SSN Card problem - Not sure of next steps

[Seraph2042 37]

The whole SSN process has been a headache since the beginning. Here's the sequence of events -

1. Came here on K1 visa on December 11th 2021.

2. On January 2nd we called the SSN - Grand Prairie, TX office number for an appointment. The lady incorrectly stated that we need not have an appointment but rather use the drop box to drop in all the documents along with the passport and that the passport will be returned to me in 2 days. After one week I started to panic that my passport wasn't returned and called the number again. A different lady confirmed what we did was incorrect and gave me an earliest appointment for January 26th. My passport and documents were returned to me on 23rd. 21 DAYS!!! This is just FYI - 

3. Everything went okay on 26th, I was told that my SSN will arrive in the mail in about 2 weeks.

4. Four weeks in, no SSN. No updates in email or via call. 

5. From February 24th, we started making calls again to the 855* number, it takes forever to get a hold of someone! After 2 days, a guy on the phone says - Your case has not been processed and he is not sure why. He gives me the extension number of my case officer. I and my husband called her everyday last week, left numerous voicemails but got nowhere. No response, no courtesy call backs!

6. Yesterday we called the 855* again and got hold of someone and this time we asked for a supervisor. He stated that my case is under "DHS Review" and tried to connect me to my case officer but as expected, no response from her. The "DHS Review" prompted me to go to SAVE and check my case - Guess what - My I-94 record does not pull up any record. My passport pulls up four line of records, content of which is in the attached image! I am not sure what to make of all that

 

Now, with I-94 expiring on March 10th, Not being able to find my i-94 record on SAVE and my case officer/ssn office just being non responsive - What are my options? Who should be getting in touch with?  Any pointers is appreciated - 

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

Your I-94 expiration is irrelevant.  No need to worry.  Since you filed an I-485 package, you have been granted "authorized stay" status until the I-485 is either approved or denied.  

[Seraph2042 37]

2 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Your I-94 expiration is irrelevant.  No need to worry.  Since you filed an I-485 package, you have been granted "authorized stay" status until the I-485 is either approved or denied.  

Thank you CrazyCat. Anything I can do about this SSN? I want to ask, is SSN needed for applying for Learner's permit and drivers license in TX? My husband just added me to his Heath insurance and their benefits center has asked me to update my SSN before March 17th. Bank account is not a big deal, but I am wondering not having an SSN with cause problems with obtaining my DL or Health insurance:(

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

Just now, Seraph2042 said:

Thank you CrazyCat. Anything I can do about this SSN? I want to ask, is SSN needed for applying for Learner's permit and drivers license in TX? My husband just added me to his Heath insurance and their benefits center has asked me to update my SSN before March 17th. Bank account is not a big deal, but I am wondering not having an SSN with cause problems with obtaining my DL or Health insurance:(

In Texas, an SSN is normally required for a driver's license......or you must submit an affidavit declaring that you either don't have a SSN, were never issued a SSN, or are ineligible for a SSN. That might work for you. I'm glad your spouse added you to his health plan.  I would not expect them to remove you given the issue with the SSN.  

[milimelo 4,477]

1 hour ago, Crazy Cat said:

Your I-94 expiration is irrelevant.  No need to worry.  Since you filed an I-485 package, you have been granted "authorized stay" status until the I-485 is either approved or denied.  

Her I-94 expiration is relevant for SSN purposes as SSA will not issue SSN if less than 2 weeks left on I-94. So that ship has sailed. She now has to wait for an EAD or GC - whichever comes first - to get the SSN. 

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

3 minutes ago, milimelo said:

Her I-94 expiration is relevant for SSN purposes as SSA will not issue SSN if less than 2 weeks left on I-94. So that ship has sailed. She now has to wait for an EAD or GC - whichever comes first - to get the SSN. 

Agree.  I missed that aspect....  Thanks.

 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

Another case of K1 blues?

 

I am not judging the OP.. There are drawbacks to the K2, including this incident of not being able to get a SSN.  

 

A K1 visa holder does have the right to get a SSN, but due to misinformed or untrained SSA agents, and issues with records not updating in SAVE, some people cannot get one until their EAD or AOS.  and not having a SSN can result in issues with obtaining DLs and other things.  

 

OP,  I feel your pain in this mess.  Hopefully you can get your DL without a SSN.  If you do, please let us know what you said or submitted that bypassed the SSN requirement.

 

 

[Seraph2042 37]

@SteveInBostonI130 @Crazy Cat  Hey, Sorry for the lengthy hiatus! After spending the entire month of February fighting with SSA helpline, I and my husband ended up deciding its not worth the hassle fighting the DMV & banks as well. Health insurance was not a problem. I had my biometrics on April 7th and luckily, the very next day my EAD was approved. I got it in the mail on April 15th. Nothing short of a miracle.

 

Went to SSA Grand Prairie office on April 25th(Thankfully they were open fully since April 7th) with a fresh application based on EAD. The lady at the counter went back to discuss my case with her superiors and came back with three of them after 30minutes or so and they all apologized and said the same thing - "We do not know why your application was not processed." They then took my fresh application and the SSN came to me on April 28th, in just 3 days. My sabbatical from work ends in July so everything worked out well at the end. Not bothered a lot about i-485 at the moment.

 

I can see why people prefer CR1 over K1. From the moment I landed, it feels like it is always one paperwork/event after another. Federal offices being on limited staffing made matters much worse. So, if someone asks me in the future - K1 OR CR1? I will always reply with the latter. Thank you for the help, as always guys!