Social Security Number - Help!

[dai2000 0]

Okay,

Here's my current situation as regards my status.

I entered the US (Illinois) on June 10th 2007.

Got married on June 24th 2007 (YAY)

I am a K1 visa holder and my K1 visa expires at the start of September. I have sent off my adjustment of status forms and my I1765 forms.

Now - my question - social security number. I phone the immigration people and they told me that I should wait for an EAD work authorisation document before I apply for my social secuirty number. They told me that having the EAD document would allow me to get a SSN.

Now - is this true?

Should I be applying for my social secuirty number now?

I was told that I cannot work until the EAD document comes. That's no problem.

Can someone explain clearly for me how the process works with social security number.

[YuAndDan 153]

Your K-1 visa expired the moment you used it. Your I-94 expires September

K-1s can apply for SSN based on the I-94 card up to 2 weeks from its expiration, after that you need EAD or Green-Card to apply for SSN.

This guide explains it well: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

Edited August 7, 2007 by YuAndDan

[TracyTN 237]

Okay,

Here's my current situation as regards my status.

I entered the US (Illinois) on June 10th 2007.

Got married on June 24th 2007 (YAY)

I am a K1 visa holder and my K1 visa expires at the start of September. I have sent off my adjustment of status forms and my I1765 forms.

Now - my question - social security number. I phone the immigration people and they told me that I should wait for an EAD work authorisation document before I apply for my social secuirty number. They told me that having the EAD document would allow me to get a SSN.

Now - is this true?

Should I be applying for my social secuirty number now?

I was told that I cannot work until the EAD document comes. That's no problem.

Can someone explain clearly for me how the process works with social security number.

First of all, your K1 visa expires the moment you enter the US. Your status is now derived off the I 94.

No, its not true that a K1er must have EAD before getting a SSN, but most SSA offices don't know that. Take a look at my signature for a helpful guide - and take that to the office with you!

And this may seem like a dumb question, but are you the male or the female?

[dai2000 0]

Okays,

I've had a look at that guide. Should I wait until I receive my EAD? Or should I go ASAP to get the social security number?

I'm worried that if I wait for the EAD (which i was told takes 60-90 days), my I-94 will be expired, and I think i need a valid I-94 to get a social secuirty number, is that correct?

So, if I was to go sometime this week to get my social security number, all I need do is fill out the social security application form and print that other document which indicates that I may receive it?

BTW - I'm the male.

Keith

[YuAndDan 153]

Okays,

I've had a look at that guide. Should I wait until I receive my EAD? Or should I go ASAP to get the social security number?

I'm worried that if I wait for the EAD (which i was told takes 60-90 days), my I-94 will be expired, and I think i need a valid I-94 to get a social secuirty number, is that correct?

So, if I was to go sometime this week to get my social security number, all I need do is fill out the social security application form and print that other document which indicates that I may receive it?

BTW - I'm the male.

Keith

If you can get it now, I would do it now, the SSN is useful for things like bank accounts, and perhaps drivers license in some states.

[dai2000 0]

Okays,

I've had a look at that guide. Should I wait until I receive my EAD? Or should I go ASAP to get the social security number?

I'm worried that if I wait for the EAD (which i was told takes 60-90 days), my I-94 will be expired, and I think i need a valid I-94 to get a social secuirty number, is that correct?

So, if I was to go sometime this week to get my social security number, all I need do is fill out the social security application form and print that other document which indicates that I may receive it?

BTW - I'm the male.

Keith

If you can get it now, I would do it now, the SSN is useful for things like bank accounts, and perhaps drivers license in some states.

If I wait until the EAD document arrives and this is after the I94 has expired, will I still be able to get the Social security number?

[TracyTN 237]

Agreed. And the reason I asked about male or female - it seems that some SSA workers' wittle minds are blown if you tell them you came here on a K1 and are now married. I was told my fiance now needed a K3 since we were married. Idiots. Another person was told that getting married thus made them ineligible for a SSN, so they should leave the country, re-enter, and try again. Double

So I wouldn't mention it if I were you (unless directly asked). It has no bearing on you getting an SSN (or at least, it shouldn't).

[payxibka 10,045]

Okays,

I've had a look at that guide. Should I wait until I receive my EAD? Or should I go ASAP to get the social security number?

I'm worried that if I wait for the EAD (which i was told takes 60-90 days), my I-94 will be expired, and I think i need a valid I-94 to get a social secuirty number, is that correct?

So, if I was to go sometime this week to get my social security number, all I need do is fill out the social security application form and print that other document which indicates that I may receive it?

BTW - I'm the male.

Keith

If you can get it now, I would do it now, the SSN is useful for things like bank accounts, and perhaps drivers license in some states.

If I wait until the EAD document arrives and this is after the I94 has expired, will I still be able to get the Social security number?

Yes, and you will not get your EAD until after your I-94 has expired almost guaranteed.

FWIW, from day 76 after your arrival into the USA and until the EAD is approved and entered in the SSA system you will not be able to get a SSN (this is sort of a limbo period)

[YuAndDan 153]

Okays,

I've had a look at that guide. Should I wait until I receive my EAD? Or should I go ASAP to get the social security number?

I'm worried that if I wait for the EAD (which i was told takes 60-90 days), my I-94 will be expired, and I think i need a valid I-94 to get a social secuirty number, is that correct?

So, if I was to go sometime this week to get my social security number, all I need do is fill out the social security application form and print that other document which indicates that I may receive it?

BTW - I'm the male.

Keith

If you can get it now, I would do it now, the SSN is useful for things like bank accounts, and perhaps drivers license in some states.

If I wait until the EAD document arrives and this is after the I94 has expired, will I still be able to get the Social security number?

YES but you may have to wait 2 weeks after getting the EAD to apply for SSN, it can take that long for USCIS to update the system referred to by the SSA to confirm the EAD status.

[dai2000 0]

Agreed. And the reason I asked about male or female - it seems that some SSA workers' wittle minds are blown if you tell them you came here on a K1 and are now married. I was told my fiance now needed a K3 since we were married. Idiots. Another person was told that getting married thus made them ineligible for a SSN, so they should leave the country, re-enter, and try again. Double

So I wouldn't mention it if I were you (unless directly asked). It has no bearing on you getting an SSN (or at least, it shouldn't).

OK, I have some other questions regarding this. Thanks for your help so far. Here we go:

1. I've had a look at the SSN form - is there an example form somewhere that I can use to help me fill it in?

2. Do I tick: Legal Alien NOT allowed to work. ?

3. The form asks for mother and father's SSN - do I leave this blank (as they r foreign)?

[payxibka 10,045]

Agreed. And the reason I asked about male or female - it seems that some SSA workers' wittle minds are blown if you tell them you came here on a K1 and are now married. I was told my fiance now needed a K3 since we were married. Idiots. Another person was told that getting married thus made them ineligible for a SSN, so they should leave the country, re-enter, and try again. Double

So I wouldn't mention it if I were you (unless directly asked). It has no bearing on you getting an SSN (or at least, it shouldn't).

OK, I have some other questions regarding this. Thanks for your help so far. Here we go:

1. I've had a look at the SSN form - is there an example form somewhere that I can use to help me fill it in?

2. Do I tick: Legal Alien NOT allowed to work. ?

3. The form asks for mother and father's SSN - do I leave this blank (as they r foreign)?

2. Do I tick: Legal Alien NOT allowed to work. ? K-1 for the first 90 days is work authorized so you can work!

3. None

Edited August 7, 2007 by fwaguy

[TracyTN 237]

Agreed. And the reason I asked about male or female - it seems that some SSA workers' wittle minds are blown if you tell them you came here on a K1 and are now married. I was told my fiance now needed a K3 since we were married. Idiots. Another person was told that getting married thus made them ineligible for a SSN, so they should leave the country, re-enter, and try again. Double

So I wouldn't mention it if I were you (unless directly asked). It has no bearing on you getting an SSN (or at least, it shouldn't).

OK, I have some other questions regarding this. Thanks for your help so far. Here we go:

1. I've had a look at the SSN form - is there an example form somewhere that I can use to help me fill it in?

2. Do I tick: Legal Alien NOT allowed to work. ?

3. The form asks for mother and father's SSN - do I leave this blank (as they r foreign)?

Sure thing!!

1.) I downloaded mine from SSA's site. I never found an example form (but that doesn't mean there isn't one!).

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

2.) I ticked 'Legal alien allowed to work', as K1s are for SSA purposes (see the link in my sig, section C)

3.) I left my UK hubby's blank too.

Edited August 7, 2007 by TracyTN

[chelseafan 0]

Hi Keith

You've been given some great info. by several knowledgeable members. I chime in only to add that some SSA offices seem to be more willing to listen to "the applicant" than others.

I applied for my SS number a month after my arrival, in my married name (which was different than my maiden name...thus different than my passport name AND I-94 card) and just happened to get a SSA official who didn't know what to do about the difference in names......but was willing to ask a co-worker who did.

I'm betting TracyTN asked if you're a bloke, cuz it's likely to mean that your name still matches your passport and I-94!

It was only four days until that little card showed up in the post......er, mailbox with my married name. Done and dusted.

I had the SSA statute all printed out and ready to use......but it never became an issue.

Here's hoping you'll have an easy time of it. Cheers.

Heather

[dai2000 0]

Okays, now I know how to fill the form out. I apologise for all the questions, but I worry incase I have accidentally missed anything.

1. Will my card say: Can work with authorization with INS printed on it?

2. Will I be asked if I am married? Should I avoid this question?

3. Do the people at the SS places give much hassle around K1 thing?

Last question (i think):

4. When I phoned the immigration people a few weeks ago and when I submitted all my adjustment of status forms, I was told that I could not get authorisation to work on my K1 visa, as the authorisation would expire with the visa. Does the same thing apply with the SSN? I know the number will not expire, but will it create any difficulties for me to apply for the SSN before I get the EAD?

[TracyTN 237]

Hi Keith

You've been given some great info. by several knowledgeable members. I chime in only to add that some SSA offices seem to be more willing to listen to "the applicant" than others.

I applied for my SS number a month after my arrival, in my married name (which was different than my maiden name...thus different than my passport name AND I-94 card) and just happened to get a SSA official who didn't know what to do about the difference in names......but was willing to ask a co-worker who did.

I'm betting TracyTN asked if you're a bloke, cuz it's likely to mean that your name still matches your passport and I-94!

It was only four days until that little card showed up in the post......er, mailbox with my married name. Done and dusted.

I had the SSA statute all printed out and ready to use......but it never became an issue.

Here's hoping you'll have an easy time of it. Cheers.

Heather

Makes it easier for you to not have to tell them you're married!

Heather - I'm impressed with your SSA office! WELL impressed! Willing to think the applicant might be right? Who would've thunk it??? And they didn't question the fact that you were a K1er and wanted a SSN (or could have one)?? Wow. Guess 'your mileage may vary according to SSA office' is indeed true!!!