On the ss-5 Social security card application it states that any immigrant who is not authorized to work must bring documentation that states their reasoning and permission when applying for a ss card. If my wife is to apply for a social security card after 2 weeks arriving in the states, and before 76 days, but has not yet received her EAD, how can she be eligible for a ss card? Help!!!

K-1's are eligible for a SSN card, but it will be without work authorization. You must obtain the EAD card or the GC in order to actually be able to work.

The SSN card will arrive with a notation on it stating that the card is not work authorized, and you must go back to the SS office after receiving the GC to get the notation removed.

Show the K-1 visa and valid I-94 card. SSA knows that K-1 is work Auth visa.

The SSN guide has links to SSA web site showing what NON-Immigrant visas that SSA considers work auth with or without EAD.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500 See section C of this page.

Because a K-1 is has work authorized incident to status for the first 90 days after arrival

SSA 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, i.e. I-551, I-688B or 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