Can I Apply for Social Security After I Already stated that I wanted to apply through green card application

[yuruioh 4]

So I understand that I can apply for the SSN through the green card application since that's the option I chose. I also checked the box to apply for the SSN on the work authorization application, but basically it's taking too long for the green card approval and we really need the SSN for a few important things. So I'm considering just applying for a SSN directly on the social security website. Will this get me a SSN faster than through waiting for the green card? At this point it has almost been a full year we have been waiting. 

[TBoneTX 45,241]

Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Social Security Numbers subforum -- topic involves the SSN.

[Chancy 6,241]

22 hours ago, yuruioh said:

Will this get me a SSN faster than through waiting for the green card?

 

If you entered the US with a K1 visa, you must have one of the following to be able to get SSN --

• Unexpired I-94 record (ie, K1 admission class AND "Admit Until Date" not passed), or
• EAD card, or
• GC

I-485 or I-765 receipt notice would not be acceptable proof of status to apply for SSN in person.

 

[yuruioh 4]

On 11/24/2023 at 7:19 PM, Chancy said:

 

If you entered the US with a K1 visa, you must have one of the following to be able to get SSN --

• Unexpired I-94 record (ie, K1 admission class AND "Admit Until Date" not passed), or
• EAD card, or
• GC

I-485 or I-765 receipt notice would not be acceptable proof of status to apply for SSN in person.

 

So if I decide to just bypass the SSN processing through applying for the GC and just apply for SSN in person, then would that potentially slow down the SSN processing? I currently don't know what the progress is on the SSN processing through the GC.

[OldUser 6,599]

12 minutes ago, yuruioh said:

So if I decide to just bypass the SSN processing through applying for the GC and just apply for SSN in person, then would that potentially slow down the SSN processing?

No.

 

If you can apply for SSN independently of GC, this may be faster than waiting for one via GC.

[yuruioh 4]

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

No.

 

If you can apply for SSN independently of GC, this may be faster than waiting for one via GC.

Okay thanks. And I do have the i94 but I think it's past the "Admit Until" date. Does this mean they won't accept it at the SS office if I apply for the SSN directly?

[OldUser 6,599]

2 minutes ago, yuruioh said:

Okay thanks. And I do have the i94 but I think it's past the "Admit Until" date. Does this mean they won't accept it at the SS office if I apply for the SSN directly?

 

Already answered:

On 11/24/2023 at 4:19 PM, Chancy said:

 

If you entered the US with a K1 visa, you must have one of the following to be able to get SSN --

• Unexpired I-94 record (ie, K1 admission class AND "Admit Until Date" not passed), or
• EAD card, or
• GC

I-485 or I-765 receipt notice would not be acceptable proof of status to apply for SSN in person.

 

 

[powerpuff 6,674]

2 hours ago, yuruioh said:

So if I decide to just bypass the SSN processing through applying for the GC and just apply for SSN in person, then would that potentially slow down the SSN processing? I currently don't know what the progress is on the SSN processing through the GC.

You can’t bypass it. Unfortunately you missed your window to apply for an SSN when you first came on a K1. Now that your I-94 is expired, you will only get an SSN once you have either an EAD or GC in hand. There is no other way to get an SSN - they will not send you a SSN while you are waiting for a GC or EAD to be adjudicated. You can only get one once they’re approved. You need the actual cards if you choose to go in person to apply for an SSN.

 

29 minutes ago, yuruioh said:

Okay thanks. And I do have the i94 but I think it's past the "Admit Until" date. Does this mean they won't accept it at the SS office if I apply for the SSN directly?

Correct. As I mentioned, you have to have the actual green card (I-551) or an EAD card. 

______
 

For any future K1s who come to the US, please please apply as soon you get here, like literally within a week of arriving. SSA office will not issue an SSN after day 75 of the 90 day window so it is imperative to apply for one ASAP. You don’t have to be married to apply for one.

 

Edited December 3, 2023 by powerpuff