I don't really remember as I have read so much info on this site.......... does it make any difference when you apply for your SSN? before or after you get married? I seem to remember someone on here having a problem getting it after they were married.... something to do with the married name? I will be getting married two days after I arrive in the US later this week and I understand you should wait approximately 2 weeks so that you are in the system before you apply for a SSN. Am I on the right track here? Any input greatly appreciated.

Susan

hi susan

i got married a week after i arrived in the states..you have to wait at least 2 weeks for you details for your entry to be put into the system for you to apply for your SSN.

I took every single bit of ID i had plus the marriage certficate ..
my timeline for SSN:

01/07/06-W/DAY
11/07/06-applied 4 SSN
24/7/06-received SSN

make sure they site your marriage certficate because when i went for mine .. I asked her if she need to see anything else i have to show for ID and she said no...I received a letter the following week to say I had to bring my marriage certificate in...

You also have to get your SSN before the I-94 expires I know there is a time frame before the expiry where you cant apply for the SSN.

good luck
kath

Susan,

Some people have problems, others do not. To minimize the chances of encountering a problem apply in you maiden name (so as to match the USCIS database) and do not let it be known that you are married.

Change the name on the card later, after you have adjusted status, when you will be wanting to replace the card anyway to remove the notation about employment authorization.

Yodrak

Thanks Kath.......... I am getting so confused It seems nothing is the same for everyone!

Thanks for the info Yodrak......... things are so confusing, seems nothing is the same for everyone when it comes to all the stuff we have to do for immigration. As kath replied to me she applied and got hers after she was married. If a person was denied a SSN when applying after being married.... would they not have to give you one without any hassle once you have your AOS?
Susan

I don't know if this will help you, but here is the website fo the SSA. This tells you the rules!!
http://ssa.gov/pubs/10120.html

Thanks Danny

That's why Y suggested 'To minimize the chances of encountering a problem'.

They *do* have to give you one after your AOS.. do you want to wait that long?

I took a look at the link provided and it lists the following:

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security must see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents from the Department of Homeland Security include your:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
Work permit card (I-766 or I-688B).

I would think as the first response suggests that if you wait the appropriate amount of time til your name is in the system, either is fine. The site makes no mention of marital status, just to ensure you have the appropriate documentation showing the old and new name.

Let us know how that works out.....we are planning to do the same...marry shortly after entry and then apply for the SSN and EAD. I'm a little confused about that process too

Cheers!

The problems come when different SSA offices interpret the regulations differently. Some think "You are a K-1 Fiance. You are now married. You are no longer a Fiance. You are no longer eligible for a Social Security account". If this happens to you, holler for the manager, and take the POMS printout (see the Guide here). You may still wind up at a different office, or with no SS#. There is no need to mention your marital status at all, until you have a USCIS document with your new married name.

It is better to have a Social Security number in a maiden name than no SS# at all.

K-1s may only be issued a SS# in their first 76 days in the US. Do not delay.

The 2 weeks from entry wait is not required, it is a suggestion to ensure that your status has been entered into the SAVE database so your account can be immediately verified. Some people's entry is recorded immediately--you may have luck applying earlier. You can go to any (ie, the quietest) SSA office.

The final marriage problem is women wanting to be issued their SSA card in their new married name. This can not happen until there is supporting documentation from USCIS (EAD or Green Card). It is better to have a SS card in your maiden name than to have no SS card at all. You may update your SSA record with your married name, but they will not issue you a new card. It's been suggested that you not have the maiden name card on you when attempting this, as the worker may take away your maiden name card, leaving you with a number, but no card, until EAD or AOS completes.

Do not apply for an EAD until you are filing for it with the I-485, or it will not arrive in time to do you any good.