SSN, Before Marriage or After?

[AgnettaHoo 18]

Dear All,

I have arrived in USA approximately 3 weeks a go on K1 visa.

As planned, my wedding day shall be November 16th. Now I am doing my documents compiling for my AOS.I have a question though. Regarding SSN. Should I register for it before marriage or after and what is the difference?

Thank you!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

It is ok to do it either way, but because of SSA workers that do not seem to know the rules and regulations it is often advised to get the SSN in your maiden name. You can always change it later. There are several posts in the Social Security Numbers forum about this topic. You may find more info about it in order to make your decision if you read through some of them.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers- topic is getting an SSN ~

[nobbie 105]

I did mine after, but do not have the name change issue.

[HK12 273]

I did mine before the wedding (about 2 weeks after entering the U.S.) and in my maiden name, then changed it after the wedding. You can also wait until after the wedding, but I have heard some people had trouble when their (new) names did not match the SAVE database. Do some research and then decide how to go about.

[Hin-d 16]

Is it necessary to have the ss number for the marriage license? I'm a little confused about that aspect.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Is it necessary to have the ss number for the marriage license? I'm a little confused about that aspect.

No.

[nobbie 105]

Is it necessary to have the ss number for the marriage license? I'm a little confused about that aspect.

No, if you have one you should use it but if you do not have a SSN then it does not matter.

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Is it necessary to have the ss number for the marriage license? I'm a little confused about that aspect.

It is not necessary to have a SSN at all. You can live here forever and never have one. If you want to work, and have your EAD, you can apply for an ITIN and use it instead of a SSN.

Having said that... it will most likely make your life easier having one. No need to have it until your EAD arrives, but there is no good reason I can think of NOT to get one if able. It will make getting a driver's license and opening a bank account (and some utilities in your name) if you have one, but again, it is not REQUIRED to get those things.