Applying for SSN before Marriage and AOS for K1

[geowrian 22,335]

4 minutes ago, Jon&Margz said:

In years past - having a SS# was required prior to obtaining an EAD.   As of Oct 2017:  "

the whole process just recently got easier, combining the above two steps into one. Now, when you apply for your EAD and fill out USCIS Form I-765, it has a new box, giving you the option of simultaneously applying for your EAD. (For details on how to fill out this form, see Filling Out Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.) This change was detailed in a USCIS announcement of October 2, 2017, in which the agency explains its new information-sharing partnership with the SSA. According to USCIS, after you receive your approved EAD from USCIS, you should later receive your Social Security card within another two weeks or so."

 

MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION:  Get your SS Card as soon as you can. 

The I-765 form was updated last year to let you apply for the SSN alongside the EAD. But you absolutely could apply for an EAD without an SSN for at least years and years prior.

What would AOS filers from other statuses that didn't allow them an SSN beforehand (i.e. tourists) do? They would have no way to get an SSN or EAD before the green card (since they need an EAD to do so).

[Pomodoro 32]

8 minutes ago, Marcelina said:

Try to ask for the copy of DS- 3025 from your (useless) physician that did the K-1 med , it was his basic job to give you a copy of this document. Maybe it will be possible to obtain by email or something, rare but might happen. If no, you have to find an authorized physician and pay him to complete your I-693 :/

Marcelina, so the only thing we need to get is the vaccines approval form the doctor here. We don't need another envelope or medical results besides the vaccines? Thanks again. <3

[Jon&Margz 132]

9 minutes ago, geowrian said:

The I-765 form was updated last year to let you apply for the SSN alongside the EAD. But you absolutely could apply for an EAD without an SSN for at least years and years prior.

What would AOS filers from other statuses that didn't allow them an SSN beforehand (i.e. tourists) do? They would have no way to get an SSN or EAD before the green card (since they need an EAD to do so).

1) Open a bank account

2) Apply for Utility Services (or be added to an account)

3) Drivers License Application

4) File a tax return

5) One vital form of identification

 

All situations needing a social security #.   Again - my advice - get your SS# as soon as you can.  

Edited June 20, 2018 by Jon&Margz

[Marcelina 246]

6 minutes ago, Zjazzy said:

Marcelina, so the only thing we need to get is the vaccines approval form the doctor here. We don't need another envelope or medical results besides the vaccines? Thanks again. <3

I never personally read a lot about I-693 bcs I knew I won't need.

 

It seems it should only be a vaccination record made according to UCCIS policy in the right medical form.

This might be helpful:

 

Edited June 20, 2018 by Marcelina

[Pomodoro 32]

2 minutes ago, Marcelina said:

I never personally read a lot about I-693 bcs I knew I won't need.

 

It seems it should be only vaccination record made according to UCCIS policy in the right medical form.

This might be helpful:

 

Wow, super!!!!!!! Thanks! 

[geowrian 22,335]

6 minutes ago, Jon&Margz said:

1) Open a bank account

2) Drivers License Application

3) File a tax return

4) One vital form of identification

 

All situations needing a social security #.   Again - my advice - get your SS# as soon as you can.  

I agree that getting it sooner rather than later (really as soon as you can) is the way to go. But my remarks are directed at the the original statement that an SSN is needed to apply for an EAD.

1. Doesn't always require an SSN, (VJ users have done this without one, although many banks will require it).
2. Requirement varies by state. Some don't require an SSN.
3. Can use an ITIN for MFJ/MFS, or write-in "NRA" for MFS then amend it later to MFJ (if desired) once they get an SSN.
4. Passport, visa, I-94, etc. are usually better forms of an ID than a card with only a name and number. Photo ID > non-photo ID.
5. Edit: Utility bills usually don't require this. My own (cable, internet, gas, electric, and water) only have my name on it., I added my wife by calling and told them to add her name. Done deal.

Edited June 20, 2018 by geowrian

[AnaidAaron 42]

46 minutes ago, Zjazzy said:

AnaidAaron, I would think that using the passport is enough because it has the identification page and the K1 visa.  

 

44 minutes ago, Marcelina said:

For me, it was my passport and my K-1Visa.

One is issued by your origin country gov, other by US, both have a picture

 Thank you both! I thought since the K1 visa is a single entry, it becomes invalid after that and thus can't be used as an ID anymore, but I'm glad to hear you were able to use it as such.  

 

 

[Marcelina 246]

22 minutes ago, AnaidAaron said:

 

 Thank you both! I thought since the K1 visa is a single entry, it becomes invalid after that and thus can't be used as an ID anymore, but I'm glad to hear you were able to use it as such.  

 

 

Visa is valid 90 days as long as your I-94, you need your I-94 unexpired when applying for SSN. I think minimum is 14 days before expiration date but I’m not 100% 

[alik 104]

So... when you complete your SS-5 form to you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work" option then?

[Daisy.Chain 317]

I would apply asp and get the ball rolling, but that's no guarantee. It took my husband several visits, and even then there was an EIGHT WEEKS while they "verified" with DHS. Applying after is totally legal as well.

Edited June 21, 2018 by Daisy.Chain
Autocorrect

[Orangesapples 1,954]

6 hours ago, Marcelina said:

Definitely try to apply before! It took me one visit, you need your passport, I-94, form is available at the office. You apply in your maiden name later visit again to change a name, taking all above and your marriage certificate (it’s all free of charge).

 

 

Just a reminder, changing the name is optional and life is much easier if you don't. 

[geowrian 22,335]

2 hours ago, alik said:

So... when you complete your SS-5 form to you check "Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work" option then?

"Legal Alien Allowed to Work" -> K-1 is permitted to get an EAD and therefore work (it's just not practical due to the timelines of actually getting it).

[Marcelina 246]

3 minutes ago, Orangesapples said:

Just a reminder, changing the name is optional and life is much easier if you don't. 

Totally true, I changed mine bcs I can’t imagine living permanently in states with my maiden name, no one will say it properly.

 

And I had government issued ID in my married name right away so for me it’s quite easy  

 

In some cultures (like mine) it’s just a custom you usually use your husband last name, so I do and I like it a lot  

[Orangesapples 1,954]

23 minutes ago, Marcelina said:

Totally true, I changed mine bcs I can’t imagine living permanently in states with my maiden name, no one will say it properly.

 

And I had government issued ID in my married name right away so for me it’s quite easy  

 

In some cultures (like mine) it’s just a custom you usually use your husband last name, so I do and I like it a lot  

Yes, but you can choose to not follow the custom and keep your name. It's entirely optional. Or the man can change his name. Immigration doesn't care. 

[Sarah&Facundo 576]

We got my husband's SSN number after marriage, but right before we applied for AOS (the following week after the wedding). We are still in AOS now, but having a SSN has been helpful. My husband got health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, joined my bank account, enrolled in community college with in-state tuition, and got a credit card which will report him to the credit bureaus to establish credit so we can buy a house together. He needed a SSN for these things so I am glad we did it.