Social security number

[Maya&Matt 2]

Hi everybody!

I was just wondering if people could tell me their opinion about when is it best to get your social security number. I am in the US already with my K1 visa, I entered 3 weeks ago and we are getting married in a week. I read on the guides that I could apply for it already because I've been here for over 2 weeks. But I also read in the forum that a lot of people don't receive it, that it gets delayed until the i-94 expires, etc. So I am really confused about what is best. Should I wait until I receive my greencard to apply for it? If I get the employment authorization before I get the greencard, could I work without the social security number or would I need it then? Any advise, opinions, etc. will be appreciated! thanks!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Go ahead and get it now, then when you get your EAD or green card in your married name, take along your marriage certificate and get the name changed on it: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

[Darnell 8,478]

Uncle Darnell Say

Get it now, apply in VISA NAME.

Edited December 17, 2012 by Darnell

[Ryan H 3,813]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Social Security Numbers forum.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi everybody!

I was just wondering if people could tell me their opinion about when is it best to get your social security number. I am in the US already with my K1 visa, I entered 3 weeks ago and we are getting married in a week. I read on the guides that I could apply for it already because I've been here for over 2 weeks. But I also read in the forum that a lot of people don't receive it, that it gets delayed until the i-94 expires, etc. So I am really confused about what is best. Should I wait until I receive my greencard to apply for it? If I get the employment authorization before I get the greencard, could I work without the social security number or would I need it then? Any advise, opinions, etc. will be appreciated! thanks!

I say get it before unpacking your bags. Alla arrived on a Wednesday afternoon and we were at the SS office when they opened the next morning. On Friday morning we went back and got her number (they are generated overnight and they will give you the number at the office) We then went to the bank and added her to our account and then went to her college and signed the paperwork for her private student grant for which she needed an SSN. She started her masters degree studies 5 days after her arrival. Less than 48 hours after her arrival she had an SSN, a bank account and a student grant for 50% of her masters degree tuition. Because the bank account is a credit union, she opened her own account the same day and was issued a CREDIT CARD in HER NAME with a $500 limit. Check around at credit unions in your area. Why wait for anything? Haven't you waited enough?

K-1s are eligible immediately for an SSN, they MUST get before the 76th day after their arrival OR wait until the have a green card or EAD. So get after it!

DO NOT leave the SS office until she has a receipt for the application and is told she can get the number the next morning. If you hear ANYthing else, ask for a supervisor.

Edited December 17, 2012 by Gary and Alla

[Maya&Matt 2]

Thanks everybody for your quick responses! I will go get the SSN this week!