Social Security Number

[CharlieTanger 76]

I've been reading all over the forum different answers/responses. I hope someone can provide a solid answer.

When do we apply for a social security number? Before or after marriage? I understand that if we apply after our marriage we can use the name change that way we wouldn't have to go back twice just to change the name.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from Fam.-based AOS to SSN Forum~

~Inquiry about SSN~

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

Even though this guide is a few years old, it's still completely relevant.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

One note on waiting til marriage, etc., or doing it twice... if I were you, I would consider how badly you might need the SSN. If you need it for a job or for establishing a joint bank account or other reasons, then I would apply for SSN as soon as possible even before the name change. Some people are fortunate and sail right through the process. Others encounter delays for many different reasons. If you don't have an urgent reason for having an SSN, then I think waiting until you're married and applying once, makes sense.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I've been reading all over the forum different answers/responses. I hope someone can provide a solid answer.

When do we apply for a social security number? Before or after marriage? I understand that if we apply after our marriage we can use the name change that way we wouldn't have to go back twice just to change the name.

CT--

There are SSA offices all over the country. They aren't immigration specialist or necessarily trained to know what to do with a K1. So if you read experiences people have for a couple of years, you would learn that people are refused for strange and inaccurate reasons. Things like "you got married so you are no longer a K1, but a K3 which is not eligible for a SSN". Or "your married name is not in the database, so you can't have a SSN".

My opinion on the most fool proof way to get the card is go before marriage and apply in the name exactly as it appears on your I-94. That is even if your name is Charlie Ray Smith and your I-94 comes out CharlieRay Smith. Match the database showing your legal entry. Sort the name later. You have a 76 day window to get a SSN as a K1 so don't complicate it with the chance your local office has a clueless worker. Just get the number.

Besides, your K1 issued card will say 'Valid for work only with DHS authorization'. You will want to go back and get a new card without that wording after EAD or greencard. Fix the name at that time since your EAD and greencard will be in your married name.

[Vicha 7]

To avoid any issues with SS office you should apply for number BEFORE marriage. It can be a problem to get it AFTER - different last name in I-94, and some offices treat it like "no more eligible for ss number as K1".. And they can make you wait for EAD card to get ss#.

When you are married, it will be easy to change the last name in social security number. it is better to go there twice, than not to have SS# at all :)

[CharlieTanger 76]

Great information!! Thanks everyone. Now the problem is we're applyin for the marriage license the day after my fiancé arrives. Is it ok to go to the SS office a few days after my fiancé arrives? I heard you have to wait a couple weeks, but we're marrying only a week after arrival.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Great information!! Thanks everyone. Now the problem is we're applyin for the marriage license the day after my fiancé arrives. Is it ok to go to the SS office a few days after my fiancé arrives? I heard you have to wait a couple weeks, but we're marrying only a week after arrival.

Yes, you can go sooner. The wait suggested was when the I-94 was a paper form filled out on the plane. CPB kept half and you got the other half. The CBP half had to be manually entered into the system...name, number and uploaded/downloaded whatever. It is all automated now and comes from scanning your passport at entry.

Even if you go after marriage, just apply in the name on the I-94 and don't mention the marriage or a name change.

[Vicha 7]

As soon as her I-94 is available online and you can SEE this, just print it out and go to SS office :) Sometimes it takes up to 2 weeks -to see the I-94 in the system., sometimes - less. I was able to see my I-94 in 5 days, my son, K2- in two days after arrival. Depends on the POE I guess... So, as soon as she is here, just keep checking on her I-94

You are marrying a week after arrival and that's great!!! . But anyway - get her SS# on her maiden name FIRST. When card is received, take the marriage license, passport and previous card and go back to SS office to apply for another one, with new last name according to your marriage license.

GOOD LUCK !!!! :)

[NickandAngi 8]

Hi there,

I had the best and easiest time applying for a SSN in San Mateo, California. We decided to wait until after the wedding so that we could have the SSN card with my married name. Right after our marriage certificate was issued, I went to the SSA in San Mateo. Ok, I waited for 15 mins but the gentleman I saw offered no resistance to me applying for SSN even though I had arrived on a K1. I had my completed form, copy of my I-94, my passport and marriage certificate. The whole thing took less than 10 mins and I got my card in the post a week later.

Make sure your marriage certificate states your 'single' surname and also your married surname so they can process it properly.

I'm now working on my drivers permit so that it can be with my married name.

It's really not as bad as you think. I was bricking it before, but it turned out to be easy. Good luck

[yuna628 9,676]

Went to SS office before marriage, on exactly ten working days after entry and honestly it was the most fastest experience we've had with a government agency so far. ;-)

We followed the instructions on VJ, and while the lady was initially perplexed with a K1 showing up at our tiny town office, we did have the SSA printout on hand, and when I mentioned that to her, and provided the I94 there was no issues. If your I94 is there and correct, it should be in their system, and you should have no issues.

[CharlieTanger 76]

Went to SS office before marriage, on exactly ten working days after entry and honestly it was the most fastest experience we've had with a government agency so far. ;-)

We followed the instructions on VJ, and while the lady was initially perplexed with a K1 showing up at our tiny town office, we did have the SSA printout on hand, and when I mentioned that to her, and provided the I94 there was no issues. If your I94 is there and correct, it should be in their system, and you should have no issues.

Hi Yuna, what is that SSA printout that I should have?

[asisflyer 47]

Do it before name-change but with a minimum of 10 days after entry... here's why.

SSA will run a query on the SAVE database on the K-1. Not the NIIS.

My experience and grape vine suggest the following:

A. If SAVE database exact match on name/data -- ie. Real-Time Match --> Card in your hands in under 2 weeks (probably get a 2 week letter)

B. If SAVE no-match/mis-match / some issue - Manual Submit and wait -- 2-4 weeks background processing --- over 4 weeks for SSN card.

C. If no SAVE = MANUAL USCIS FORM = wait for even longer than this. Possible revisits. Possible frustration.

SAVE is 10 days for update from a USCIS keystroke by policy. When does USCIS population the K-1 data into SAVE?

Good question --- NO IDEA. Is it there from 10 days after your visa is approved? OR does the CBP POE have to activate the status and does that require a few days for them and then 10 more days to get from USCIS to the SAVE database..... don't know.... so I suggest you error on the side of getting the REAL TIME SAVE MATCH at least for your initial SSN issuance.

Personally I would go for the SAVE Exact Name match (before marriage maybe POE + 14 days as a safety limit) and get the maiden name card with the restricted legend on top just to get the card in fastest time.

Then I'd update with U.S. Marriage Certificate separately (card #2) .... (still restricted legend)

Then I'd remove the legend after the GC is approved (+10 days) - card #3 - with legend removed....

If wife doesn't need US Drivers License, Exchange based healthcare or other thing involving matching SSA data / SAVE data etc.... and your interview date was close enough--I might skip #2....

That all being said:

Motor Vehicles will look to match --- the EAD Card SAVE DATABASE name with the Social Security Card.... ( I realize US Citizens with marriage certificates from in U.S. can often swap surname before to SSA update --- but expect this will vary state to state -- and for immigrants the federal identity standard often prevails (DHS first ).

I have conjected here at times... but I wanted you to visualize what we learned the hard way with 10 days SAVE updated.. and after

several SSA trips.

[Sunya and Tim 55]

I talked to a few other K-1 VJ folks that used the same SSA office since issues seem to be specific to certain locations.

We are in Portland, OR and had no issues applying after marriage. Tim and I went to the same window...he filed for the new card and I changed my name. I asked the gentleman to confirm that Tim was in the SAVE system before we proceeded. I had the application, his I-94, passport, birth certificate and our marriage cert. We were there on Wednesday last week and got it in the mail on Tuesday.

I agree with yuna628...easiest thing we have done so far.

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

If doing the CR 1 spouse visa the easiest way is to answer the question on paperwork that goes to NVC

It says "Do you want Immigration to apply for SS number?

that paperwork goes in your packet when approved and is collected at POE when you arrive

some get the SS number within 10 days of arrival by going this route

[JeffandTanya 30]

As soon as her I-94 is available online and you can SEE this, just print it out and go to SS office :) Sometimes it takes up to 2 weeks -to see the I-94 in the system., sometimes - less. I was able to see my I-94 in 5 days, my son, K2- in two days after arrival. Depends on the POE I guess... So, as soon as she is here, just keep checking on her I-94

You are marrying a week after arrival and that's great!!! . But anyway - get her SS# on her maiden name FIRST. When card is received, take the marriage license, passport and previous card and go back to SS office to apply for another one, with new last name according to your marriage license.

GOOD LUCK !!!! :)

We just went yesterday and applied for a SS#, my fiancee was only here for 6 days. I printed out the USCIS I-94 and travel history from the website, took her passport and went in. The guy tried to say we couldn't get one, but as soon as I showed him the I-94 he started asking information and in the end he said it went through and we should have it in the mail in 7-10 days.