fastest way to get EAD: SSN first or later?

[Rayann 1]

I just entered with my K1 visa and can go to the SSN office to get my number (I believe they mail it to you which takes 2 weeks). I am wondering if anyone knows how having a SSN or not may affect the timing of processing the EAD.

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Having a SSN or not makes no difference on how fast the EAD is approved.

The SSA will not mail the SSN to you; you need to go in person and apply.

[pro_star 52]

I likely won't have my ssn number (I'm being bad and have been waiting til I get my marriage cert so I can just get it done in my married name - yes that may cause some trickery but at least it's singular trickery not dealing with going there twice!)

[Rich and Wen 101]

We filed AOS/EAD/AP 1 week after entering the US, waited 1.5 months to apply for SSN, there was no hurry since she couldn't work without EAD anyway.

Many here will advise against applying for SSN in your married name due to the mismatch of names in the government records, but we did just that and had no problems whatsoever.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I likely won't have my ssn number (I'm being bad and have been waiting til I get my marriage cert so I can just get it done in my married name - yes that may cause some trickery but at least it's singular trickery not dealing with going there twice!)

Of late the SSA is making people apply in the VISA name and not allowing them to use the Marriage Certificate. SO your idea of a single trip may bite your in the rear and end up costing your three trips. The SSA is supposed to accept the K-1 visa, the I-94 (with more than two weeks of validity), another form of ID and the Marriage Certificate to issue the SSC in the married name. However, here on VJ there have been more cases of flat out refusal or people are told to come back with the EAD or GC.

I hope it goes well for you,

Dave