Where to file for SSN?

[Julio Mejia 1]

I am trying to adjust status for my wife's K1 visa. While trying to file for AOS [i-485] + Employment authorization [i-765] together in the same package, there is an option to request a social security number on both forms; questions 14-17 on i-485 and 13a-15 on i-765. Should i request the SSN on both? or should I just go to the SS office and get one before even applying for AOS and use the i-94 record plus her K1 visa. Which is the fastest way and can she work with that SSN while waiting for AOS and EOA? Thank you!!

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

She cannot work with just a SSN.  She MUST have a valid EAD to work.  I would check the box on both the I-485 and I-765.

 

 

Edited January 2, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Julio Mejia 1]

51 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

She cannot work with just a SSN.  She MUST have a valid EAD to work.  I would check the box on both the I-485 and I-765.

 

 

Thank you for your answer. I figured I may need to check both checkboxes it just a bit confusing. There are no instruction for when filing for both forms; the SSN website does mention this option [https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/ebe.html] however it seems like they expect people fo file for I-485 only or  I-765 only. 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

The box for a SSN is a pretty new addition to the I-485.  It was on the I-765 only until recently.  It makes sense to have it on both, imo. 

[Chancy 6,241]

1 hour ago, Julio Mejia said:

Should i request the SSN on both? or should I just go to the SS office and get one before even applying for AOS and use the i-94 record plus her K1 visa.

 

If it has been less than 76 days since your wife's US entry with her K1 visa, I strongly suggest booking an appointment at an SSA office ASAP so she can apply for SSN in person.  But, there's no guarantee that she will get her SSN soon.  As such, whether she applies for SSN at an SSA office or not, I also recommend checking the SSN option on both the I-765 and I-485 forms.  We have many reports here on VJ about K1 visa holders who were not issued an SSN before the 76-day deadline, despite applying for SSN early.

 

Note that even if she gets issued her SSN soon, your wife is not authorized to work until she gets her EAD or GC.  And until she becomes a GC holder, her SSN card will have an annotation that says, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION".

 

Edited January 2, 2022 by Chancy
clarification

[arken 4,197]

2 hours ago, Julio Mejia said:

Should i request the SSN on both? or should I just go to the SS office and get one before even applying for AOS

Try all. 

[Loren Y 2,755]

Definitely use all options, and get to the local SS office as soon as you can. bring a completed SS-5 form, I94, and passport with visa in it. You can download the application online. Don't wait to get a SS card, you need it for many things other than working.

[Julio Mejia 1]

Thanks for the replies. It appears to be an agreement on to use all options (request it on AOS for, request it on EAD and also go to SSA office) I now wonder if the SSA wont mess things up by potentially receiving 3 requests for a SSN related to the same person. Has somebody tried all those options without issues?