AOS from F-1: SSN

[Heroe 1]

Hi everybody. After a year studying in the US with an F-1 visa, I got married to my fiancee (American born) a few days ago. I haven't sent the AOS paperwork yet, so I assume I am still considered an student legally.

Now we're trying to open a joint bank account together, but the bank wouldn't let us since I didn't have a Social Security Number. I have no idea how to get an SSN, but I figured it would probably be given to me after the AOS was processed, which would mean at least a few monthes without a bank account. The problem is that I have some money in Spain that I'd need to have transferred, most of my savings, and I need a bank account in here for that. But I want it to be at my name (or joint), since one would think there could be some trouble if the account is only at my wife's name and a more-than-a-thousand dollar transfer happens (maybe they could think I was paying her to get married).

Basically, my question is, how can I get a SSN in my current case? I've seen this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn but it seems for K-1 or K-3 visa holders. I don't know if it's a valid guide for me too or how it fits in the AOS process. I'd appreciate very much any help or guidance about it.

Thanks in advance.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can't get a SSN until you have an EAD. However, it is possible to get a bank account without a SSN. Try a different back or talk to a manager. They might not want to do it if the initial deposit is under a certain threshold, however. Good luck.

[Jdealla 0]

Wells Fargo/Wachovia did it in my area (DC) w/ F1 visa and Colombian passport (no SSN) Try them if you can. Fees are avoidable w/ a monthly transfer or deposit to savings account.

[Don shikari 0]

Hello there, it's nice to finally give advice as I'm always asking for it. I am a f1 student, this is my third year here. The first few weeks I was in America I went to the local social security office, after a brief convosation and some paper work filled I received my social security card 4 weeks later. There is a slight difference from the one I have and an average American, behind the number on the front it say " work authorization only" ( or something like that, I don't have it on me) I have a 2 joint bank accounts with my girlfriend and have for a while now. So it should be possible for you. Good luck!