AOS newbie

[PerditaD 35]

I got mine 5 days after applying for it, even though they said it might take up to two weeks. They mailed it to me.

Thanks guys. And do they grant u a SSN immediately or u have to wait?

[Beautifulday 16]

ok that's good! thank you!! both of u

[PerditaD 35]

You're welcome and good luck. Sorry for creating confusion with your name change question.

[Beautifulday 16]

You're welcome and good luck. Sorry for creating confusion with your name change question.

Thank you, goodluck to you and your spouse with everything as well!!! Haha not a big deal! At least we both got some clarification on it:P

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

As a K-1 Visa Holder you are eligible to receive a SSN upon producing a valid I-94 (unexpired). Do
not wait until you only have a few weeks left until your I-94 expires to file for a SSN. Many SSA
offices will not allow you to file for a SSN if your I-94 is about to expire (generally 14 days prior
to the expiration on your I-94). On the other hand, you should also not file for a SSN too soon either.
You should wait 2 weeks after you arrived in the US before applying for a SSN. If you go too soon your
record of arrival will not be in the SAVE-ASVI system yet, and it will require manual verification from the
USCIS. As this will add weeks to the period it takes to process the SSN, it is advisable to attempt to wait the two weeks to be safe. If you have waited the 2 weeks and they tell you they can not verify you arrival record via the SAVE database, you may allow them to to process it (but remember the potential delay for manual verifications). You can ask if they will check the computer again for you in a few days or return personally to have them look again -- thus eliminating the manual verification. The manual verification will require the SSA office to file a G-845 with the USCIS.

To apply for a SSN you will need to go to your local SSA office and bring the documents below. These
documents are proof of your eligibility to file for a SSN:

1.

The SS-5 form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office if you forget).

2.

your Passport (with the K-1 Visa in it)

3.

your valid I-94: Electronic I-94 Copy; or (for older entries) an original (and bring a front/backside copy) of a valid paper I-94

4.

another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions)

5.

You should also bring the document RM 10211.530 that you printed out

Make sure to bring all the documents above because some offices have staff that are not aware
that a K-1 Visa Holder is eligible to file for a SSN. A friendly reminder is a nice thing to have -- if not
you could be turned away incorrectly.

Once you have successfully applied for your SSN, the SSN card will come in the mail in about 2 weeks. You can check on the status of the SSN application and/or often get the SSN in advance by returning in person (try calling) to the SSA office. If you need your SSN before it arrives in the mail you may ask them for an SSA-7028, Notice to Third Party of Social Security Number Assignments, to be sent to your employer or other interested third party once a SSN has been assigned. Your card, when you receive it, will be marked with the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" indicating to an employer that you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible to work.



You are about 1 hour north of me

[M J 11]

My Fiance just arrived a few weeks ago. We applied for her SSN 4 days after arriving, and went and got the Marriage License the same day to get that out of the way. She then received her SSN about 5 days later. Since the I-94 is all done electronically now, it gets in the system pretty quick. Usually a couple days after arriving. You can check online here https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html If you show up there, then you are in the system and can apply for a SSN.

Edited September 30, 2014 by M J

[Beautifulday 16]

My Fiance just arrived a few weeks ago. We applied for her SSN 4 days after arriving, and went and got the Marriage License the same day to get that out of the way. She then received her SSN about 5 days later. Since the I-94 is all done electronically now, it gets in the system pretty quick. Usually a couple days after arriving. You can check online here https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html If you show up there, then you are in the system and can apply for a SSN.

thank you. btw i can see you guys are in IL, and so will i be cuz that is where my fiance lives. so what are the steps to be able to marry at a courthouse? do we need any documents such as bc or somethin or do we just go and pay and schedule a date?

[M J 11]

thank you. btw i can see you guys are in IL, and so will i be cuz that is where my fiance lives. so what are the steps to be able to marry at a courthouse? do we need any documents such as bc or somethin or do we just go and pay and schedule a date?

I see in your profile you will be living in Decatur Illinois. That is in Macon County. Here is some info I found... http://www.co.macon.il.us/vital-records.php#marriage That should tell you what you need. I live in Cook County, and for us we went to the local court house. We showed ID's, and were asked a few questions while the lady entered our info in the computer. I don't remember if she asked to see my Fiance's birth certificate. We had it with us since we just applied for the SSN. She then printed a form with our info that we had to verify, sign, and pay $60. We could get married the next day and the license is good for 60 days. It is probably similar in any county where the next day you can call one of the court houses in Macon County and schedule a date to get married, or maybe its first come first serve. Here out in the Chicago burbs you call and make an appointment, but downtown in the city it's first come first serve, no appointments.

[raven52 233]

Please plan on getting your SSN number as soon as you get here, an before you are married, while your maiden name is on the I-94.,.,.,do not try to get SSN after you are married, as your maiden name is in the I-94 system, not your new married name.,.,.,.,.AFTER, you are married, just go to your local office and get your new SS card, as alll you need to take is your marriage certificate, and your pasport showing your visa, and I-94.,.,.,.,,.

We waited until after we got married, and it took 5 more trips, and the main supervisor at SS to get my wife's SS card coming to us.

EAD/AP.,.,,.and AOS is a "walk in the park".,.,.if all your paperwork is in order.,.,.,.,we did not have to go to interview, nor cival surgeon.,..,.,..,.,.,.it was so easy!

Apply for AOS, EAD/AP at same time.,.,.,,.then no additional costs!

[millionmileslove 8]

suggestion: this may be off topic but will help you in adjusting... Get a drivers license in your country if possible because you will have around 5-6 months or more waiting time before your greencard arrives you need to learn how to drive here, have an ID to open an account a library card etc... In my case, I was not able to acquire a drivers license before going here I waited for my EAD card before I was able to get a driving permit now I cannot apply work because I cannot drive hahaha like I wasted my 5 months waiting time I should've learned driving on that time...

heres what I did...

Arrive in US

Got married in a county

wait for marriage license

receive marriage license:

• apply for SSN (married name just bring your foreign passport I-94 (it is a paper which indicates you have arrived in US you will not have one unless you are here just search it online and print it once you got here) and your marriage certificate)
• apply for Adjustment of status (form I-485 search in USCIS website you can find all the info there)

*adjustment of status (AOS) is an application you will do after marriage so you can be a permanent resident of US. It is worth 1,000$ plus... You have an option to also apply EAD (employment authorization) and AP (advance parole so you can go out of US) combo card (it is EAD and AP card) if you apply for the said combo card, it will arrive earlier than your greencard. I applied AOS june 2014 my combo card arrived August 2014 and greencard September 2014... The combo card arrives early (some earlier than a month) if you have EAD you can work in the US... but once you have your greencard it wont be used anymore... your greencard will serve as your EAD and AP card... AOS is important because having a greencard will allow you to work, travel and other US residents benefits

[Beautifulday 16]

suggestion: this may be off topic but will help you in adjusting... Get a drivers license in your country if possible because you will have around 5-6 months or more waiting time before your greencard arrives you need to learn how to drive here, have an ID to open an account a library card etc... In my case, I was not able to acquire a drivers license before going here I waited for my EAD card before I was able to get a driving permit now I cannot apply work because I cannot drive hahaha like I wasted my 5 months waiting time I should've learned driving on that time...

heres what I did...

Arrive in US

Got married in a county

wait for marriage license

receive marriage license:

• apply for SSN (married name just bring your foreign passport I-94 (it is a paper which indicates you have arrived in US you will not have one unless you are here just search it online and print it once you got here) and your marriage certificate)
• apply for Adjustment of status (form I-485 search in USCIS website you can find all the info there)

*adjustment of status (AOS) is an application you will do after marriage so you can be a permanent resident of US. It is worth 1,000$ plus... You have an option to also apply EAD (employment authorization) and AP (advance parole so you can go out of US) combo card (it is EAD and AP card) if you apply for the said combo card, it will arrive earlier than your greencard. I applied AOS june 2014 my combo card arrived August 2014 and greencard September 2014... The combo card arrives early (some earlier than a month) if you have EAD you can work in the US... but once you have your greencard it wont be used anymore... your greencard will serve as your EAD and AP card... AOS is important because having a greencard will allow you to work, travel and other US residents benefits

Thank you for all this! However, I cannot get a driver's license in my country because it costs ALOT. Because in Poland, you have to get theory and then practical driving lessons and you pay a lot of money for that course, and it takes a while to get thru also, so I can't. I know how to drive though because I have gone thru this driving course once before, a few years back, but for personal reasons I did not actually try out for the actual driving exam so I didn't get my license. But I do know how to drive, all I would need is a two or three times short driving practice and I would be ready for an exam. You are saying that I would have to wait to get my driver's license until my EAD arrives? Or may I get my license before EAD comes?

I kind of thought that the EAD card acts as my ID, in a way. I can't even open a library account with that? or my passport? So I've got to wait for my greencard to do little things like that? I sure hope not!!

And many people told me how important it is to apply for the SSN. But people seem to have different opinions on when to apply for it. You are saying i should apply for it after getting married? People have told me to apply almost as soon as I arrive and before marrying so that my maiden name will be recognized in the system. I can do either but I'd like to know which one makes more sense.

It would be very nice if the EAD and AP arrived in about a month time, because sitting around for a few months isn't fun, and that is what i thought i would have to do because i thought that getting the EAD takes around 90 days.

[KayDeeCee 4,892]

Go right away to get the SSN in your maiden name. No need to wait 2 weeks, and it is best because the SSA workers don't know their jobs very well. Some do not even know a K-1 is eligible to get an SSN. Some think if you married already, then your K-1 turns into a K-3. The are just a mess at the SSA. You can get it after you marry, but I suggest you still apply in your maiden name so it matches what they have in the system for you. You can change the name on the SSN when you get your EAD.

Yes, the EAD will act as an ID in your new married name. It takes 60-90 days to receive after filing. You can look for jobs while waiting for the EAD, and people have been able to expedite their EAD due to a job offer.

[Beautifulday 16]

Go right away to get the SSN in your maiden name. No need to wait 2 weeks, and it is best because the SSA workers don't know their jobs very well. Some do not even know a K-1 is eligible to get an SSN. Some think if you married already, then your K-1 turns into a K-3. The are just a mess at the SSA. You can get it after you marry, but I suggest you still apply in your maiden name so it matches what they have in the system for you. You can change the name on the SSN when you get your EAD.

Yes, the EAD will act as an ID in your new married name. It takes 60-90 days to receive after filing. You can look for jobs while waiting for the EAD, and people have been able to expedite their EAD due to a job offer.

Right, will do so. Haha they don't know? I hope I will be convincing enough if they tell me that I am not eligible to get a SSN, lol.

That is good that it's possible to expedite the EAD if there is a job offer...

[millionmileslove 8]

Thank you for all this! However, I cannot get a driver's license in my country because it costs ALOT. Because in Poland, you have to get theory and then practical driving lessons and you pay a lot of money for that course, and it takes a while to get thru also, so I can't. I know how to drive though because I have gone thru this driving course once before, a few years back, but for personal reasons I did not actually try out for the actual driving exam so I didn't get my license. But I do know how to drive, all I would need is a two or three times short driving practice and I would be ready for an exam. You are saying that I would have to wait to get my driver's license until my EAD arrives? Or may I get my license before EAD comes?

I kind of thought that the EAD card acts as my ID, in a way. I can't even open a library account with that? or my passport? So I've got to wait for my greencard to do little things like that? I sure hope not!!

And many people told me how important it is to apply for the SSN. But people seem to have different opinions on when to apply for it. You are saying i should apply for it after getting married? People have told me to apply almost as soon as I arrive and before marrying so that my maiden name will be recognized in the system. I can do either but I'd like to know which one makes more sense.

It would be very nice if the EAD and AP arrived in about a month time, because sitting around for a few months isn't fun, and that is what i thought i would have to do because i thought that getting the EAD takes around 90 days.

Regarding driving in the US....

You cannot drive here (even practice driving) without driving permit/driver's license which requires you to bring 2 government issued IDs to apply... Your foreign passport and the I-94 will be accepted but you will still need another ID besides your passport you can bring your marriage license. you can try that if you got your marriage license early because in my case I arrived in US april got married in May and got my marriage license in June so its a total of 2 months... the k1 visa expires in 90 days right? so 2 months is 60 days.. when I went back to DMV with my marriage license they said that my I-94/k1 visa is almost expired they need a proof that you can stay LONGER to give you a state ID or let you apply for driving permit... in short... I have waited for my EAD card before I was able to apply again... basically no ID no driving nothing for 4 months....

Regarding EAD as an ID...

Yes... it will serve as your ID but just to be clear I didn't receive my EAD a month after I applied for AOS I received it a month before I received my greencard... so yes, it is 60-90 days to arrive after AoS application I received my EAD 4 months after AOS and greencard 5 months after AOS... I was not able to apply for work during those waiting time because it is asked on the application process are you eligible to work in the US?

Regarding SSN...

I do not know why it is much of a big deal to apply Immediately for SSN when you cannot apply for almost anything without your EAD or greencard...

QUOTED online: The main use of your SSN is to track your Social Security benefits and income for taxes. However, others may use your SSN as a way to identify you. Banks, hospitals, and private businesses frequently reference your personal information with your SSN in order to make their record keeping easier.

it is required if you will transact something of big importance but with our status entering k1 visa we need more papers before even using the SSN... haha In my case I needed it for my NCLEX application so what I did a few days after my arrival was to apply for SSN it was easy foreign passport and I-94... it is true though that some employees do not know we have the right to apply so just tell them you can... I got SSN after a week with my MAIDEN NAME ofcourse... then as soon as I got married I came back to the office with my marriage license to change my name to married name....

PS: I told you in my previous advice to apply SSN once you got your marriage certificate because I find SSN of no use unless you are applying for something which needs it... but without other forms of identification or marriage license I think there is no rush to do it...

*THESE ARE ALL BASED ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND EXPERIENCE

[Beautifulday 16]

Regarding driving in the US....

You cannot drive here (even practice driving) without driving permit/driver's license which requires you to bring 2 government issued IDs to apply... Your foreign passport and the I-94 will be accepted but you will still need another ID besides your passport you can bring your marriage license. you can try that if you got your marriage license early because in my case I arrived in US april got married in May and got my marriage license in June so its a total of 2 months... the k1 visa expires in 90 days right? so 2 months is 60 days.. when I went back to DMV with my marriage license they said that my I-94/k1 visa is almost expired they need a proof that you can stay LONGER to give you a state ID or let you apply for driving permit... in short... I have waited for my EAD card before I was able to apply again... basically no ID no driving nothing for 4 months....

Regarding EAD as an ID...

Yes... it will serve as your ID but just to be clear I didn't receive my EAD a month after I applied for AOS I received it a month before I received my greencard... so yes, it is 60-90 days to arrive after AoS application I received my EAD 4 months after AOS and greencard 5 months after AOS... I was not able to apply for work during those waiting time because it is asked on the application process are you eligible to work in the US?

Regarding SSN...

I do not know why it is much of a big deal to apply Immediately for SSN when you cannot apply for almost anything without your EAD or greencard...

QUOTED online: The main use of your SSN is to track your Social Security benefits and income for taxes. However, others may use your SSN as a way to identify you. Banks, hospitals, and private businesses frequently reference your personal information with your SSN in order to make their record keeping easier.

it is required if you will transact something of big importance but with our status entering k1 visa we need more papers before even using the SSN... haha In my case I needed it for my NCLEX application so what I did a few days after my arrival was to apply for SSN it was easy foreign passport and I-94... it is true though that some employees do not know we have the right to apply so just tell them you can... I got SSN after a week with my MAIDEN NAME ofcourse... then as soon as I got married I came back to the office with my marriage license to change my name to married name....

PS: I told you in my previous advice to apply SSN once you got your marriage certificate because I find SSN of no use unless you are applying for something which needs it... but without other forms of identification or marriage license I think there is no rush to do it...

*THESE ARE ALL BASED ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND EXPERIENCE

thank you for all this. it is useful, i didnt see this post for some reason, lol! so u got your green card pretty fast wow