K1 and I-766

[ATLR 2]

Hi there, need a little bit of advice here as this is the best place to come to with anything related to US immigration issue. I am a Singaporean and I had arrive in Miami some 3 weeks ago under a K1 visa. My fiance and I waited for 2 weeks (the recommended period) before we proceed down to apply for my Social Security. Yes, they have my record in their system, but I am still rejected for application of the social security because the person said that I have not apply for work authorization. So she said I have to go down to DHS to apply for work authorization first and fill up a I-766 (not I-765) before I am granted any Social Security. This is kind of confusing for my fiance and me because we read that K1 holder is valid for application of a Social Security 10 to 14 days upon arrival. Is the lady in the Social Security correct? I want to make sure because we don't want to go all the way down to DHS only to tell us that it isn't necessary.

However, if it is really a requirement for me to apply for a I-766, what are the documents do I need to bring down to DHS? I have try to look for info and the form I-766, but can't seems to find it. Most of it is related to I-765. Any advice, help is very much appreciated.

Cheers.

AT

[milimelo 4,230]

It's I-765, there is no form I-766. You can get the SSN without a problem. There is a specific topic on how to get one in AOS forum where I will move this topic.

Also, you want to apply for I-765 once you are married, not before.

[ATLR 2]

It's I-765, there is no form I-766. You can get the SSN without a problem. There is a specific topic on how to get one in AOS forum where I will move this topic.

Also, you want to apply for I-765 once you are married, not before.

Hmm..ok, this is getting confusing. I asked the lady is she referring to I-765, but she keep on insisting that it is I-766. And there is no way I can apply for my social security before I got my work authorization presented to them. This is really screw up. I even presented the RM00203.500 & point out to her K1 visa holder do not necessary need a EAD before application of a social security, but she turns me away. So right now, my fiance and I is kind of stuck in between. Maybe next week when we go down, we will request to talk to someone of better knowledge. So it is clear that I really have no problem applying for a Social Security without the EAD, right?

[Otto 83]

I even presented the RM00203.500 & point out to her K1 visa holder do not necessary need a EAD before application of a social security, but she turns me away. So right now, my fiance and I is kind of stuck in between. Maybe next week when we go down, we will request to talk to someone of better knowledge. So it is clear that I really have no problem applying for a Social Security without the EAD, right?

You definitely should return to the SSA office (same one or different one) and if this is the same response, you should ask to speak with a supervisor/manager. There is no reason (as far as what you've said) that you should be turned away.

[milimelo 4,230]

Hmm..ok, this is getting confusing. I asked the lady is she referring to I-765, but she keep on insisting that it is I-766. And there is no way I can apply for my social security before I got my work authorization presented to them. This is really screw up. I even presented the RM00203.500 & point out to her K1 visa holder do not necessary need a EAD before application of a social security, but she turns me away. So right now, my fiance and I is kind of stuck in between. Maybe next week when we go down, we will request to talk to someone of better knowledge. So it is clear that I really have no problem applying for a Social Security without the EAD, right?

Exactly right - no problem for SSN - all you have to show is your passport and visa.

If you're getting unhelpful (untrained/inexperienced) person in SSA office, ask for a manager or go to a different one in your area.

[TracyTN 237]

^^ The link in my sig might help with the SSN as well.

As for the USCIS person saying I 766 - I'm not surprised if this was someone you spoke to on the 800 (MIS)information line...

[Bernie C 24]

Exactly right - no problem for SSN - all you have to show is your passport and visa.

If you're getting unhelpful (untrained/inexperienced) person in SSA office, ask for a manager or go to a different one in your area.

Agreed! Another case of someone not knowing their job. If they try to tell you no again, ask for a supervisor.

All you need is your passport with the I-94 (must be prior to expiration).

[ATLR 2]

Thanks for the all the replies. I guess my fiance and I were just too stun to react the other day when we went down. So we came back, do our research more thoroughly and just feel so screwed. I can't find any goddamn I-766 and yes you are correct, incorrect information is given or should I say the staff is either outdated or not train properly in her job. We are going to be more assertive should we encounter another staff who doesn't know what they are doing when we go down next week. Good luck to us.

Cheers.