Rejected at SSA office

[Krikit 1,164]

Good that someone at SSA knows what's going on.

Was that you?

[payxibka 10,045]

Good that someone at SSA knows what's going on.

Was that you?

I Quit has never worked for SSA.... though it seems he is more qualified than most that do.

[jbrid 0]

Here is what the SSA HQ official emailed me. He told me to bring this to the local SSA office when I go back. I guess this will seal the deal.

He also told me that he called the regional office and confirmed that once the SSN application is in the system it should be approved. The married name vs. maiden name issue is not an issue.

Thanks again 'I Quit' !! I appreciate your help. This community is lucky you have you and many other like you who are willing to share their knowledge.

Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration regarding

eligibility to be assigned a Social Security number.

An individual that entered the United States with K-1 status applying for a work authorized Social Security number (SSN) must present evidence at one of our offices to establish his or her age, identity, and current lawful employment authorized status.

An individual needs to provide at least two documents as evidence to establish age, identity, and current lawful employment authorized status.

Example: If the immigration document, for example, Form I-94, Form I-551, Form I-766, is used to establish work authorization and identity, the alien must provide another document to establish age.

We will not assign an SSN or issue a card to an individual that is within 14 days of his or her alien status expiring. Until the 76th day after entry an individual with K-1 status only needs to provide an unexpired I-94 showing current K-1 status to establish employment authorized status for SSN purposes.

Once, an individual that entered the United States with K-1 status has been in the United States 76 days he or she will need another document, for example, Form I-551, Form I-766, to establish employment authorized status for SSN purposes.

RM 00203.500 Employment Authorization for Nonimmigrants:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500#C1

RM 00203.410 Evidence of Alien Status for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203410

Note: Marriage does not affect an individual with K-1 status's eligibility to be assigned an SSN, or issued a card.

The marriage document establishes the name change if it meets the following criteria:

-- The new name can be derived from the marriage document, i.e. bride

takes the groom’s last name, groom takes bride’s last name,

compound name (with or without hyphen) of each spouse’s original

name for either or both parties.

Note: The type of name change requested must also be allowable under state law, for example, groom taking bride’s last name.

-- The marriage occurred within the past two years

-- The marriage document shows sufficient identifying information, for

example, biographical data such as age, date of birth or parent's

names), and

-- The identifying information matches the information on his/her

Social Security number (Numident) record.

The applicant may need to submit an identity document in the old name along with the marriage document if:

-- The marriage occurred within the last two years and has

biographical information, for example, age, date of birth or

parent's names which does not match our records, for example, the

SSN record.

-- The marriage occurred within the last two years, but does not show

biographical information, or

-- The marriage occurred over two years ago (with or without

biographical information.

The identity document used to establish the old name must match the name on the current SSN record. The identity document is acceptable even if over two years old or expired.

Note: Refer the Social Security office personnel to EM-06064, which was issued 10/02/2006 and EM-07045, which was issued 07/03/2007 for the current procedures regarding name changes based on marriage.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/public/refere...cttocategory=EM

This is in addition to proof of current lawful employment authorized status.

RM 00203.210 C. Procedure - Immigration Document as Evidence of Legal Name:

When an alien applies for an SSN card, we presume the name on the immigration document is the legal name unless the applicant presents evidence of a legal name change, for example, marriage, which occurred after the immigration document was issued.

RM 00203.210 Changing Numident Name Data:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203210

When requesting an SSN card, the documents presented, as evidence must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept uncertified or notarized photocopies as evidence.

“If the applicant has no immediate need for the SSN and the translation can be done promptly or the foreign language document is the only evidence available; have the document translated by an authorized translator and use the document as evidence.”

“If the applicant has a pressing need for an SSN, and evidence other than the foreign language document is available; request other evidence and process the application without the foreign language document.”

RM 00203.040 Reviewing SSN Evidence:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203040#B3

SSA translators comprise two groups:

-- Field office and Payment Center employees who volunteer their

services as translators

-- Central Translation Section translators who hold actual translator

positions.

GN 00301.340 Authorized Translators Defined:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200301340

If a foreign-born person has the foreign birth certificate (BC) in his/her possession or can easily obtain a copy, he or she must submit it as proof of age. In some situations we can accept alternative evidence of age. The alternative evidence of age may be less than a year old, for example, an immigration document or foreign passport.

You can find detailed information regarding evidence that establishes age on our Web site:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203110

The documents acceptable as evidence of identity are now based on three factors: (1) the applicant’s age, (2) the applicant’s citizenship/alien status, and (3) the relative value of documents.

Primary Identity Evidence for an alien:

-- Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (includes temporary I-551

Stamp in combination with an unexpired foreign passport when the I-

551 Permanent Resident Card has not yet been issued)

-- Form I-94, Arrival/departure Record in combination with an

unexpired foreign passport

-- Form I-766, Employment Authorization card

Note: Document must be unexpired

Secondary Identity Evidence for an alien:

-- Unexpired valid U.S. driver’s license (excludes licenses known to

be suspended or revoked)

-- U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same

State agency which issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with

issuing authority over the State’s identity card and not expired)

-- Marriage document showing in addition to the applicant’s name

either the applicant’s date of birth ( DOB) or age

-- Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or

letter providing extract data from the medical record showing in

addition to the applicant’s name, the applicant’s DOB or age

-- Health insurance or Medicaid card showing, in addition to the

person’s name, either a photograph of the person or his/her DOB

-- School identity card or record (for current school year) showing,

in addition to the applicant’s name, either a photograph of the

applicant or the applicant’s DOB

-- Life insurance policy for the person showing his/her age or DOB.

However, the acceptability of an identity document must be evaluated on a case by case basis by the office processing the application.

You can find detailed information regarding evidence that establishes identity on our Web site:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203200

We cannot accept an application filing receipt or notice of action as evidence of an immigration document.

Normally, an SSN card should be received in the mail within two weeks after the application and document(s) have been received and verified.

However, when an alien requests an SSN or replacement card, we must verify his or her documents/current status with the appropriate bureau of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If the initial online verification is not possible through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, we may need to send a Form G-845 to the appropriate bureau of DHS for manual verification.

Social Security field offices can submit an additional electronic online verification, which with the majority of applications eliminates the need to send a Form G-845 along with a copy of the applicant’s immigration documents.

However, some applications still require a copy of the immigration document(s) to be mailed to the appropriate bureau of DHS along with Form G-845 for manual verification.

Note: If the applicant has changed his/her name after an immigration document, for example, Form I-94, was issued, for example, married and is now using the married name, but has not obtained a corrected immigration document showing the new name; this is not a name discrepancy for enumeration purposes, that is, SAVE clearance, if the applicant can provide an acceptable legal name change document to establish the new name.

The 14 day status expiration limit for assigning an SSN and/or issuing a card applies even if an individual submitted his or her application before being within the 14 day period and entered the 14 day period while waiting for his or her status to be verified.

Our offices can also assist applicants by issuing a notice acknowledging the SSN application while documents are being verified.

RM 00202.307 Acknowledgement for Form SS-5:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100202307

All cards are mailed from Social Security Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland to the postal address provided on the Form SS-5.

Individuals can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) by calling the National Customer Service Center toll-free number, 1-800-375-5283, or visiting a local CIS office.

You can locate CIS offices on their Web site:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO

Before going into a CIS office individuals first need to make an INFOPASS appointment:

http://infopass.uscis.gov

Finding the Status of Your Case:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp

How Do I...Help My Fiancé(e)Become a Permanent Resident of the United States:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf

I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

Application for Employment Authorization:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765instr.pdf

How Do I...Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/B2.pdf

Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-751.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-751instr.pdf

You can find SSN and employment information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Web site:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/intern...=129227,00.html

If ineligible to be assigned an SSN, Social Security offices can provide written notice using Form SSA-L676 to explain that an SSN cannot be assigned due to your fiancé/spouse not having provided authorization to work in the United States for SSN purposes, or evidence of a valid nonwork reason for needing an SSN.

The following are valid nonwork reasons:

-- Receive Social Security benefits

-- Receive Medicaid

-- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

-- Food Stamps

-- State/Local General Assistance Benefits

Needing an SSN for school aid or enrollment, tax purposes, private health insurance, banking, credit cards, loans, or to be issued a state professional or driver’s license are NOT valid non work reasons for needing an SSN.

The IRS assigns Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers to aliens for tax purposes who are not eligible to be assigned an SSN. A Form W-7, “Application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” needs to be submitted to receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You can download a form W-7 from the IRS Web site:

http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html

You can contact the IRS ITIN office by calling 1-800-908-9982.

You can find additional information on the IRS Web site:

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1915.pdf

When am I legally required to provide my Social Security number:

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cf....php?p_faqid=78

Edited September 30, 2009 by jbrid

[TracyTN 237]

Great news!

SSA offices - learning their own rules, one office at a time...!

[raymaga 25]

I got married 08/28/04, mailed my AOS documents 08/30/04, went to the SSA office 08/30/04 with my certified marriage certificate and had no problems applying for my SSN card.

It arrived 2 weeks later with my new married name on it.

[Inky 1,110]

I applied for my SSN in nebraska after i was married and i was told 3-6 weeks for it to arrive in the mail. I had no trouble at the office but now its been 4 and a half weeks and nothing! we called SSN office today to ask #######? the guy told me they only just processed it and to wait 10 more days and it should be here, other wise if it is not here in 10 days to call them again and let them know that it did not make it to me in the mail.

- they sure did take their sweet time to do the check!!!

[Ellie-and-David 38]

Mine took 5 weeks too.

Strangely, the day I went back in to ask WTH was taking so long (in the nicest possible way of course), I was told that they had only just finished checking me out and I had that day been approved to receive my SSN.

8 days later the SSN card arrived. It seems that the SSN experience (knowledge and time taken) varies greatly from office to office.

[walls1010 3]

We decided to wait until after we were married to get a SSN for my wife. I didn't see any reason to get it before. Now in hindsight, I wish we had.

We went to the SSA office yesterday. The clerk said that since we were already married he could not issue the SSN in her new name because she was in the immigration system under her previous name.

I spent about 20 minutes debating/pleading with the guy and his associates. They would not budge. They clearly had very little experience dealing with K-1 applicants. He kept trying to say that since we were now married, her status has changed to K-3. Yeah right!

I would seriously advise people to get the SSN shortly after you arrive in the states just to be safe. Then, go back and change the name after marriage.

Any advice for our situation? I would like my wife to get a SSN fairly soon so that she can get a proper drivers license.

I know I could try to go to a SSA office in a bigger city where the people are more knowledgeable. However, the idea of traveling several hours to only be rejected again is not a pleasant thought.

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

[OlgaLebon 0]

We decided to wait until after we were married to get a SSN for my wife. I didn't see any reason to get it before. Now in hindsight, I wish we had.

We went to the SSA office yesterday. The clerk said that since we were already married he could not issue the SSN in her new name because she was in the immigration system under her previous name.

I spent about 20 minutes debating/pleading with the guy and his associates. They would not budge. They clearly had very little experience dealing with K-1 applicants. He kept trying to say that since we were now married, her status has changed to K-3. Yeah right!

I would seriously advise people to get the SSN shortly after you arrive in the states just to be safe. Then, go back and change the name after marriage.

Any advice for our situation? I would like my wife to get a SSN fairly soon so that she can get a proper drivers license.

I know I could try to go to a SSA office in a bigger city where the people are more knowledgeable. However, the idea of traveling several hours to only be rejected again is not a pleasant thought.

Just wanted to add that I got a driver license though I don't have SSN card. To have driving exams I needed to prove residency so my husband switched PUD bills to my name and that was enough.

[jbrid 0]

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

If you are a K-1 I am pretty sure you are supposed to check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

See this document:

http://www.kamya.com/ssn/em00154.pdf

[obbynox 0]

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

If you are a K-1 I am pretty sure you are supposed to check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

See this document:

http://www.kamya.com/ssn/em00154.pdf

Before marriage yes. After you are no longer allowed to work without EAD!

[jbrid 0]

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

If you are a K-1 I am pretty sure you are supposed to check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

See this document:

http://www.kamya.com/ssn/em00154.pdf

Before marriage yes. After you are no longer allowed to work without EAD!

Really? Can you tell me where I can verify that? Thanks.

[walls1010 3]

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

If you are a K-1 I am pretty sure you are supposed to check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

See this document:

http://www.kamya.com/ssn/em00154.pdf

I did not check the "legal alien allowed to work" coz' i did not apply for ead nor a permit to work at the port of entry when i arrived here.

[walls1010 3]

Got my SSN after our wedding, I brought with me my passport and our original wedding certificate and filled the form with my married name but I checked the box "legal alien not allowed to work". I already had SSN before I filed my AOS before.

If you are a K-1 I am pretty sure you are supposed to check "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

See this document:

http://www.kamya.com/ssn/em00154.pdf

I did not check the "legal alien allowed to work" coz' i did not apply for ead nor a permit to work at the port of entry when i arrived here.

If the link you posted was true, why they (IO) gave me a form to fill out if i want to work? Anyway, i upgrade my status at SSA after i got my gc and they issued my new SScard without restriction on it.

[TracyTN 237]

Don't confuse work authorized for SSA's purposes with work authorized for DHS' purposes .

'Legal alien allowed to work' as we're discussing here is an SSA term, which is true for K1ers who should thus tick the box. You will still get the card with a denotation on it (e.g. 'Must have work authorization from DHS'). Thus, K1ers would present their SS card and EAD card to an employer to prove work authorization. You can have that denotation removed from your SS card once you have your green card.

I don't think it's huge deal if you don't tick it - you'll probably get the same denotation on your card, as your entry is that of a K1. That's how the SSA employee should enter it in the system, and as such, it should still come with that denotation. Would defer to I Quit on that for sure.

*edited to fix tag*

Edited October 2, 2009 by TracyTN