Applying for SSN - K1 Rhode Island.

[Matt&Sophie 8]

Hey

I arrived in the US last week (11th Sept) on the K1 visa and am getting married to my American better half next Friday (23rd).

I've seen a lot of people advise that you should apply for your SSN in your maiden name and then go get it changed after you're married, however its looking unlikely that we'll get chance to visit the office until after we are married due to my finance's work commitments.

Do you think there will be any problem with this? Is there a specific reason it would be better to apply before?

Also, I keep seeing that you need to prove that you are eligible to work in order to get a SSN but obviously have yet to file my EAD (will file when we send of the AOS paperwork in 2 weeks) Does anybody know of a K1 visa SSN applicant being denied for not providing this?

Thankyou

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

SSA has to find your name in the USCIS's database as a legal entrant. You entered under your maiden name. Your I-94 is in your maiden name. Apply in your maiden name even if you already married so they find you. I wouldn't even bring up marriage or a new name. Just get the card so you have a number. Fix the name later. A K1 is "authorized to work" so put that on the application form. Know that you will need an EAD or greencard before you actually work

[Matt&Sophie 8]

Yeah, we've been looking into this and this that we should be able to get down the day before the wedding to do this, just to be on the safe side, as you said all the paperwork i will need is in my maiden name.

Thanks for your help

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Yeah, we've been looking into this and this that we should be able to get down the day before the wedding to do this, just to be on the safe side, as you said all the paperwork i will need is in my maiden name.

Thanks for your help

They don't know you married if you don't tell them. Apply in the name you used entering the US whether it's before or after the wedding. Anything else can confuse workers who aren't trained well. When your EAD or greencard go through, then the database shows your married name. Easy to fix with Social Security at that time because your immigration record is now in married name. Plus they will also remove the wording stamped on the card saying Valid for work only with DHS authorization. You get a new card with no restriction stamped on it in the new name.