Should I get the marriage certificate before getting my fiance's ssn?

[roosh 0]

Hi,

I was looking at the steps to be followed to file I 485 after my fiance enters the US on K1. Since, the application of SSN requires a few days for their system to get updated with my fiance's travel records, and also if I apply for SSN before getting married, I would have to get her name changed on SSN later. Does it make sense to apply for SSN with the modified name after getting married? as that would give their system enough time to get updated as well as that would also not end up me having to update her name. I checked with my towns's clerk's office and they do not require the SSN in order to apply for marriage license or certificate.

[teeak 224]

Yes, that makes sense. Get married, apply for SSN, file AOS.

You should be fine since your county clerk doesn't require the SSN.

[baron555 934]

Hi,

I was looking at the steps to be followed to file I 485 after my fiance enters the US on K1. Since, the application of SSN requires a few days for their system to get updated with my fiance's travel records, and also if I apply for SSN before getting married, I would have to get her name changed on SSN later. Does it make sense to apply for SSN with the modified name after getting married? as that would give their system enough time to get updated as well as that would also not end up me having to update her name. I checked with my towns's clerk's office and they do not require the SSN in order to apply for marriage license or certificate.

It's your call. They will receive a SS card that will have the statement Allowed to Work with DHS Authorization written on it.

Meaning, without the EAD or GC, they can't work. When they receive the EAD or GC, then you will have to return to the SSA office with that and they will issue you a new SS card without that statement. You could change the name at that time also.

[roosh 0]

Hi teeak and baron555,

Thank you very much for quick responses. From the responses, I am guessing it's not that big of a deal if I submit a marriage license while filing I 485 if it was obtained without giving the fiance SSN. Thanks, that answers it. Getting married part is very quick and easy in the town where I live, literally 3 days! So, I will shuffle the order of SSN application and marriage license.

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K1 Process to Fam.-based AOS Forum~

~Inquiry about AOS-related processes~

[Ksenia_O 695]

You really don't need a SSN to get married, but I would recommend to get a SSN for your Fiancée BEFORE marriage.

It can be an issue to get a SSN after marriage, because they, probably, won't be able to verify her in the system under married name (I-94 will be with her maiden name on it) and she can end up without a SSN for who knows how long.

She will need a SSN for almost everything (to be part of your joint bank account, joint apartment, leases etc.), so it would be really better to get the number under maiden name FIRST. Then she just needs to visit them the second time and simply change her name on the card (to married name) with your marriage certificate instead of having to wait for the EAD card. Besides, you never know when your EAD gets approved. They point 2-3 months, but there have been people here, waiting more than 4 months...

With her, having a SSN, you could open a joint account and apply for joint credit cards - it is very important at the ROC stage.

She could get a State ID (Non-Drivers License) or maybe even a driver license.

From my experience - as soon as I received my SSN with my maiden name on it I passed DL test and got my DL. Of course, that DL had the same term of validity as my I-94.. But when my EAD arrived (with married name on it), I just renewed my DL. For me It was just about 3 weeks "gap" without DL.

Edited April 1, 2016 by Ksenia_O

[Ksenia_O 695]

It's your call. They will receive a SS card that will have the statement Allowed to Work with DHS Authorization written on it.

Meaning, without the EAD or GC, they can't work. When they receive the EAD or GC, then you will have to return to the SSA office with that and they will issue you a new SS card without that statement. You could change the name at that time also.

A EAD is DHS Authorization.

Only a green card will work to get the statement removed.

[Rob&Jen 14]

It depends on the State you get married in too. I believe certain States require an SSN before you can apply for a marriage certificate. Check with your local government for the rules.

[bright009 0]

Sorry for interrupt, I don't understand something, I'm married can I go and apply for SSN before I apply for EAD ? I need it for my DL and job exam. Please need your reply

[Rob&Jen 14]

Sorry for interrupt, I don't understand something, I'm married can I go and apply for SSN before I apply for EAD ? I need it for my DL and job exam. Please need your reply

Assuming you're going down the green card AOS track you can apply for the EAD when you send in the green card application forms, but it usually takes around 3 months for the EAD to be approved. You don't need an SSN right away, but if you do get one before you get your EAD you will need to go back and have your SSN amended, I believe.

[Ksenia_O 695]

Sorry for interrupt, I don't understand something, I'm married can I go and apply for SSN before I apply for EAD ? I need it for my DL and job exam. Please need your reply

[Ksenia_O 695]

Sorry for interrupt, I don't understand something, I'm married can I go and apply for SSN before I apply for EAD ? I need it for my DL and job exam. Please need your reply

A K1 is eligible for SSN. You need your passport and your I-94 to be able to apply for the number. The name must match in both documents. Sometimes they ask and Birth Certificate- it depends on a Social Security Office.

But if you didn't apply for the number 2 weeks before your I-94 expiration date, then you have to wait for EAD to get a SSN.

Edited April 4, 2016 by Ksenia_O