Hello Wonder-Full VJers,

My first time in this part of the forum.
I recently moved to the U.S. to be with my sweetie - YIPPEE - and have some potentially silly questions.
(Please forgive my naiveté.)

As a freelancer, do I need a SSN?
What does/will it do for me?

I realize that one should wait two weeks before applying; being that I am in no hurry, can I apply for one once I do my AOS (after tying the knot)?

Other than the SSN application, the AOS application, what else am I to do as a newcomer?

Driver's license, for sure...at what point? After SSN? Can I get one without an SSN?

Thanks for any and all advice!

You can use a tax identification number to pay taxes if you are planning to always do freelance work. Rules for driver's license's vary by state. You should go to the dmv website for your state to find out the requirements.

An SSN doesn't 'do' anything for you, but it is the basis from which everything starts. Your credit history is driven off your SSN, what taxes you have paid (or owe) are driven from it, etc and so on. So you would need it in order to start paying tax estimates on your earnings. Though remember - K1ers technically aren't supposed to work until they have their work authorization from USCIS.

Its a bit more complex than this, but basically as a K1er, if you don't apply for it soon (2 weeks from POE is a good estimate), you will have to wait until you have your green card. I would go ahead and get it in your maiden name, then have your name changed on it later. A lot of Social Security offices don't know what the rules are for new arrivals, so I would print out the info from the following link and take it with you.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500#C1

Driver's license requirements vary from state to state - Google it.

You can not apply for a ITIN number if a SSN is available to to... as a K1 visa holder you can apply for a SSN at anytime after your arrival and before your 76th day in the US.... if you fail to apply at that time you will have to wait for either your 1 year EAD that you file for along with your AOS or your Greencard....

Kez

Links to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies:

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor_Vehicles.shtml

As well, some States require you to have an SSN before they will allow you to obtain a Driver's License. Bank accounts will eventually require it; some health care plan providers will require a SSN before you can be covered under your spouse's plan; etc. It is much better to get it now while you can than work through the hassle of life in the US without a SSN. Apply soon so you don't have to wait until after you get your greencard. My green card took nearly 2 years to be processed after I applied for AOS - it would have been a long time to be without a SSN in the US and caused a lot of hassles. Make it easy on yourself and get it now.

Thank you everyone for your patience and informative answers!