Applying For a SSN: 10 Business Day Wait & Applying in a Different State?

[TheAndies 50]

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of questions that I either can't find the answers for, or am finding conflicting information on, so any help clarifying would be much appreciated.

My fiance arrives on a K1 visa on April 11th, we are going to city hall in NYC to get married on April 17th (his parents are flying in, so time is of the essence). We really want to apply for his SSN ASAP so it's one less thing to worry about, but I've read that we have to wait 10 business days so he's processed into the system after his POE. But I've also read that because the I-94 is now electronic, it's processed immediately and we don't have to wait. Which information is correct?

My second question - if we have to wait the 10 days before applying: Two days after we're married we are flying to New Orleans to visit family (and so his parents can meet my extended family, etc.) for about a month. If we have to wait 10 business days before filing for a SSN, can we apply for one in the New Orleans SS office despite the fact that I am a NY resident and he will be as well?

I called social security yesterday to get some answers, waited on hold for about 45 minutes and the woman that I finally got through to had NO idea what I was talking about. When I said he was coming in on a K1 fiance visa and explained my whole situation, she asked if he was a refugee and if he already had his work authorization because he would need that to file for a SSN.

Thank you so much for any help!

[Zedayn 485]

You do not need to wait to apply for the SSN. The I-94 is electronic now, which means the SAVE database is updated immediately. The information you are reading about having to wait 2 weeks is from when the I-94's were still on paper.

You can apply at ANY SSA office in the country, as the SSA is federal, not state.

[TheAndies 50]

You do not need to wait to apply for the SSN. The I-94 is electronic now, which means the SAVE database is updated immediately. The information you are reading about having to wait 2 weeks is from when the I-94's were still on paper.

You can apply at ANY SSA office in the country, as the SSA is federal, not state.

Awesome, that just removed the headache I have had for the last few days.

And I knew it was federal and not state, I just needed confirmation to ease my overly stressed mind, hahaha!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[ds2 101]

On 3/18/2015 at 8:24 PM, TheAndies said:

Awesome, that just removed the headache I have had for the last few days.

And I knew it was federal and not state, I just needed confirmation to ease my overly stressed mind, hahaha!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

I know it's been four years now, but can you share your experience? I have the same question as you did, and I need the SS card ASAP once I enter.

 

Thank you in advance

[Robelyn 0]

On 3/18/2015 at 7:52 AM, Zedayn said:

You do not need to wait to apply for the SSN. The I-94 is electronic now, which means the SAVE database is updated immediately. The information you are reading about having to wait 2 weeks is from when the I-94's were still on paper.

You can apply at ANY SSA office in the country, as the SSA is federal, not state.

Hello! 

I'm new here. Just arrived last month on a K1 visa. I am confused whether to apply for an SSN before or after our wedding? Thank you

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,078]

16 hours ago, Robelyn said:

Hello! 

I'm new here. Just arrived last month on a K1 visa. I am confused whether to apply for an SSN before or after our wedding? Thank you

Legally it doesn't make any difference, but it's generally considered a good idea to apply before to avoid confusing Social Security Administration employees (who may incorrectly think your immigration status changed upon marriage, or, if you changed your name, be unable to associate your new name with their records even if you've got a copy of your marriage certificate with you).