Getting SS# on K-1

[Gage 2]

My fiancee' has been here for over 3 weeks now after coming here on a K-1. When she filled out her original visa application, she checked the box that said she wanted a social security card issued after she arrived. She showed me the instructions she received with her visa that said if she checked this box on her application, there was no need to visit a social security office and that she would receive her card within 3 weeks of entering the U.S. No card has arrived yet. So here's my question: I'm wondering if we should visit a social security office anyway, or do we just keep waiting for one to arrive?

[TimandJoyce 1]

Apparently, that box is only good for the IR-1/CR-1 visas. Would be nice if they had mentioned that on the form, wouldn't it? And from what I've read, yes, you need to go to the local office.

I'd also like to add that do a wee bit of research through the guides, because I hear that a lot of people get a hard time filing for SS#'s. A K-1 CAN, ( and only K-1's) file before marriage and receive a card, but I think there may be instruction to it that it's not authorized to work. However, a lot of States require SS#'s from both parties when registering for the marriage license.

hope everything works out for you!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My fiancee' has been here for over 3 weeks now after coming here on a K-1. When she filled out her original visa application, she checked the box that said she wanted a social security card issued after she arrived. She showed me the instructions she received with her visa that said if she checked this box on her application, there was no need to visit a social security office and that she would receive her card within 3 weeks of entering the U.S. No card has arrived yet. So here's my question: I'm wondering if we should visit a social security office anyway, or do we just keep waiting for one to arrive?

That box is not for the K-1 visa. It is for the CR-1

She will need to go to the local SS office. She needs to apply for the card in her name exactly as in her passport. After you get married file AOS you can go back and change her name when she receives her green card. Be aware, many SS office clerks are untrained and do not know a K-1 is eligible for an SSN. Rather than check with a supervisor they will make new and silly laws out of thin air. DO NOT leave until she has successfully filled out the application. See a supervisor if necessary. A K-1 IS eleigible for the SSN until 14 days before her I-94 expires. After that you have to wait for the green card.

SS card does NOT authorize work

They will ask for TWO forms of government issued ID. Passport is ONE. K-1 visa is TWO.

[ThaitoUSA 15]

I believe that it is somewhere in the Guides or the example forms perhaps that a K-1 cannot automatically be issued a SS number even if she did check that box. You'll need to go to a local SS office to apply.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Apparently, that box is only good for the IR-1/CR-1 visas. Would be nice if they had mentioned that on the form, wouldn't it? And from what I've read, yes, you need to go to the local office.

I'd also like to add that do a wee bit of research through the guides, because I hear that a lot of people get a hard time filing for SS#'s. A K-1 CAN, ( and only K-1's) file before marriage and receive a card, but I think there may be instruction to it that it's not authorized to work. However, a lot of States require SS#'s from both parties when registering for the marriage license.

hope everything works out for you!

Just one note. The Supreme court, last year, let stand an Appeals court ruling in the case of a Tennessee county that states and counties CANNOT require a SSN to get married. They can REQUEST that information but cannot require it. If faced with a marriage license application that asks for that, and you don't have one, write "None"

[Mike & Miche 0]

My fiancee' has been here for over 3 weeks now after coming here on a K-1. When she filled out her original visa application, she checked the box that said she wanted a social security card issued after she arrived. She showed me the instructions she received with her visa that said if she checked this box on her application, there was no need to visit a social security office and that she would receive her card within 3 weeks of entering the U.S. No card has arrived yet. So here's my question: I'm wondering if we should visit a social security office anyway, or do we just keep waiting for one to arrive?

Here is the SSN reference guide for K-1 holders:

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

This notes that checking the box is only applicable to CR-1 visa holders. So, complete the noted forms (probably need to check for updates on the SSA website) and head to your local SS office.

Here is the link to the SSA website for applying for a SSN.

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html

Edited June 21, 2009 by Mike & Miche

[Mike & Miche 0]

Two more references for you:

1) Link for SSN application: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

2) Work authorization: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

Please note K-1 Visa holders are permitted to work without specific authorization....see section C.1 of this authorization.

Edited June 21, 2009 by Mike & Miche

[Gage 2]

Two more references for you:

1) Link for SSN application: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

2) Work authorization: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

Please note K-1 Visa holders are permitted to work without specific authorization....see section C.1 of this authorization.

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I had no idea that a K-1 didn't need a specific work authorization.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Two more references for you:

1) Link for SSN application: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

2) Work authorization: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

Please note K-1 Visa holders are permitted to work without specific authorization....see section C.1 of this authorization.

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I had no idea that a K-1 didn't need a specific work authorization.

They do as of 4-15-09.

Which has no affect on the SSN issuance. The SS card is not an authorization to work in any case and never has been. The problem will come when your fiancee gets a job and is required to complete form I-9 with the employer. She will not have the necessary documentation until she receives her green card or EAD. She CAN however, get the SS card which comes in handy for lots of things even before she can work.

[INCT 0]

My fiance at the time - now my husband had no issues getting a social security card. Just go to the SS office and fill out the forms, they will send it to you w/ a few weeks. It is just easier to do everything when you have SS card - he also then go a State issued ID card - he'll be getting his license hopefully soon.. It does say on the social security card - Employment Authorization Needed or something along those lines on his card. He had his passport stamped at JFK so that he could work. But def should have no problem going in and getting a social security card.