Filing a Social Security Card

[Nishi 0]

Hi All,

When is a good time to file for a Social Security card? I have been reading some of the other forums, and it says to wait for at least two weeks before filing for the Social Security Card after entering the U.S.A! Can I apply for a State ID and a Driver's License after I get the Social Security card?

Your posts and suggestions would definitely help.

Thank You,

Nishi

[Bobby+Umit 161]

What I did was this:

4 weeks after POE entry - applied for SSC with maiden name.

Got card with DHS AUTHORIZATION NEEDED stamped on it.

Got married (1.5 months from POE), name change.

Applied for AOS, AP, EAD - received everything in 1 month. (within days of each other). (used married name on documents)

Went to SSA and changed name on SSC to married name. They requested marriage certificate, and greencard.

Received card in 1 week with new name.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Can I apply for a State ID and a Driver's License after I get the Social Security card?

Rules depend on the state where you live. Each state has different requirements.

See this link for Michigan http://www.michigan.gov/documents/DE40_032001_20459_7.pdf

Normally you can only get an ID or license for the length of time your I-94 is valid, which isn't long for a K1. Many states won't issue one until you have at least the EAD which shows a year of legal presence allowed. The license or ID would expire when your EAD expires. Then you'd have to go back and show your green card to get it extended.

Here's the Visa Journey guide for getting a Social Security card. Scroll down to see the K1 instructions.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

[baron555 934]

Hi All,

When is a good time to file for a Social Security card? I have been reading some of the other forums, and it says to wait for at least two weeks before filing for the Social Security Card after entering the U.S.A! Can I apply for a State ID and a Driver's License after I get the Social Security card?

Your posts and suggestions would definitely help.

Thank You,

Nishi

We waited three weeks. The entry data was found in the SSA computer and they accepted the application. ahd the card within a week.

State ID can be had ASAP after you get the SSN (also will need proof of residence, I added her to the electric and gas bills and that worked).

For Illinois, they would issue her a DL (after passing all tests) but only valid for the length of validty of the I-94, or you must have the GC in hand. We didn't bother with the short term DL (I-94 is only valid for 90 days) but she did pass the vision and written tests and now has the Learner's Permit and when she feels she's ready, only has to pass the driving test to get the DL.

[Nishi 0]

We waited three weeks. The entry data was found in the SSA computer and they accepted the application. ahd the card within a week.

State ID can be had ASAP after you get the SSN (also will need proof of residence, I added her to the electric and gas bills and that worked).

For Illinois, they would issue her a DL (after passing all tests) but only valid for the length of validty of the I-94, or you must have the GC in hand. We didn't bother with the short term DL (I-94 is only valid for 90 days) but she did pass the vision and written tests and now has the Learner's Permit and when she feels she's ready, only has to pass the driving test to get the DL.

Hi baron555,

I see your post regarding adding your fiance to your electric and gas bills. I am assuming you did this after your fiance received her SSN in the mail?

Thanx "Nich-Nick" for posting the link to Michigan's License or ID page. This definitely helps.

Thanx all.

Nishi

Edited April 29, 2010 by Nishi