At what point during the process can I apply for a Social? Is it after the i-485 is approved? Or is it work authorization?

Thanks.

Either with EAD or Green-Card which ever comes first, both documents convey work authorization.

Wait at least 2 weeks after getting EAD or Green-Card before attempting to get SSN, the officer at the SSA office needs to confirm your status on a computer system, and it take up to 2 weeks for USCIS to update that system.

When you get your EAD you can go and get it shortly after. Bing. Bang. Boom.

hey there!
check out the guides on vj . visa k flowchart or ssn step by step
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

I'm confused. The guide says to do it two weeks after entering the US. You guys are saying two weeks after EAD. Those events are several months apart. Are the guides incorrect or is there another reason for delaying until EAD?

I think it depends on what process you are talking about. For K-1, they recommend waiting 2 weeks to allow for data entry to occur.

Personally, I am planning on taking my fiancee (once we reach this stage) after our marriage. I don't see the advantage of getting the SS card made before that, as we will need to go right after marriage anyway to get the name changed.

K1s can apply upon entry (2 weeks is recommended so that they are in S.A.V.E.).

For K3s and some other adjustment applicants (like bradcanuck's situation), you can't apply for an SSN until you have an EAD or GC.

You'll need to apply no later than two weeks before your I-94 expires. If you wait any longer than that, you'll have to wait to adjust status.

I entered on K3 and am waiting for my EAD to apply for my SSN.

I have always wondered why K1 can apply right away and K3 has to wait for EAD.

Because the SSA considers K1s work authorised at least for the period of their I-94... (same reason why K1s can get the EAD stamp at certain POEs). K3s just aren't work authorised until EAD or GC... never understood it but that's just the way it is. Silly rules.

The advantage is that the SSA seems to "screw up" less often when you do it before the marriage than after. Just be prepared to explain to the SSA folks there own rules.

I know. It is such a pain living in limbo. You need an SSN for almost everything in the U.S.

... ok, I am also [slightly] confused!

I am a K1, and once I cross the border, we are getting married in 3 days! --

Based on some of the responses in this thread, I can apply for SSN in about two weeks time from my entry.

My question is :
In the meanwhile, from what I've heard, employers only ask for the SSN number. And so, if after entering and applying in two weeks time, I should be getting the SSN in say another two weeks. Once I get the SSN can I start working (even though my EAD probably won't be coming for another 2-3 months!)

Any light on this please ?!

thanks,
sapa

Employers must have a prepared I-9 for each employee. The I-9 requires the employer to SEE (not just ask) for the appropriate documentation

Sorry, Sapa. You have to wait for your EAD.

This idea of K1ers getting their SSN and then suddenly working has been tossed around here on VJ a lot lately. I don't understand why.

Assuming one has at least a basic knowledge of the visa type, I don't understand how there can be confusion on when you can work. *shrugs*

I entered on a K1 Visa. Got married and about 3 weeks later applied for my SSN. The lady didn't really know if I could...she made a call and I rec'd my SSN. Now it states clearly that it is not for work on it. Once I get my green card it will be changed.
So YES you can get your SSN prior to receiving EAD or green card.
I took in all my paperwork and marriage license. Only thing is they would not let my girls apply for their SSN without an EAD....however, my children are in kindergarten so there was no need..lol.
I still do not have my greencard...its in the works somewhere out there.

jmo

The SSN you will receive does not state clearly that it is not for work. What it states is that you cannot work without specific DHS authorization.

For a K-1 you can receive a SSN as long as you apply before day 76 after your entry into the USA. For a K-3 you cannot get SSN until you have EAD.

Ive been told by INS to waite until we are married before I submit for the ssn and all other needed documents ie: She has been here 42 days k1 and we are not married yet.. should I apply now for a ssn # ??? and would it be a good idea right now.. One guy hit the nail on the head stating that there is many much talk about this subject lately.. Thanks

Why would you take advice from immigration about when to apply for an SSN? They can hardly give out good advice on their own stuff. I would say you have wait way too long. Should have applied at least a month ago. Get your butt in an SSA office ASAP.

BTW INS has not been around for about 4 years. It's USCIS that handles the immigration applications now.