Social Security Number/Card

[BrandonandKhandaa 1]

I'm looking over the K-1 flow chart, and it says that we should apply for an SSN, then get married, and then apply to change the name on the SSN. They also say that the card will take 2 weeks to arrive, and that we should wait to apply for the card for 2 weeks after she arrives. But we have a wedding planned for a week after she lands. We can't change the ceremony at this point, and for religious reasons, we will need to be married before we can live together, She'll be staying with another family member until after the marriage. So there is an obvious reason why we would want to hurry that along.

Does anyone know if she absolutely needs her social security card first in order to get married? We definately cannot wait a month after her arrival to get married. I suppose we could just do the ceremony and then make it legal later, that wouldn't be a problem, but it doesn't seem to be the most desirable way to do it.

Any suggestions from the experts or advice from the experienced?

thanks

[Inky 1,111]

I married and then went and got my SSN in married name after marriage.

There is no requirement to get the SSN first what so ever. It is only a recommendation.

For us it was easier for me to drive across get married 4 days later and then apply for SSN in married name 2 weeks after entry.

[vic&el4ever 0]

Back to my experience.. We got married (civil) 1 wk after I arrive in the States. Was not asked for social security. I apply the next week after.

[BrandonandKhandaa 1]

I married and then went and got my SSN in married name after marriage.

There is no requirement to get the SSN first what so ever. It is only a recommendation.

For us it was easier for me to drive across get married 4 days later and then apply for SSN in married name 2 weeks after entry.

Thanks. I looked into the Georgia State law, and there is no SSN requirement to get married. So I thought that was odd. I couldn't find info on this anywhere else.

Best!

[Barbara J 115]

Thanks. I looked into the Georgia State law, and there is no SSN requirement to get married. So I thought that was odd. I couldn't find info on this anywhere else.

Best!

I live in Georgia as well and no you can marry first and then apply for SSn in married name it is so much easier that way as well. I got my SSN 3 weeks after I got married.

[Dave&Roza 748]

The only thing that might cause a problem is a brain dead SSA worker who will say that, "Now that you are married the K-1 visa is no longer valid and you must wait for your GC." That is BS and you can tell them that actually once you entered the US on the K-1 visa it is no longer valid and now we are married the I-94 is no longer valid either." Or you can go in to the SSA and apply for a SSN in married name and see what happens. IF you get a lot of trouble, just leave. Come back another day and apply in maiden name using the I-94, passport, birth certificate or other second form of ID, and the SS-5. Once the SSC arrives goes back and change the name if you desire.

My wife is keeping her maiden name at least until citizenship so when traveling the GC matches the passport name and we do not have to carry a marriage certificate.

Good luck and remember to apply for the SSC two weeks before the I-94 expires or you will have to wait for the GC.

Dave

[BrandonandKhandaa 1]

The only thing that might cause a problem is a brain dead SSA worker who will say that, "Now that you are married the K-1 visa is no longer valid and you must wait for your GC." That is BS and you can tell them that actually once you entered the US on the K-1 visa it is no longer valid and now we are married the I-94 is no longer valid either." Or you can go in to the SSA and apply for a SSN in married name and see what happens. IF you get a lot of trouble, just leave. Come back another day and apply in maiden name using the I-94, passport, birth certificate or other second form of ID, and the SS-5. Once the SSC arrives goes back and change the name if you desire.

My wife is keeping her maiden name at least until citizenship so when traveling the GC matches the passport name and we do not have to carry a marriage certificate.

Good luck and remember to apply for the SSC two weeks before the I-94 expires or you will have to wait for the GC.

Dave

Again, thank you. I've heard that, especially with interacial couples, it helps when you have children to have the same name. Doctor's appointments, day care, schools, things run better when everyone shares a last name. It's a balancing act I guess. We will apply for the SSC when we get back from the honeymoon, which should be on par with the timeline. So much to think about, but we'll get it, one bureaucratic form at a time.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Thanks. I looked into the Georgia State law, and there is no SSN requirement to get married. So I thought that was odd. I couldn't find info on this anywhere else.

Best!

Thanks.. I live in Georgia also and I a thinking we will wait also

[A + M 29]

I married, applied for AOS, applied for SSN. No issues!