Social Security Card for K3

[pbgirl 1]

So of course I know it is probaly of no use, but I have to laugh and ask ...."If the Social Security Administration office is a govt. run facillity, why are there rules different all over the US?".

I have read of people's posts that say their SO got a SS# weeks after arriving on a K-3 or even a K-1 (stamped with a "not authorized for employment"). So I called my local SS office today and was curtly informed that a SS# is only given to those immigrants that have work authority. And since K-3 visa does not, they will not give my husband a number, he has to apply for the TIN number instead. What? When I told her I knew of situations where people did get one, she said she "found that hard to believe" since all offices followed the same guidelines. She went on to tell me that the SS card's purpose is to prove that a person can work. I told her I was under the impression the SS card is for identification purposes. I am confused.

So what is the rule of thumb on this? Each SS office makes it owns rules? Did she not know what she was talking about? How are people getting SS#s so fast?

[scy 0]

So of course I know it is probaly of no use, but I have to laugh and ask ...."If the Social Security Administration office is a govt. run facillity, why are there rules different all over the US?".

I have read of people's posts that say their SO got a SS# weeks after arriving on a K-3 or even a K-1 (stamped with a "not authorized for employment"). So I called my local SS office today and was curtly informed that a SS# is only given to those immigrants that have work authority. And since K-3 visa does not, they will not give my husband a number, he has to apply for the TIN number instead. What? When I told her I knew of situations where people did get one, she said she "found that hard to believe" since all offices followed the same guidelines. She went on to tell me that the SS card's purpose is to prove that a person can work. I told her I was under the impression the SS card is for identification purposes. I am confused.

So what is the rule of thumb on this? Each SS office makes it owns rules? Did she not know what she was talking about? How are people getting SS#s so fast?

K-1 beneficiaries can apply for a SSN after entry into the US. K-1 beneficiaries do not need an employment authorization document to obtain a SSN.

K-3 beneficiaries must obtain an employment authorization document before they can apply for a SSN.

Edited March 18, 2006 by scy

[pbgirl 1]

K-1 beneficiaries can apply for a SSN after entry into the US. K-1 beneficiaries do not need an employment authorization document to obtain a SSN.

K-3 beneficiaries must obtain an employment authorization document before they can apply for a SSN.

Huh? Any idea of why that is? You can apply for a SS# as a K-1, where you aren't even married yet to the USC? How does a K-1 get that benefit?

[scy 0]

K-1 beneficiaries can apply for a SSN after entry into the US. K-1 beneficiaries do not need an employment authorization document to obtain a SSN.

K-3 beneficiaries must obtain an employment authorization document before they can apply for a SSN.

Huh? Any idea of why that is? You can apply for a SS# as a K-1, where you aren't even married yet to the USC? How does a K-1 get that benefit?

The K-1 can obtain that benefit becaue the term of the K-1 status allows the K-1 beneficiary to work during the 90 days K-1 status. K-3 beneficiaries are not allowed to work until they obtain an employment authorization document.

[meauxna 15]

pbgirl,

Are you sure it's K-3s you've seen getting a Social Security account right after entry?

CR/IRs can, and K-1s can get one in their first 76 days, but K-3s are left in the cold. Even with the EAD in hand, they have to wait until SSA verifies that new status with USCIS via the SAVE program.

Of course, if the K-3 had been in the US before, they might have a SS# from their previous stay in the US (exchange, student, worker etc).

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I have read of people's posts that say their SO got a SS# weeks after arriving on a K-3 ...

Can you provide a link to one of these?

[so_nice77 0]

Hello i got my SS# After My Coming to Usa In 3 Months

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hello i got my SS# After My Coming to Usa In 3 Months

After receiving your EAD, correct?

[Reba 2]

depending on the area some people live in the US, they very well *may* have received an EAD in just a few weeks, and then been able to apply for SSN.

The law is however for a K3 that they are not eligible to apply for SSN until they have EAD in hand, and in most districts that takes up to 3 months to receive.

The SSN is *not* supposed to be used for identification, although that's how it is more and more becoming used. Legally it is only supposed to be used to report income to the IRS and State revenue. You can check their website http://www.ssa.gov/

If you happen to live in a State where you cannot apply for a driver's license without an SSN, you can apply for an ITIN and use that instead. That's what I did here in NC.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you happen to live in a State where you cannot apply for a driver's license without an SSN, you can apply for an ITIN and use that instead. That's what I did here in NC.

Problem with that approach is that one cannot file for an ITIN w/o simultaneously filing the corresponding 1040 for which the ITIN is needed. The IRS does not give out ITINs like they used to anymore.

[pbgirl 1]

Thanks all. Maybe it is the K1 I have seen people post about then. I thought I saw one for K3 but haven't found it during my forum searching.

Just curious, why is it different for a K1 to get the SS# but not K3? They are both non-immmigrant categories, and they both have to apply for AOS. At least with the K3, there is also a I130 approved.

Thanks for the information though. I am still confused but I guess I think we will apply for a TIN when hubby arrives. And hope that the Driver's License folks accept that for at least an ID card or temp driver's license. We'll file the AOS as soon as he gets here and then be able to apply for EAD (and then consequently the SS#?) with the whole I485 packet.

Happy Weekend!

[Reba 2]

the difference is that the K1 is (technically) eligible to work upon entry for the 90 days the K1 is valid (however getting the temp. EAD is not always possible!). The K1 is only eligible for that initial 90 days, once the K1 is expired, and before EAD or AOS is approved, they're not eligible to work.

If you're filing your taxes this year as married, your spouse will need to apply for the ITIN, which is the only way to get it (as Reinhard pointed out).

[CanadaGirl 0]

Hello,

I asked my lawyer a few weeks ago about how I get my SSN once I get my K3 visa. He told me to get the EAD through form I-765 with the local immigration office. He told me to book an appointment on-line using INFOPASS and if you go in person, they will issue your EAD the same day. I have to go to Jacksonville once I have my K3. Then, after you get your EAD, you apply for a SSN which takes 2-3 weeks.

I don't know why people are waiting 3 weeks for their EAD!!! That is crazy....just go apply in person.

[internetkafe 0]

pbgirl,

Are you sure it's K-3s you've seen getting a Social Security account right after entry?

CR/IRs can, and K-1s can get one in their first 76 days, but K-3s are left in the cold. Even with the EAD in hand, they have to wait until SSA verifies that new status with USCIS via the SAVE program.

Of course, if the K-3 had been in the US before, they might have a SS# from their previous stay in the US (exchange, student, worker etc).

How long does it take for SSA to verify this status via the SAVE program?

[pbgirl 1]

I didn't think you could apply for EAD in person. I thought you either (1) e-file it (2) file it jointly with the AOS (485) or (3)file it separately. Is an infopass appointment used for EADs?

I know there are some district offices that are different and will let you file in person, maybe Jackonsville is one of them. I don't think Detroit is.