SSN before filing for AOS

[pooj97 89]

My fiance will be arriving on his K1 visa some time in May and we hope to apply for his social security card. I know that pre-Covid, K1 visa holders were able to go to a SSA office and receive a SSN but now that offices are still closed, how are people navigating this? The I-765 form asks if we need a social security number with our EAD/green card but we don't want to wait until my fiance gets his EAD for him to receive a SSN. Are people still able to get their SSN before receiving their EAD?

[flicks1998 1,044]

We got ours but had to call a few offices for the best way.  First office said we had to mail all of the original documents and forms to them and then within a few weeks we would get the SSN and documents back.  I did not want to mail original passports, etc, so we called another office and they allowed us to schedule an appointment for the next day.  We showed up at the scheduled time and sat in a hallway, a person came out, check our documents, etc and then said everything was OK and we would get the number in a few weeks time.  The SS card came about 2-3 weeks later.

 

If your in a big enough city with multiple SS offices, just check around for one who will accomodate you.

[pooj97 89]

17 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

We got ours but had to call a few offices for the best way.  First office said we had to mail all of the original documents and forms to them and then within a few weeks we would get the SSN and documents back.  I did not want to mail original passports, etc, so we called another office and they allowed us to schedule an appointment for the next day.  We showed up at the scheduled time and sat in a hallway, a person came out, check our documents, etc and then said everything was OK and we would get the number in a few weeks time.  The SS card came about 2-3 weeks later.

 

If your in a big enough city with multiple SS offices, just check around for one who will accomodate you.

Thank you! Was this before or after you filed for AOS? Did you end up putting "no" when the I-765 ended up asking you if you want the SSA to issue you a social security card?

[flicks1998 1,044]

1 hour ago, pooj97 said:

Thank you! Was this before or after you filed for AOS? Did you end up putting "no" when the I-765 ended up asking you if you want the SSA to issue you a social security card?

We filed before AOS.  Timeline was:

 

Entered US on February 19th 2021

Applied for SSN on March 10th 2021

Received SSN in the mail around March 25 or 26th 

Got married on April 6th

Will send in all of the AOS documents near the end of April or a little before.  The 90 days expires on May 19th.  

 

Im sure if you search this site again, you may find an answer to your question, but without any research and us having the SSN already, I would mark "no" as we already have the card.  But again, I would have to check this.  Did you read the instructions for I-765?  Is there anything listed there?

 

I searched this site when applying for the SSN to make sure to check the box that says "authorized to work" although she cannot work until that authorization is granted.

[pooj97 89]

23 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

We filed before AOS.  Timeline was:

 

Entered US on February 19th 2021

Applied for SSN on March 10th 2021

Received SSN in the mail around March 25 or 26th 

Got married on April 6th

Will send in all of the AOS documents near the end of April or a little before.  The 90 days expires on May 19th.  

 

Im sure if you search this site again, you may find an answer to your question, but without any research and us having the SSN already, I would mark "no" as we already have the card.  But again, I would have to check this.  Did you read the instructions for I-765?  Is there anything listed there?

 

I searched this site when applying for the SSN to make sure to check the box that says "authorized to work" although she cannot work until that authorization is granted.

I’ll check out the instructions and see what it says. But thank you again. This wouldn’t be as hard if the SSA offices were just open right now and taking appointments 

[David and Anna 118]

We recently got our SSN appointment after entering on a K-1, but before marriage. (that seems to be the recommended way timing).

 

I have discussed this issue with many other Milligan case plaintiffs and we experienced a broad range of "answers" from our local SSN offices.  There is near zero consistency.  Our local office was great to work with.  They answer the phone and scheduled an appointment for us.  They even rescheduled it easily when our timing changed a bit.  But other's I have seen, have had zero luck getting anyone on the phone and/or being told they won't allow them to come in for their appointment.  So...keep calling back or calling different offices (if that is an option for you) until you get a good answer.  Finally, the only hiccup some of us have had is that they were unable to verify our entry/I-94 in SAVE system (despite us seeing the I-94 on the USCIS website).  All that resulted in was a two-week delay in the SS office approving and sending us the SSN card.

 

Btw - when we arrived at our local office there were zero cars in the parking lot, the lights were out inside the building and there was a sign saying "closed".  But we knocked loudly for a minute and a "mall cop" looking person came out and opened the door.  Turns out that is their system for letting people in!  They only allowed the foreign fiance into the building, I had to stay outside.  It was bizzaro world.

 

Edit:  oh, one other thing.  Somewhere on this site I found a very helpful post or guide to how to do this.  It included the rules and links to official gov sites that prove that a K-1 *does* qualify for an SSN.  I had all of that printed and took it with us.  We didn't need it, but I have read that some SS offices are not fully up to speed on the rules and sometimes they don't allow K-1's to get their SSN card or need to be convinced.  Try a search here to read those posts/documents and perhaps have them ready for reference if you run into problems.

Edited April 11, 2021 by David and Anna

[Asterix78 27]

If I may jump in here and ask a related question.

 

My K-1 fiancee had her SS appointment on Feb 12 (no issues) and to this date, April 12, she still doesn't have her card. Any call to SS office (number they gave us to call if the card didn't show up in 30 days) is rendered useless because all they see is that is still "at immigration", and simply will not speak to us any further.  Now, a search on the SAVE website shows a green checkmark on the February 12 inquiry, and says case returned to office, or something to that effect. 

 

Meanwhile, we got married and sent off the AOS packet. In it, we stated that she doesn't have a SSN and requested one through the 765. I hope this was the right thing to do because it is true. 

 

I have two questions: 

 

1. Does anyone recommend the next course of action to get the original Feb 12 application moving?

2. Can the two SSN applications (Feb 12 with SS office and the I-765 one) somehow conflict and two SSN issued somehow? (they were applied for using maiden and married names, respectively).

 

Thank you. 

 

 

[pooj97 89]

On 4/11/2021 at 11:47 AM, David and Anna said:

We recently got our SSN appointment after entering on a K-1, but before marriage. (that seems to be the recommended way timing).

 

I have discussed this issue with many other Milligan case plaintiffs and we experienced a broad range of "answers" from our local SSN offices.  There is near zero consistency.  Our local office was great to work with.  They answer the phone and scheduled an appointment for us.  They even rescheduled it easily when our timing changed a bit.  But other's I have seen, have had zero luck getting anyone on the phone and/or being told they won't allow them to come in for their appointment.  So...keep calling back or calling different offices (if that is an option for you) until you get a good answer.  Finally, the only hiccup some of us have had is that they were unable to verify our entry/I-94 in SAVE system (despite us seeing the I-94 on the USCIS website).  All that resulted in was a two-week delay in the SS office approving and sending us the SSN card.

 

Btw - when we arrived at our local office there were zero cars in the parking lot, the lights were out inside the building and there was a sign saying "closed".  But we knocked loudly for a minute and a "mall cop" looking person came out and opened the door.  Turns out that is their system for letting people in!  They only allowed the foreign fiance into the building, I had to stay outside.  It was bizzaro world.

 

Edit:  oh, one other thing.  Somewhere on this site I found a very helpful post or guide to how to do this.  It included the rules and links to official gov sites that prove that a K-1 *does* qualify for an SSN.  I had all of that printed and took it with us.  We didn't need it, but I have read that some SS offices are not fully up to speed on the rules and sometimes they don't allow K-1's to get their SSN card or need to be convinced.  Try a search here to read those posts/documents and perhaps have them ready for reference if you run into problems.

So how long did you wait after you entered to make an appointment? I've heard about the 2-week thing but I know some others have gotten lucky and were able to get their SSN after one day of entering because the system updated. 

[David and Anna 118]

2 hours ago, pooj97 said:

So how long did you wait after you entered to make an appointment? I've heard about the 2-week thing but I know some others have gotten lucky and were able to get their SSN after one day of entering because the system updated. 

Our appointment was about a week after entering.  Many say to wait 2 weeks to allow the US Government "SAVE" system update with your I-94 data, however we know that in many cases that updates within a couple of days. Oddly its inconsistent as to when SAVE is updated, so sometimes it won't show up for 2 weeks, sometimes its 2 days. Our I-94 showed up right away the day after entering fwiw. 

 

I don't think any of us here know the "why's" of SAVE, but I did call our SS office after waiting a couple of weeks from the original visit.  The guy that answered looked into my case and said "its still not verified in SAVE yet".  I just stayed silent and let him think about that...finally he said, let me look into it.  After a few seconds he said, I'll try to look into SAVE right now and see if its updated.  A few seconds later he says, Okay, its updated.  I'll process your SSN now and you should have the card in two weeks. 

 

So...I learned from that call that if they cannot verify your entry in SAVE at your appointment, they basically put your file on a shelf and (supposedly) at some point pull it off the shelf and check SAVE.  Mine sat there for two weeks without being checked again until that moment when I called.  So I have no idea how long SAVE had actually shown my valid entry, but I do know that my file didn't get attention until I called. 

 

Of course this will vary by person at the SS office and how diligent they are are following up on "cases that are put on the shelf".  Whatever, we got the card soon enough for what we wanted to do.

 

I still recommend that folks go to the SS office soon after entry and try to get it.  Worst case you get put on the shelf and they verify it later.  You lose nothing by doing so.

Edited April 13, 2021 by David and Anna

[ashley_ann 179]

On 4/13/2021 at 10:43 AM, David and Anna said:

Our appointment was about a week after entering.  Many say to wait 2 weeks to allow the US Government "SAVE" system update with your I-94 data, however we know that in many cases that updates within a couple of days. Oddly its inconsistent as to when SAVE is updated, so sometimes it won't show up for 2 weeks, sometimes its 2 days. Our I-94 showed up right away the day after entering fwiw. 

 

I don't think any of us here know the "why's" of SAVE, but I did call our SS office after waiting a couple of weeks from the original visit.  The guy that answered looked into my case and said "its still not verified in SAVE yet".  I just stayed silent and let him think about that...finally he said, let me look into it.  After a few seconds he said, I'll try to look into SAVE right now and see if its updated.  A few seconds later he says, Okay, its updated.  I'll process your SSN now and you should have the card in two weeks. 

 

So...I learned from that call that if they cannot verify your entry in SAVE at your appointment, they basically put your file on a shelf and (supposedly) at some point pull it off the shelf and check SAVE.  Mine sat there for two weeks without being checked again until that moment when I called.  So I have no idea how long SAVE had actually shown my valid entry, but I do know that my file didn't get attention until I called. 

 

Of course this will vary by person at the SS office and how diligent they are are following up on "cases that are put on the shelf".  Whatever, we got the card soon enough for what we wanted to do.

 

I still recommend that folks go to the SS office soon after entry and try to get it.  Worst case you get put on the shelf and they verify it later.  You lose nothing by doing so.

ugh this makes me wonder if I should call AGAIN. 

I've been calling weekly and they say the hold up is at DHS and to call again in a couple weeks or end of month. 

not really Sure what to do at this point. I'm totally getting the run around. 

 

The save system has multiple dates for my I-94 number. Latest being April 7th and all status have a check mark and return to Maryland. 

Time line, 

January 17th - entered USA

January 30th married (just worked out the best)

February 3rd Called for an appointment told 4+ week wait. 

March 5th SSN appointment, told her I was married and she said not a problem. 

 

Still not SSN card and they are still blaming the DHS for holding it up every time. I know there is some delays (I see some people taking 5-8 weeks) but I'm at a loss.

 

Any advice on what I should do or say?

[David and Anna 118]

6 minutes ago, ashley_ann said:

ugh this makes me wonder if I should call AGAIN. 

I've been calling weekly and they say the hold up is at DHS and to call again in a couple weeks or end of month. 

not really Sure what to do at this point. I'm totally getting the run around. 

 

The save system has multiple dates for my I-94 number. Latest being April 7th and all status have a check mark and return to Maryland. 

Time line, 

January 17th - entered USA

January 30th married (just worked out the best)

February 3rd Called for an appointment told 4+ week wait. 

March 5th SSN appointment, told her I was married and she said not a problem. 

 

Still not SSN card and they are still blaming the DHS for holding it up every time. I know there is some delays (I see some people taking 5-8 weeks) but I'm at a loss.

 

Any advice on what I should do or say?

uh oh...my understanding is that once your I-94 expires, you cannot get a SSN (actually I have read that the SS office won't give you one even 2 weeks before the I-94 expires).  So...I've seen cases where the person could not get the SSN because of delays at SS office (and/or DHS verification) and still "tough luck" you cannot get the SSN.  (I just read of one such person today in our Milligan group on FB that had the same scenario, that isn't you is it?)

 

I'm not an expert on this, but this is my understanding.  So do some research here (its been discussed here) and look into what to do if you cannot get your SSN when your I-94 is valid.  (I think - but am not sure - that you cannot get it until you get your EAD or GC if you don't get it during the I-94 valid period...someone here will know for sure).  I hope my understanding of all of this is wrong.  (and there is the small chance they issued yours before the I-94 window closes and its in process someplace)

Edited April 16, 2021 by David and Anna

[ashley_ann 179]

12 minutes ago, David and Anna said:

uh oh...my understanding is that once your I-94 expires, you cannot get a SSN (actually I have read that the SS office won't give you one even 2 weeks before the I-94 expires).  So...I've seen cases where the person could not get the SSN because of delays at SS office (and/or DHS verification) and still "tough luck" you cannot get the SSN.  (I just read of one such person today in our Milligan group on FB that had the same scenario, that isn't you is it?)

 

I'm not an expert on this, but this is my understanding.  So do some research here (its been discussed here) and look into what to do if you cannot get your SSN when your I-94 is valid.  (I think - but am not sure - that you cannot get it until you get your EAD or GC if you don't get it during the I-94 valid period...someone here will know for sure).  I hope my understanding of all of this is wrong.  (and there is the small chance they issued yours before the I-94 window closes and its in process someplace)

That’s what I’m fearing and what I’m hoping for (that it got processed) and no not the same person. 
 

yeah it kinda sucks and I did mark no on the work document application. But I know I can bring in my EAD myself and do this all over again an issue haha but I think I’ll call today 

[sashKOT1 1]

please send me link which state K-1 *does* qualify for an SSN ?

[Chancy 6,241]

46 minutes ago, sashKOT1 said:

please send me link which state K-1 *does* qualify for an SSN ?

 

I posted it on your thread --

 

 

[joe.b 33]

On 4/12/2021 at 7:21 PM, Asterix78 said:

If I may jump in here and ask a related question.

 

My K-1 fiancee had her SS appointment on Feb 12 (no issues) and to this date, April 12, she still doesn't have her card. Any call to SS office (number they gave us to call if the card didn't show up in 30 days) is rendered useless because all they see is that is still "at immigration", and simply will not speak to us any further.  Now, a search on the SAVE website shows a green checkmark on the February 12 inquiry, and says case returned to office, or something to that effect. 

 

Meanwhile, we got married and sent off the AOS packet. In it, we stated that she doesn't have a SSN and requested one through the 765. I hope this was the right thing to do because it is true. 

 

I have two questions: 

 

1. Does anyone recommend the next course of action to get the original Feb 12 application moving?

2. Can the two SSN applications (Feb 12 with SS office and the I-765 one) somehow conflict and two SSN issued somehow? (they were applied for using maiden and married names, respectively).

 

Thank you. 

 

 

Unfortunately, I don't have answers to your questions, but I'm wondering what ended up happening with your fiancee's/wife's SSN application. Did she end up getting issued her SSN?

 

My husband is currently in a similar situation to when you posted. It's been 7+ weeks since he applied for his SSN, and no update. It's almost impossible to get anyone even on the phone at our local SSA office. The one of the few times we did get someone on the phone two weeks ago, the employee said she couldn't tell us anything, but gave the extension of the person who allegedly could. That person, in turn, never answers her phone and doesn't respond to our voicemails. A search on the SAVE website also shows two verification requests, both with the checkmark. We also sent in my husband's AOS packet before having received the SSN (because we didn't want to wait indefinitely), and just included a statement saying he had applied for an SSN and explaining the situation.

 

Anyway, I hope your partner got her SSN, and in any case, would appreciate hearing how it turned out!