Not eligible for SSN with VWP?

[HazelTove 0]

We got married and went to the SS office to get a SSN before the I-94 expires this week but they said I wasn't eligible for a SSN because I don't have the right visa status? I came over here on an ESTA visa waiver as a tourist and I thought, from what I read, I could get a SSN with my digital I-94. But the SS said I'm not eligible, is this correct? If I'm not eligible for a SSN how/when can I obtain one?

We want to put me on my husbands health care and bank account both of which ask for a SSN. We're sending off our paperwork before the visa waiver expires but it also asks for SSN on a lot of the other forms. I believe it's fine to leave those empty but we'd rather not wait months to add me on his Health Care, what if something happens?

Edited May 8, 2016 by HazelTove

[Hypnos 6,578]

Correct. Tourists are not eligible for SSNs.

You would need to file for AoS and then once you had your EAD would then be able to obtain a SSN.

You would need to contact the relevant insurance company and ask if they will accept alternate identification. In the beginning they will usually insist on an SSN, but you can often talk them down to something like a passport number.

Edited May 8, 2016 by Hypnos

[Transborderwife 4,666]

They are correct. Que sera sera

[HazelTove 0]

Ah well, will just have to wait for the EAD and hope we can talk to the HC people. That's unfortunate though! Thanks for the replies

[yuna628 9,747]

You are not SSN eligible, since you arrived as a tourist, until you obtain an EAD (if you filed for it with the AOS). However, not having an SSN is not a barrier to obtaining health insurance. Unfortunately you are entering the domain of people that often don't have a cluephone about the insurances they represent.

[tiroloca 0]

Im in the same boat them you and my husband got me in both bank and insurance with my passport and my drivers license....explain your case and they may help....good luck.

[aaron2020 11,651]

We got married and went to the SS office to get a SSN before the I-94 expires this week but they said I wasn't eligible for a SSN because I don't have the right visa status? I came over here on an ESTA visa waiver as a tourist and I thought, from what I read, I could get a SSN with my digital I-94. But the SS said I'm not eligible, is this correct? If I'm not eligible for a SSN how/when can I obtain one?

We want to put me on my husbands health care and bank account both of which ask for a SSN. We're sending off our paperwork before the visa waiver expires but it also asks for SSN on a lot of the other forms. I believe it's fine to leave those empty but we'd rather not wait months to add me on his Health Care, what if something happens?

As a visitor, you are not eligible to work so you are not eligible for an SSN.

To get an SSN, you need to file for AOS and the EAD/AP card. With the EAD card authorizing you to work, you can ten obtain an SSN.

Talk to the insurer, there are alternative ways to add you to your husband's policy without an SSN.

[C&I 18]

We got married and went to the SS office to get a SSN before the I-94 expires this week but they said I wasn't eligible for a SSN because I don't have the right visa status? I came over here on an ESTA visa waiver as a tourist and I thought, from what I read, I could get a SSN with my digital I-94. But the SS said I'm not eligible, is this correct? If I'm not eligible for a SSN how/when can I obtain one?

We want to put me on my husbands health care and bank account both of which ask for a SSN. We're sending off our paperwork before the visa waiver expires but it also asks for SSN on a lot of the other forms. I believe it's fine to leave those empty but we'd rather not wait months to add me on his Health Care, what if something happens?

When we wanted to open a joint bank account, some banks refused because I didn't have a SSN at that time (you need to have EAD to apply for SSN). You need to continue the search, some banks will allow you to be on the same bank account as your husband.

For the health care, I guess it also depends on the health care company. Your husband should talk to them and see if you can be covered without having the ssn.

[newacct 688]

Lots of foreigner spouses don't have SSNs and are added to insurance fine. For example, H1b workers' spouses on H4 cannot generally get SSNs, but generally get added to their spouses' company insurance fine. There is no reason an SSN is required.

[Elf 146]

Lots of foreigner spouses don't have SSNs and are added to insurance fine. For example, H1b workers' spouses on H4 cannot generally get SSNs, but generally get added to their spouses' company insurance fine. There is no reason an SSN is required.

Agreed 100%, although HR isn't always aware of that so it can sometimes take a few phonecalls up the chain of command to get it sorted out.