Benefit to apply SSN before married

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

Hi all...

 

I've read many statements that it is better to apply for SSN 10-14 working days after arrival to U.S. by K1 Visa, before we have our wedding. Thing that makes me don't understand is what is actually the benefit/s of applying for SSN before married rather than getting married first ?

 

Could anyone tell me the pros and cons about doing it before married vs after married ?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Scandi 4,166]

Many SSA employees seem to believe that the rules of the K-1 visa changes once you get married, and therefore believe you are no longer eligible to get a SSN. This is obviously not correct, but we see people here on VJ posting about this very issue all the time, so it's very common. There's no reason to wait until after marriage and possibly having to argue your case with the SSA when you can so easily get a SSN before marriage.

 

There's no reason to wait until after the wedding. 1. They might refuse you a SSN like I described above. 2. If you're lucky and they do agree to issue a SSN, the card will in most cases still come in the maiden name (which is only an issue if you plan on changing your name), and you'd have to go back to the SSA once you receive your EAD and have the name changed anyway.

 

If you wait too long and don't have enough time left on your i-94, they will not issue a SSN at all. Period.

 

You don't have to wait for 10 days to apply for a SSN, I myself went on day 4 after entry. Definitely go before the wedding to save yourself from possible headache.

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

@Scandi

Thank you for gave me response and I have another questions related to SSN, since I actually really don't even know what is the real function of having SSN..

 

1. Based on your own experience, how long was it from the time you apply it until you get the physical SSN card in your hand?

2. Should we wait until we received the SSN card 1st, before we are able or allowed to  register/scheduling the wedding in city clerk's office ?

[Websters202 149]

A SSN will make it easier for the beneficiary to be added to their spouse's bank account, credit cards, lease, and any other bills agreed upon.  It makes the process easier.

 

My fiancé received his SSN before we got married and it made the above mentioned things a lot easier and in some cases possible (such as being added to the lease) and gave us a lot more evidence going into our Adjustment of Status interview.  

[Scandi 4,166]

11 hours ago, Cherry0517 said:

@Scandi

Thank you for gave me response and I have another questions related to SSN, since I actually really don't even know what is the real function of having SSN..

 

1. Based on your own experience, how long was it from the time you apply it until you get the physical SSN card in your hand?

2. Should we wait until we received the SSN card 1st, before we are able or allowed to  register/scheduling the wedding in city clerk's office ?

1. It took 4 weeks from when I applied for my SSN until the card showed up in my mailbox. Normally it doesn't take that long, but my name was wrong on my i-94 so they had to verify it manually.

 

2. We picked up our marriage license the same day I applied for my SSN. I didn't have my SSN by the time of the wedding, it wasn't needed for anything anyway so it didn't matter.

 

One of the first things I used my SSN for was filing taxes. I didn't have my EAD yet so I was very happy that I had gotten my SSN early on so I didn't have to wait for my EAD to get one. Glad I could easily file taxes jointly with my husband.

Edited October 17, 2019 by Scandi

[Sparkle Sparkle 914]

Thanks

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

On 10/17/2019 at 1:02 PM, Websters202 said:

A SSN will make it easier for the beneficiary to be added to their spouse's bank account, credit cards, lease, and any other bills agreed upon.  It makes the process easier.

 

My fiancé received his SSN before we got married and it made the above mentioned things a lot easier and in some cases possible (such as being added to the lease) and gave us a lot more evidence going into our Adjustment of Status interview.  

Thank you so much to gave me that kind of answer with such a details.

[Fr8dog 312]

The main reason I suggest getting it before marriage is name change.

If you want to change your name and than apply for the SSN you have no "real" way of being verified. Your K1 is in your old name, your AOS has not been processed (or even filed) yet. So your new name can not be matched. There are ways around it, but very few officers even know a K1 let alone the computer entries required to make this happen.

So to make the process as stress free as possible many (including me) suggest to apply after 10 days, but as soon as possible.

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

1 minute ago, Fr8dog said:

The main reason I suggest getting it before marriage is name change.

If you want to change your name and than apply for the SSN you have no "real" way of being verified. Your K1 is in your old name, your AOS has not been processed (or even filed) yet. So your new name can not be matched. There are ways around it, but very few officers even know a K1 let alone the computer entries required to make this happen.

So to make the process as stress free as possible many (including me) suggest to apply after 10 days, but as soon as possible.

Literally 10 daya after arrival or 10 working days ?

[Fr8dog 312]

1 minute ago, Cherry0517 said:

Literally 10 daya after arrival or 10 working days ?

Either.

Again it is to make this easier for you. It can take up 10 business days for your K1 to make its round through the federal system, so DMV an SS office can verify your status.  It rarely takes this long but since most people don't live close to the SSN office and the wait times can be very long, it is suggested to wait 10 (business) days.

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

1 minute ago, Fr8dog said:

Either.

Again it is to make this easier for you. It can take up 10 business days for your K1 to make its round through the federal system, so DMV an SS office can verify your status.  It rarely takes this long but since most people don't live close to the SSN office and the wait times can be very long, it is suggested to wait 10 (business) days.

Thanks.. after I read many suggestions and experiences from others.. I will do it b4 marriage for sure

[Scandi 4,166]

50 minutes ago, Cherry0517 said:

Literally 10 daya after arrival or 10 working days ?

Whenever you like, I applied for my SSN on day 4 after entry. 

Edited October 23, 2019 by Scandi

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,092]

On 10/23/2019 at 8:25 AM, Scandi said:

Whenever you like, I applied for my SSN on day 4 after entry. 

And my wife applied for hers on day 2.

 

We had more trouble getting a new card with her married name on it post-GC than getting the initial one (due to some issues with her patronymic being on her visa and SS card, but not her passport or our marriage certificate), but managed it despite some grumbling by the SSA clerk.

[Summer888 6]

On 10/16/2019 at 10:59 PM, Cherry0517 said:

Hi all...

 

I've read many statements that it is better to apply for SSN 10-14 working days after arrival to U.S. by K1 Visa, before we have our wedding. Thing that makes me don't understand is what is actually the benefit/s of applying for SSN before married rather than getting married first ?

 

Could anyone tell me the pros and cons about doing it before married vs after married ?

 

Thanks in advance.

Do it soon as you can! i've been waiting for my ssn and its been 6 wks of waiting. I already called them too and they say it can take up to 2 months to produce. Its really irritating not be able to have debit card and bring cash everywhere and very much depending on your husband lol

[Mrs. Cristiano 42]

1 hour ago, Summer888 said:

Do it soon as you can! i've been waiting for my ssn and its been 6 wks of waiting. I already called them too and they say it can take up to 2 months to produce. Its really irritating not be able to have debit card and bring cash everywhere and very much depending on your husband lol

Thank you sis