FIRST THING FIRST!

[PrincyE 87]

I have read so many threads were  couples gets married without filling for the social security number for their fiance first. It seems like it makes the whole process for the AOS more stressful because your fiance cannot be added to a lot of your accounts with no social so it makes for less evidence when applying. So everyone, apply for the social first!

 

That's all...  

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

SSN is needed for work, but not for AOS.  You can be added to just about anythuingf without a SSN.

 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Some people probably didn't know that they could apply for SSN being a K-1 visa holder. Some who do know so, they get turned away by their local SSA office. The worse thing is when a bank would not let a K-1 visa holder apply for anything without a SSN despite the SSA specifically said that a SSN is not required for banking.

 

However, I must agree, if possible, definitely get a SSN to jumpstart the K-1 visa holder's life in the US a.s.a.p. Otherwise they'll need to wait till they receive the EAD. 

 

Now I am kinda nervous about having to face my local SSA office in a couple of months  I hope the staff there are competent and know their sh-t well.

[geowrian 22,335]

Just to be clear....you can get married then apply for an SSN fine for K-1 entrants. Getting married doesn't change that at all. The issue married individuals have is getting the card in their married name. Getting it in the name as dictated on their K-1 visa should be no different.

 

But yes, the sooner you can get one, the better. There are many services that are much easier to access with an SSN available, or are only available with an SSN.

 

Just from personal experience right now, my bank won't add my fiancée to my account without an SSN. That shouldn't happen but they won't budge. AMEX won't let you activate a card for an authorized user without an SSN.

Edited August 23, 2017 by geowrian

[Ubahsi 43]

10 hours ago, PrincyE said:

I have read so many threads were  couples gets married without filling for the social security number for their fiance first. It seems like it makes the whole process for the AOS more stressful because your fiance cannot be added to a lot of your accounts with no social so it makes for less evidence when applying. So everyone, apply for the social first!

 

That's all...  

I couldn't agree more, I heard that it's best to wait two weeks after POE, we have one more week to go! 

[PrincyE 87]

1 hour ago, Ubahsi said:

I couldn't agree more, I heard that it's best to wait two weeks after POE, we have one more week to go! 

Why did they say wait ?

[geowrian 22,335]

Years ago, it took a week or 2 to get into the SAVE system. If you went too soon and they couldn't verify your status, then they would need to do manual verification...which took ~6 weeks. Nowadays, just a day or two should be fine, and I've seen people do it even sooner without issues.

Edited August 23, 2017 by geowrian

[Ubahsi 43]

35 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Years ago, it took a week or 2 to get into the SAVE system. If you went too soon and they couldn't verify your status, then they would need to do manual verification...which took ~6 weeks. Nowadays, just a day or two should be fine, and I've seen people do it even sooner without issues.

Oh this is good to know, thanks for the updated info Geowrian! I read a few threads on VJ that recommended waiting for 2 week period. We will go this week then.  Thanks again! 

[Crazy Cat 39,218]

16 hours ago, Eric-Pris said:

SSN is needed for work, but not for AOS.  You can be added to just about anythuingf without a SSN.

 

I've read cases when people were not allowed to add spouses to bank accounts, leases, etc.  It just makes sense to get a SSN as soon as possible imo.

[Crazy Cat 39,218]

16 hours ago, geowrian said:

But yes, the sooner you can get one, the better. There are many services that are much easier to access with an SSN available, or are only available with an SSN.

^^THIS^^

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Since your husband isn't changing his name (I suppose), then go to SSA 2 weeks after arrival to apply for SSN if he hasn't received it in the mail yet. You wait for 2 weeks because they need to update his information in their system.

Also, you should be able to get married without the SSN. His passport should be enough to get married in most states.

[kris&me 572]

this site says it all

https://www.ffiec.gov/bsa_aml_infobase/documents/fdic_docs/bsa_manual.pdf

since 9/11  SS # or for foreigners married to or working in US have to have ITIN to have a bank account

new terrorists and money laundering rules apply

[Scandi 3,970]

I'm glad I got my SSN right after I entered the US so I had the SSN in time for filing the taxes, made everything so much easier.