K-1 to apply for SSN

[Scandi 4,166]

I've read the VJ guide on how to obtain a SSN as a K-1 holder and I don't really understand all of it. I've read on official SSN sites that I can only apply for a SSN when I'm allowed to work (which I'm not as I just arrived in the US two days ago), but VJ says you can? I don't understand how this works. I also checked something that I believe was the SAVE database and I'm not in it, am I supposed to be? What if I'll never be registered in there?

I was thinking of heading to the closest SS office today but this seems much harder than I thought it would be, I assume I will have to wait until I get the EAD/AP card?

[Georgia16 2,858]

You're fine just go to the SSN Office with your documents and you'll be fine.

[Scandi 4,166]

Also, in the VJ guides it says that I should print the loooong RM 10211.530 page too, as if that's some kind of proof that K-1s are allowed to get a SSN. But right where it says "K-1" it also says "Legal alien allowd to work", which means that I as a K-1 holder am not allowed to get a SSN yet as I'm not allowed to work. So how does this text help me at all in this..? I'm so confused.

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Hi and welcome to the US. You can indeed apply for a SS number before you get your EAD and indeed before you get married. All you need is a printed copy of your I-94, your passport and Visa, and your birth certificate. Your SSN will not allow you to work but it is vital in setting up a bank account or being added to your spouses account. Once you get your EAD you will then be all set to work.

I got my SSN about 2 weeks after arriving in the country and it took ten days to arrive in the post.

[Scandi 4,166]

Thank you Georgia. I will give it a try then and see what happens.

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Also, in the VJ guides it says that I should print the loooong RM 10211.530 page too, as if that's some kind of proof that K-1s are allowed to get a SSN. But right where it says "K-1" it also says "Legal alien allowd to work", which means that I as a K-1 holder am not allowed to get a SSN yet as I'm not allowed to work. So how does this text help me at all in this..? I'm so confused.

I printed that out but tbh it caused more confusiopn than help as its an internal SS document and they had no idea how or where I got from and were more interested in that than what it said lol.

[Scandi 4,166]

Thank you so much, Nathan&Emily. I will just go there and see if I have any luck, it's more or less around the corner anyway.

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Thank you so much, Nathan&Emily. I will just go there and see if I have any luck, it's more or less around the corner anyway.

If its anything like mine get there by 8:15 ish. Theres always a huge queue even that early and it takes an hour or so. Get there much later and you could be looking at a 5-6 hour wait to see someone. (in my SS office anyway)

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Take I-94, passport with visa and go to SS office to apply

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/614263-clarifications-on-ssn-and-getting-married/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/612348-ssn-for-aos/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/614528-ead-n-ssn-and-work/

or

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn this guide is helpful

Edited October 26, 2016 by LionessDeon

[lacolinab13 86]

Yes, I agree, bring your passport and I-94. My husband did not need his birth certificate. You can print out the application and fill it out at home, and bring it with you, or they have a bunch at the office. Just make sure to have filled out the application before they call your number so as not to waste time. My husband and I went the day after he arrived on his K1, no problem. He got the card a week later.

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Yes, I agree, bring your passport and I-94. My husband did not need his birth certificate. You can print out the application and fill it out at home, and bring it with you, or they have a bunch at the office. Just make sure to have filled out the application before they call your number so as not to waste time. My husband and I went the day after he arrived on his K1, no problem. He got the card a week later.

They didn't take my application at all. And took a copy of BC so best to take it just in case.

[Scandi 4,166]

Thank you, all. Just filling out the form and I don't know what applies to me.. is it "Legal alien allowed to work" or "not allowed to work"? I'm not allowed to work yet so I assume the latter, meaning I need a statement from some governmental place that shows why I need a SSN.

[Georgia16 2,858]

Thank you, all. Just filling out the form and I don't know what applies to me.. is it "Legal alien allowed to work" or "not allowed to work"? I'm not allowed to work yet so I assume the latter, meaning I need a statement from some governmental place that shows why I need a SSN.

not allowed to work and you'll be fine. Stop the panic

Edited October 26, 2016 by Georgia16

[lacolinab13 86]

Thank you, all. Just filling out the form and I don't know what applies to me.. is it "Legal alien allowed to work" or "not allowed to work"? I'm not allowed to work yet so I assume the latter, meaning I need a statement from some governmental place that shows why I need a SSN.

In my opinion, it's legal alien allowed to work (and that's the way we filled my husband's out) - that's why it says "legal alien allowed to work" under K1 in that classification chart on the SS site (the link below). You are allowed to work, just need DHS authorization, and that's why the card will have that line about being valid only with DHS authorization.

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

Edited October 26, 2016 by lacolinab13

[dreamliner1823 0]

We went to SS office last week to apply for my SSN but I was only told that that they can't process my application yet bcoz they need the red card once my EAD is approved.

Edited October 26, 2016 by dreamliner1823