Existing SSN

[AmyOlivia 29]

Hello, one and all!

 

From what I understand, I can get my SSN sorted out pretty darn quickly after my POE following the arrival of my Visa.

 

I was just wondering what the procedure would be if I already had an SSN from previous employment in the United States.

 

I understand that it isn't valid in any capacity, but because it's already there, would I instead contact the SSN services to re-activate that number rather than fully acquire a new one?

 

For reference, the number is from my time spent as a Summer Camp Counsellor on a J Visa. 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

1 minute ago, AmyOlivia said:

Hello, one and all!

 

From what I understand, I can get my SSN sorted out pretty darn quickly after my POE following the arrival of my Visa.

 

I was just wondering what the procedure would be if I already had an SSN from previous employment in the United States.

 

I understand that it isn't valid in any capacity, but because it's already there, would I instead contact the SSN services to re-activate that number rather than fully acquire a new one?

 

For reference, the number is from my time spent as a Summer Camp Counsellor on a J Visa. 

 

Don't have to do anything. Once you have a SSN, it's yours forever. My husband was the same, he had a SSN from prior 2 J-1's in the US.  You can get a copy of the SS card if needed and will say "Needs work authorization" but once you AOS and get the GC you go back and they remove that.

Edited April 8, 2019 by Ben&Zian

[payxibka 10,045]

Just now, AmyOlivia said:

Hello, one and all!

 

From what I understand, I can get my SSN sorted out pretty darn quickly after my POE following the arrival of my Visa.

 

I was just wondering what the procedure would be if I already had an SSN from previous employment in the United States.

 

I understand that it isn't valid in any capacity, but because it's already there, would I instead contact the SSN services to re-activate that number rather than fully acquire a new one?

 

For reference, the number is from my time spent as a Summer Camp Counsellor on a J Visa. 

Ssn is issued for life.  No need to reactivate 

[AmyOlivia 29]

1 minute ago, Ben&Zian said:

 

Don't have to do anything. Once you have a SSN, it's yours forever. My husband was the same, he had a SSN from prior 2 J-1's in the US. 

Fabulous!

 

So the only changes I'll have to make regarding the SSN is when I marry and change my name, correct? That would need a name change request and some paperwork to be filed, if memory serves.

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

3 minutes ago, AmyOlivia said:

Fabulous!

 

So the only changes I'll have to make regarding the SSN is when I marry and change my name, correct? That would need a name change request and some paperwork to be filed, if memory serves.

 

Basically, not familiar with that whole process as we didn't do any name changes. but it's relatively simple. I'd just google search the process in Washington state, should be the same everywhere really but check for specifics.

[AmyOlivia 29]

Amazing!

 

Thank you guys so much, this is one less thing on my list of stuff to worry about  

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 hour ago, AmyOlivia said:

Fabulous!

 

So the only changes I'll have to make regarding the SSN is when I marry and change my name, correct? That would need a name change request and some paperwork to be filed, if memory serves.

 

The Social Security office checks the USCIS SAVE database for your legal entry, which is K1 in your maiden name. Once you receive your EAD/AP card or greencard, then the database will be updated to your married name as your "USCIS name". Wait until then to go back to Social Security to get your card/record changed to your married name.   

Edited April 8, 2019 by Wuozopo

[sam.e 19]

My Husband is in the same boat. When I (USC) got my social security card updated with my new married name I asked the lady when my husband would come in to get the "temporary work only" taken off his SSN and she said when he gets his EAD we can do that. Anything before-hand (after POE, before EAD) would be keeping it in the same category as previously. 

 

She also said to its super important to make sure we put his SSN on ALL his paperwork! 

[Michaela K. 93]

Same situation as you. I already had a SSN from a previous J visa stay. On EAD form you can request a new updated social security card so you can save yourself a trip to the SSA office. Once your EAD is approved, SSA should basically mail you an updated SSN card with your married name on it (if you filed for AOS under your married name) and without any work restrictions on it.  

I ended up going to the SSA office after the wedding just to update my information, specifically mailing address since I wasn't sure if they do it automatically too based on information from USCIS or not. They didn't need me to update it (good to know) but the lady there tried to at least change my name and issue a new card (I didn't even ask for it). I got an updated (married last name) card in mail 2 weeks later. It's the same number and work restriction so basically having it updated doesn't even matter at this point. 

People's experience on getting/updating SS card after marriage varies though. Some offices will let you do that as long as your I94 is not expired yet, some offices will require EAD/AP 

[Damo24 0]

Great info- exactly what i was searching for. I got ssn as a student but never got a physical card it was just written down and handed to me- sounds like i will get a card with same ssn once processed.