Two different sets of instructions

[redfragglekat 0]

I successfully crossed into the US on May 30th with my K1 Visa (horray!) and we're all set to get married next week. My question relates to the instructions for what comes next.

- my "Welcome to the United States" paper received at the Consulate (Montreal, Canada Consulate, if that matters) states that my Social Security Card will come to me immediately in the mail, if I requested it on the appropriate form (which I did).

- my "K1 Visa Instructions" letter from the border crossing itself states that I must go into the Social Security office to obtain my card, only after I marry

- my "Welcome to the United States" letter says that I may work as soon as my SSN is issued, usually within 2 weeks of entry.

- my "K1 Visa Instructions" letter from the border crossing says I may work only after I (get married, file more papers then) go into the social security office to apply for a car and then wait 6-8 months to receive the card.

SOOOO... which is set of instructions are correct? And what the heck am I supposed to be doing now?

[Inky 1,110]

Sorry your SSN will not come in the mail after entering on a K-1. You have to go and apply for it at the SSN office a few weeks after entry. You would only get your SSN in the mail if you entered on a CR-1 spousal visa.

Sorry you cannot work until you have your EAD after marriage.

[JeannieL 44]

I went to the Social Security office about 7 business days after my entry. They did not have anything in the system yet from DHS. They recommend that you wait 10 business days before you go apply.

[redfragglekat 0]

I went to the Social Security office about 7 business days after my entry. They did not have anything in the system yet from DHS. They recommend that you wait 10 business days before you go apply.

Did your K1 Visa and entry suffice as proof for your eligibility JeannieL? I ask because at first glance it looks like I can't even go in until after my EAD?

"In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number."

"Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

•Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);

•I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or

•Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B)."

(http://www.ssa.gov/ss5doc/ )

[payxibka 10,044]

I successfully crossed into the US on May 30th with my K1 Visa (horray!) and we're all set to get married next week. My question relates to the instructions for what comes next.

- my "Welcome to the United States" paper received at the Consulate (Montreal, Canada Consulate, if that matters) states that my Social Security Card will come to me immediately in the mail, if I requested it on the appropriate form (which I did).

- my "K1 Visa Instructions" letter from the border crossing itself states that I must go into the Social Security office to obtain my card, only after I marry

- my "Welcome to the United States" letter says that I may work as soon as my SSN is issued, usually within 2 weeks of entry.

- my "K1 Visa Instructions" letter from the border crossing says I may work only after I (get married, file more papers then) go into the social security office to apply for a car and then wait 6-8 months to receive the card.

SOOOO... which is set of instructions are correct? And what the heck am I supposed to be doing now?

the ones from the border

Did your K1 Visa and entry suffice as proof for your eligibility JeannieL? I ask because at first glance it looks like I can't even go in until after my EAD?

"In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number."

"Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

•Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);

•I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or

•Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B)."

(http://www.ssa.gov/ss5doc/ )

A k-1 is eligible to apply for a SSN up to day 76 after entry into the USA

[JeannieL 44]

All you need to take is your passport with your visa in it. They will ask a bunch of questions......Have you ever applied before, say no even though you checked the box on the forms. K1's do not have that option do you did not apply for one before. They will also ask about previous visits to the US. I am attaching a link. I took this with me in case I ran into any trouble. But didn't need it.

http://www.k1k3.com/stuff/SSNMemo.pdf

If that link doesn't work ...type in to your search EM-00154 Evidence of Employment Authorization for K1....notice it says I-94 OR EAD form I-688B

Edited June 14, 2011 by JeannieL

[redfragglekat 0]

All you need to take is your passport with your visa in it. They will ask a bunch of questions......Have you ever applied before, say no even though you checked the box on the forms. K1's do not have that option do you did not apply for one before. They will also ask about previous visits to the US. I am attaching a link. I took this with me in case I ran into any trouble. But didn't need it.

http://www.k1k3.com/stuff/SSNMemo.pdf

If that link doesn't work ...type in to your search EM-00154 Evidence of Employment Authorization for K1....notice it says I-94 OR EAD form I-688B

Thank you very much!!

[JeannieL 44]

You are most welcome! Your 10 days is up today. Maybe wait another day or so just to make sure. Since I didn't wait the 10 days, they gave me a letter saying that they would process it within 4 weeks. If I didn't hear anything after the 4 weeks to go back and apply again. It won't be 4 weeks until the 28th. In VA you need a SSN to get your drivers license switched over.

[redfragglekat 0]

the ones from the border

A k-1 is eligible to apply for a SSN up to day 76 after entry into the USA

Thank you very much... I don't know what I'd do without this board... so many layers of red tape that disagree or conflict with one another... crazy.

[JeannieL 44]

I agree. VJ has been a life saver for us. I'm not sure that we would have made it to this point without the help of the people and guides on here.

[lovetimhortons 1]

i took all my documents (passport with K1 and i94 inside, marriage certificate, completed application) 4 weeks after i POE'd, and they still did not have my info in their system, so had to verify my immigration status. it wasn't a problem though, i just got my card in the mail about 10 days later. the card did say "authorized to work with DHS authorization only," so i should probably go get that changed soon. just make sure you go to the social security office between 2 weeks after POE but before 2 months after POE.

good luck with the wedding!

it's confusing because the K1 visa is considered a "nonimmigrant" visa but the instructions they give you at the consulate are for "immigrant" visas (ie, the CR-1, IR-1).

Edited June 14, 2011 by lovetimhortons

[Otto 83]

Just an additional tip(s) - you're moving right along in the K-1 Flowchart; you're on/at Step 15/16.

Keep following the advice above and the tips in that flowchart (and the Guides that will fill in the details).