe requires her to have a social security number. We plan to have children in the States someday, and it would be nice to have coverage during and after her pregnancy.

Here is the timeline:

Dec 27 2006 - fiance's entry into the US as a visitor - I94 with EAD stamp

(Should she apply for a SS card here?)

Jan 12 2007 - legal marriage

(How about here? would this allow us to get her name changed?)

Late Jan 2007 - Apply for K3 visa while she's here living with me. Get her on my health insurance plan.

Feb 26 2007 - Until K3 issues, she and I move to Sweden - where health care is free. Try to conceive a baby late that year.

Early 2008 - Before the end of the 1st trimester, we move back to US (I'm a US citizen and she'll be a K3 visa holder) and apply for AOS and EAD.

Any suggestions or comments? I would appreciate it.

[misa 2]

Visitors are not allowed employment authorisation. It is only granted to K1 visa holders at JFK.

[korswe 0]

I forgot to mention that I have a home in the States and can have my mail picked up by my brother and send to me in Sweden, so I guess this is ok during the K3 process.

[korswe 0]

That makes good sense. Then, would she be able to get a SS card just after getting married? I looked over the application for a social security card, and it said that as long as an "immigrant" has a I94 or better and a valid foreign passport, it will issue one that isn't allowed for work. I just need to get her a SS number so that I could add her to my health insurance plan.

[kitkat1 5]

Do you mean she is going to enter on a K1? If so, yes, she can get her SSN about two weeks later. If she is entering on a visitor visa, no, she cannot get a SSN or work.

Not all health insurance companies require a SSN, but most require that you are married before they will cover someone.

One other thought you should consider -- you are planning an awful lot. You should know that with immigration, all kinds of things happen - delays, denials, problems, etc. and it is STRONGLY recommended that you make NO plans until you have a visa in hand.

Edited February 26, 2007 by kitkat1

[korswe 0]

Do you mean she is going to enter on a K1? If so, yes, she can get her SSN about two weeks later. If she is entering on a visitor visa, no, she cannot get a SSN or work.

Not all health insurance companies require a SSN, but most require that you are married before they will cover someone.

Are you sure, because according to the Application for Social Security Card, it does not preclude a I94 (visitor) from getting a card for nonworkers. That's ok with us cos she doesn't have to work for a while.

[misa 2]

That makes good sense. Then, would she be able to get a SS card just after getting married? I looked over the application for a social security card, and it said that as long as an "immigrant" has a I94 or better and a valid foreign passport, it will issue one that isn't allowed for work. I just need to get her a SS number so that I could add her to my health insurance plan.

She's doesn't have immigrant status as a visitor.

Maybe someone more knowledgable can chime in as well if there's some sort of loophole.

[korswe 0]

One other thought you should consider -- you are planning an awful lot. You should know that with immigration, all kinds of things happen - delays, denials, problems, etc. and it is STRONGLY recommended that you make NO plans until you have a visa in hand.

Good advice for some, but my situation is pretty cut and dry. I don't think a delay or problems hurts our case cos we'll just stay and live in Sweden until the K3 visa clears. There will not be a denial - I promise you that. I am federal employ without a single criminal record. US doesn't have an "immigration policy" against Sweden.

[misa 2]

I don't really see anything that applies to this situation.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc/oriselfres.htm

If you do not have permission to work

Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

Government benefits or services: If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for a Social Security number only if:

* A federal law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get a particular benefit or service; or

* A state or local law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get general assistance benefits that you already have qualified for.

If you need a number to meet these state or local requirements, you must bring us a letter from the government agency. It must be on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies) and:

* Specifically identify you as the applicant;

* Cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number;

* Indicate that you meet all the agency’s requirements, except having the number; and

* Contain an agency contact name and telephone number.

[korswe 0]

That makes good sense. Then, would she be able to get a SS card just after getting married? I looked over the application for a social security card, and it said that as long as an "immigrant" has a I94 or better and a valid foreign passport, it will issue one that isn't allowed for work. I just need to get her a SS number so that I could add her to my health insurance plan.

She's doesn't have immigrant status as a visitor.

Maybe someone more knowledgable can chime in as well if there's some sort of loophole.

I agree that a visitor does not have an immigration status. Nonetheless, a visitor is entitled to a social security card (Non employment) according to this form: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

[kitkat1 5]

You can try, but it sure looks like she does not qualify.

Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number issued to US citizens, Permanent Residents, and to certain foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria

[korswe 0]

You can try, but it sure looks like she does not qualify.

Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number issued to US citizens, Permanent Residents, and to certain foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria

Thank you all! I got the answer that I've been looking for. You don't need a SS number to get private health insurance. Awesome. You guys are fast! Keep up the good work!

[misa 2]

The form says:

3. If you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work," you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all of the requirements for the U.S. government benefit. NOTE: Not all U.S. State or local benefits are acceptable for non-work SSN purposes. Contact SSA to see if your reason qualifies.

A private health insurance company doesn't fall under federal, state or local government agency.

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

You can try, but it sure looks like she does not qualify.

Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number issued to US citizens, Permanent Residents, and to certain foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria

Thank you all! I got the answer that I've been looking for. You don't need a SS number to get private health insurance. Awesome. You guys are fast! Keep up the good work!

Man, are you in a hurry to get her on your medical insurance. You better check to see if your insurance even will cover her if you aren't married yet... and furthermore, if they will pay for any coverage while living abroad.

Also, why do you want her on your medical if every Swed is covered by national health coverage??? You want to pay for something that she already gets for free? weird

And you are AWFUL confident in USCIS... good for you, but there are surprises at every turn with them. Just because there are no anit-immigration policies with Sweden, doesn't mean its automatic or guaranteed. You have a whole lot of waiting ahead of you.

Edited February 28, 2007 by Nanusia & Lukaszek