Applying for SSN immediately before marriage (K1 Visa)

[alexsoph 1]

Hi everyone,

I've read several posts saying that it's better to apply for a social security number BEFORE getting married if you've entered on a K1 visa, as the officers issuing the SSN don't always understand how the visa works. That being said, we're hoping to get married as soon as possible and don't really want to wait until I receive an SSN. Would it be okay for us to apply for the SSN, and then get married before actually receiving it?

If not, we're probably going to just get married and then apply, and deal with the potential consequences.

[Winny0204 0]

All you need is your I-94 form and Visa/Passport to apply. My husband (fiance at the time) and I applied for his social after he had only been here for two weeks. The SS card will have a line that reads "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION". This means you won't be able to work unless you have the work permit accompanying it.

I think you should go ahead and apply for it. Then you will be in the system. Saves time and extra steps later on.

[Winny0204 0]

More info about non USC obtaining SS card from SS site if you need it:

Does a noncitizen need a Social Security number? Unless you are a noncitizen who wants to work in the United States, you probably don’t need a Social Security number. Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number. Social Security numbers are used to report an person’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services. Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You don’t need a number to get a driver’s license, register for school, get private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing. Some organizations use Social Security numbers to identify you in their records. Most, however, will identify you by some other means if you request it. We can’t assign you a Social Security number solely for you to be able to get a driver’s license or a service that requires a credit check. Although many companies, such as banks and credit companies, may ask for your Social Security number, you generally aren’t required to provide one if you don’t have one. How can I get a Social Security number and card? There are two ways you can apply. • You can apply in your home country before you come to the United States when filing an application for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. In almost all cases, if you apply for a Social Security number and card with your immigrant visa application, you don’t have to visit a Social Security office in the United States. (For more information, see www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa); or • You can visit a Social Security office in person. If you are not an immigrant, or didn’t apply for a Social Security number on your immigrant visa application, you must have your papers from DHS showing your U.S. immigration status and authorization to work in the United States. Then, you should apply for a Social Security number and card by visiting an office. We recommend you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number to make it easier for us to verify your DHS documents online, which will speed processing of your Social Security number application. Applying for a Social Security number and card is free. To apply: • Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); • Collect at least two original documents proving your identity, work-authorized immigration status, and age; and • Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your DHS work permit as proof of both your identity and workauthorized immigration status. Your birth certificate or passport may serve as proof of age. However, you must provide at least two separate documents. We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents with the issuing offices. Identity and work-authorized immigration status To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration documents include your: • Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa); • Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work; • Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record); or • Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit). Exchange visitors: If you’re a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, we also need to see your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment. International students: If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student, we need to see your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. For information on other documents that students must provide, ask for International Students And Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181). Age You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 business days. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport or a document issued by DHS, as evidence of your age. What if I need a number for other reasons? If you aren’t authorized by DHS to work in the United States, you can get a Social Security number only if you can prove you need it for a valid non-work reason. That might happen, for example, if a state or federal law requires you to have a Social Security number to get benefits to which you have already established entitlement. If you need a number for tax purposes, and you aren’t authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit the IRS in person, or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If a business or government agency asks you for a Social Security number and you are not authorized to work in the United States, ask if they can identify you in some other way. In most cases, you’ll be able to get the service or license you need without a Social Security number. Contacting Social Security Visit www.socialsecurity.gov anytime to apply for benefits, open a my Social Security account, find publications, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Or, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). We can answer case-specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call after Tuesday. We treat all calls confidentially. We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service, so a second Social Security representative monitors some telephone calls. We can provide general information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. And, remember, our website, www.socialsecurity.give

And don't forget birth certificate!

[TBoneTX 43,001]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Social Security Numbers subforum. ***

[Darnell 8,478]

remember most of the clerks at the SSA office really don't want to be there at the desk with you, are poorly trained, and don't care about your SSA-5 application.

with that said, applying in visa name soon after POE date, is a great thing !