social security number

[frehajenn2011 0]

My fiance is coming on feb. 15 and we plan on marrying on feb 16. We are both muslim so we cannot live together. I have been advised to apply for the social security number first and then get married after we receive it but that could take up to two or three weeks to receive it. At the mosque they do not want to do just the religious ceremony because people don't file the paper work after they do the religious ceremony. Not sure what to do. Does any body have some advice??? Thank you.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You do not need a SSN to get married. Look into marriage license requirements in your state and get the religious ceremony and civil registration all done at the same time.

Edited February 2, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[Dave&Roza 748]

After arriving in the US, you should wait about two weeks for the information to be updated in the SAVE database and then go apply for the SSN. After applying you can go back the next day and get a printout of the number. IF you have any problems I would note every detail of your vist--date, time, location, name of person that "helped" you--and then e-mail the main SSA from their webpage. They most likely will give you an e-mail explaining what you need to do. You do not need a SSN for a marriage license. I would check with the county you are getting married in to see how soon after applying for the marriage license you can get married. For us, we could get married the same day if we wanted, but we waited about a week. When you submit the marriage certificate to the courthouse after the marriage, see if you can get certified copies right then and there. Some places will and some will not. I was able to get the copies the day of our marriage and the original was returned 5 days later. DO NOT GIVE UP THAT ORIGINAL. Only send in copies for AOS. Take the original with you to your interview if you have one along with another copy.

I know you asked about SSN and getting married right away and I am tellig you what to do for AOS, but that is the next step after the marriage.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited February 2, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[Brad and Vika 129]

You don't need a SSN to marry. If you get one before (with a K-1) you need an EAD, or employment permit. You will get a SSN with maiden name on it, that is restricted to employment. After you marry you will need to apply to change it to married name without restrictions. If there is no need to work before you marry, you might wait and only appl once.