When To Apply For SSN

[oliviaalexandra88 9]

Hi, I've been reading up and I got a little confused about when to apply for it. Can I apply right after I arrive? Before getting married? After getting married? When I get my EAD? Before i94 expires?

[Dashinka 24,497]

All of the above are potentials. I would apply once you arrive using your I94 and passport, but if your wedding will be very soon after arrival then you can wait a little and do it then. If you let the I94 expire, then you will need to wait for the EAD to apply. Many people do it soon after arrival since having the SSC can be helpful when setting up bank accounts and getting a driver's license.

Good Luck!

P.S. Don't expect the clerks at the SSA to be experts on immigration rules, so make sure you do your research first before going down.

Edited January 29, 2016 by Bill & Katya

[Tahoma 2,292]

My wife, Chinook, was a K-1er. She applied for a Social Security number about a week after she arrived in the U.S. She received her Social Security card a week or two later.

After we got married and got a copy of our marriage certificate, Chinook went back to the Social Security office and filed for a name change to her married name. She received her new Social card a week or two later.

Note: You can apply for a Social Security number up until two weeks before your I-94 expires.

Note: The clerks at the Social Security office sometimes don't understand the rules regarding K-1ers. If you get stuck with one of them, just ask to speak with a supervisor.

[Roni07 11]

I entered the US as a legal permanent resident a few weeks ago. I've paid the fee and now waiting for green card. Apparently they will also send me a SSN at the same time.

But I went ahead and went to SSN office and applied for one and got it two weeks later. I can't work or open a bank account without a SSN. Still waiting for me green card though it been over 4 weeks now.