Can I get a SS number if I don't have a green card yet? (K1 visa, married already)

[noraj 1]

Hi everyone,

I was advised I have to file for SS number in the same time I file for AOS, however I see many of you here have social security card even before having the green card. When we called the Social Security office they said they are not able to give me a number unless i can prove I'm eligible to work (which I can't yet).

Anything I'm missing here? Is there a way around it? It would be great so I could get a driving licence while I'm waiting for my green card?

Thank you.

Nora

[Hypnos 6,578]

As a K-1 you are eligible to apply for and receive a social security number and card if you have at least 14 days of validity remaining on your I-94.

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

If you do not have at least 14 days remaining on your I-94 then you will require either your EAD or your green card to obtain a social security number.

Whenever you are eligible, take a copy of your I-94, your valid passport containing your K-1 visa, your (long-form) birth certificate, and a completed SS-5 application. If applying without an EAD or green card I would also take a printout of the above linked page, because the SSA is staffed by trained chimps.

[noraj 1]

Thanks so much for the fantastic answer! For some reason I find it very hard to find accurate and straightforward information on any of the official websites (or even on the phone) Thank you again!