Obtaining SSN during COVID19

[SamanthaHaley 0]

My fiance is in the US on a K1 visa. We called our local SSA office today to ask if it is possible at all to apply for his SSN before his I94 expires. They seemed really confused about the question. After about 30 minutes on hold they finally said we should just let the I94 expire and then apply for an SSN the same time we apply for his AOS and EAD. Is this accurate and our best way to proceed? Thank you for the help!

[Just Paul 4,595]

They can only process it in person and before 75 days before the I-94 expires.

 

SSA offices are closed to the public.

[payxibka 10,045]

9 minutes ago, SamanthaHaley said:

My fiance is in the US on a K1 visa. We called our local SSA office today to ask if it is possible at all to apply for his SSN before his I94 expires. They seemed really confused about the question. After about 30 minutes on hold they finally said we should just let the I94 expire and then apply for an SSN the same time we apply for his AOS and EAD. Is this accurate and our best way to proceed? Thank you for the help!

When you file the i765, you can "tick" the box for automatic issuance upon EAD approval

[kayden123 52]

On 4/23/2020 at 10:03 AM, SamanthaHaley said:

My fiance is in the US on a K1 visa. We called our local SSA office today to ask if it is possible at all to apply for his SSN before his I94 expires. They seemed really confused about the question. After about 30 minutes on hold they finally said we should just let the I94 expire and then apply for an SSN the same time we apply for his AOS and EAD. Is this accurate and our best way to proceed? Thank you for the help!

until they open, its the only way, you can check the box to apply for one, on the EAD form.

[Buster & Hitch 58]

On 4/23/2020 at 12:06 PM, Paul & Mary said:

They can only process it in person and before 75 days before the I-94 expires.

 

SSA offices are closed to the public.

I would double check this - I was able to get my SSN in person with 60 days left on my K1. I had to wait because USCIS hadn't updated their systems and I wasn't showing up on the Social Security computers every time I went in. I do think it varies from office to office based on the knowledge of the person helping you.

 

Also - just as a side note, I have found it very beneficial to get a SSN before applying for the AOS. My husband's insurance required a SSN to enroll me, which I ended up needing right away. Also, because we were able to file 2019 taxes with my SSN instead of an ITIN, we qualify for the stimulus payment. 

 

Edited to add: I still assume you have to go apply in person though, so you might be stuck applying for the SSN on your AOS if they don't open in time. 

Edited April 27, 2020 by Buster & Hitch

[NikLR 13,227]

~~moved to SSN from AOS k1 based~~