K1 Visa Applying for SSN, What exactly are the timelines we should be worried about?

[dadadada 14]

Hello,

 

My fiancee is in America on a K1 Visa and she is worried that we need to actually have her SSN card before we get married. She is saying that if we get married, she will no longer have valid status as a K1 Visa holder and wouldn't be able to obtain a SSN card until she has her green card. Can anyone help with additional information that shows that's true? I'm having trouble understanding exactly what dates are important for obtaining the card.

 

We found out today that we have to make an appointment to apply for the SSN card. The appointment is scheduled for October 21st and we have an appointment to apply for our marriage certificate on October 27th. The only date that I can find is important in relation to applying for the SSN card is to do it within 2 weeks of the I-94 expiring. Please help. She is very stressed about the process and it's starting to wear on me as well since I'm having a hard time finding resources that show we should or shouldn't be worried.

 

Thank you so much.

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

 It is recommended to apply for the SSN before marriage.  If she waits, she will need her EAD or Green Card before she can apply.  She can also apply on the I-485  or I-765 when filing for Adjustment of Status. 

 

 

Edited October 4, 2021 by Crazy Cat

[dadadada 14]

Thank you for the quick answer. It helps a lot.

 

Is it safe to be married after applying or should we wait until we actually obtain the physical card?

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

1 minute ago, dadadada said:

Thank you for the quick answer. It helps a lot.

 

Is it safe to be married after applying or should we wait until we actually obtain the physical card?

You do not need the card or a number to marry.  Besides, the card could take several weeks to arrive. 

[powerpuff 6,697]

~ Moved from K1 Process to Social Security Numbers at the question is about SSN ~

[Mike E 11,739]

We applied for SSN before marriage.  Then we got married.  It’s fine.  Having an SSN was so liberating.  
 

Agreed with others that you should apply 48 hours after point of entry and when the I-94 record is available.  

[OlgaA 67]

Hi, we didn't apply for SSN after my arrival to the USA. We thought we can do it later after getting married. So we applied after got married and were rejected because i94 was expired. So we will get it with green card. I was also worried about status but if you apply document for aos after get married it's ok and still won't have any problems. 

[PWB 213]

We married and applied for Social Security prior to the I-94 expiring and was able to get a card, but not in her married name.  They would not issue a card in married name because of the determination of permanent resident requirement.  If you do some research you will find that this is not always the case.  Hard to resolve issues with Social Security over the phone for us.