I have seen on other discussions that you should wait for about 2 weeks before going to apply for SS# after
arriving in the US.....

What has been your experience with this for those who have already done this.

And did you wait to apply for EAD at the time you apply for adjustment of status???

Thanks!!!!!

K1 visa holders can get social security number upon producing a valid unexpired I-94. Apply two weeks after arrival in the US so that Social Security Administration(SSA) can verify your information in the SAVE-ASVI database. If you apply too soon, they may have to do manual verification by filing Form G-845 with the USCIS which may add several weeks of delay. Also, do not wait too long as many SSA offices will not allow you to file for a SSN if your I-94 is about to expire within 14 days. Of course, it is also possible to apply after you get EAD.

Social security card will be marked "VALID FOR ONLY WITH USCIS AUTHORIZATION". That means, you need to get EAD first before you can actually work.

Most people here apply for EAD with AOS because it's included in the cost. Otherwise it's an additional charge.

Good luck.

i'm curious... and maybe planning a little too far ahead...

if i'll be getting married in the first 2 weeks i'm in the US, how will this effect the SSN application process? is it simply a matter of taking my marriage certificate with all the other paperwork and my visa when i apply?

thanks

We went about 3 weeks after and had the card within 7 days...

If you apply for EAD before marriage and AOS you apply basedyour EAD card will come back with an expiration date the same as your I-94 and in many cases your I-94 will expire before they can even process the EAD application.

I got married 6 days after entering the US. Went and applied for my SSN a month later. Got my card 8 days after that. And yes, you need to take your copy of the marriage certificate, along with your passport.

You can't apply for your EAD before applying for AOS, you either apply for both together at the same time, or EAD after applying for AOS.

thanks cassie!

Yes you can... you would file under A(6) instead of C(9).

true, but seeing as a lot of people get that confused (a(6) is not the option for someone coming in on K-1, right?), I chose not to go down that road.

Hi there I also have a q re: SSN. Because I only arrived April 5th, I shouldn't be going down to the SS office till April 19th or so. Can I go a few days before, say April 15th?

Yes, for most people it is a lousy option as it results in monetary expense and with very little benefit. But it can be done.

You can go anytime after arrival... two weeks after is a suggestion not a rule....

Bottom line.

Wait two to three weeks after your arrival before filing for SSN just to save yourself the hassle of not being 'found' in their records. Go even if your wedding ceremony isn't imminent.

If you wait too long - 76 or more days after your US entry - you will not be able to get a SS number until you possess either a greencard or an EAD.

Don't delay filing for the SS number just to avoid an upcoming surname change. Going back to the SS office after marriage to change the surname on the card (ladies only usually) is accomplished simply by filling out a form and showing them your marriage license and passport (for ID). It's much less hassle and far less invasive than your first visit.

Don't apply for an EAD prior to filing your status adjustment because it's expensive and by the time you get it, it's likely worthless.