Get Social Security Number before or after AOS

[rogerinho 3]

Hello all,

 

I wanted to learn about your experiences getting a SSN after being admitted in the US with a K-1 visa. Is it recommended to get a SSN before or after filing for AOS?

Also, if I apply for a SSN, and then send my AOS packet before I get the SSN, do I need to notify USCIS of the change once I get the SSN?

 

From what I heard it takes two weeks to get the SSN, and I am about three weeks away from the 90 days to be up. We are already married.

 

Thank you.

[geowrian 22,337]

Typically you get into the SAVE system within hours, although I suggest still waiting a few days just in case. the 2 weeks is a combination of old information + being overly cautious.

 

You can apply for an SSN upon entry on a K-1 within the first 76 days (90 days - 14 days of legal status required by the SSA). You're nearing that line...

In general, it's simpler to get one sooner rather than later...it's not required for many activities, but it does make the process simpler (bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance, etc.).

As long as it's in that 76 day window, doing so before or after filing for AOS is fine. If there is a name change involved, the SA may not issue the card in a married name until you have an EAD or green card. It'####### or miss on the SSA office/employee you get, unfortunately (took my wife 3 visits!).

 

No need to update USCIS with the SSN.

[rogerinho 3]

16 hours ago, geowrian said:

Typically you get into the SAVE system within hours, although I suggest still waiting a few days just in case. the 2 weeks is a combination of old information + being overly cautious.

 

You can apply for an SSN upon entry on a K-1 within the first 76 days (90 days - 14 days of legal status required by the SSA). You're nearing that line...

In general, it's simpler to get one sooner rather than later...it's not required for many activities, but it does make the process simpler (bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance, etc.).

As long as it's in that 76 day window, doing so before or after filing for AOS is fine. If there is a name change involved, the SA may not issue the card in a married name until you have an EAD or green card. It'####### or miss on the SSA office/employee you get, unfortunately (took my wife 3 visits!).

 

No need to update USCIS with the SSN.

Thanks for the reply. When you say no need to update USCIS with the SSN you mean that, if I submit the AOS paperwork while the SSN is still in process, I don't have to let them know about that number?

[geowrian 22,337]

1 hour ago, rogerinho said:

Thanks for the reply. When you say no need to update USCIS with the SSN you mean that, if I submit the AOS paperwork while the SSN is still in process, I don't have to let them know about that number?

Correct

[rogerinho 3]

Thank you for the insight, @geowrian

[DeepakChani 738]

For those who have had to do manual verification, how long did it take to get the ssn card after the manual verification starts? Does it really take 4 weeks? 

[rogerinho 3]

1 minute ago, DeepakChani said:

For those who have had to do manual verification, how long did it take to get the ssn card after the manual verification starts? Does it really take 4 weeks? 

@DeepakChani, what do you mean by manual verification?

[DeepakChani 738]

well today I went to the ss office and they said my name isn't in the system yet even though I entered a week and a half ago. They said they would need to do a manual verification of my identity with DHS and it can take up to 4 weeks. Just wanted to know who had to get this done on how long does it really take to get the ss card. 

 

[geowrian 22,337]

I've seen it take over 6 weeks. If the I-94 expires before it completes, they must deny the application.

You should check SAVE to see what shows up, and/or if they entered your name incorrectly.

https://www.uscis.gov/save/casecheck

[Brittani 484]

My husband came here early July on a K1 visa. We applied maybe 10 days after he arrived and he received it in the mail a week later if that. No problems at all. I'm sure the speed varies on state and office. We were fortunate to get a very nice young man who was very patient and kind.

[Jenny17655 284]

7 hours ago, DeepakChani said:

well today I went to the ss office and they said my name isn't in the system yet even though I entered a week and a half ago. They said they would need to do a manual verification of my identity with DHS and it can take up to 4 weeks. Just wanted to know who had to get this done on how long does it really take to get the ss card. 

 

Same happened to us

 We went a week after my fiancee arrived. They said he wasn't in the system yet and we should wait at least 2 weeks or they would have to send it out to USCIS for verification and that could take 6 weeks.  We are getting married in a week so we decided to just wait and go again together when I change my name.