Social Security Number, Pennsylvania

[NicolaBolton87 161]

I moved from England to Pennsylvania 5 and a half weeks ago on a K1 visa. I just went to the social security office this morning to apply for one and was told I can’t grt one right now because the only reason I would need one is for state benefits or work purposes. 

 

I’ve read a lot of posts before the move about applying for a SSN after a few weeks of being here but is there any actual reason I need one right now? 

[Marieke H 2,303]

I needed it to open a bank account.

[Pennycat 880]

10 minutes ago, NicolaBolton87 said:

I moved from England to Pennsylvania 5 and a half weeks ago on a K1 visa. I just went to the social security office this morning to apply for one and was told I can’t grt one right now because the only reason I would need one is for state benefits or work purposes. 

 

I’ve read a lot of posts before the move about applying for a SSN after a few weeks of being here but is there any actual reason I need one right now? 

That person is an idiot. I would ask to speak to someone else when you go back, ideally their supervisor.

 

You'll probably need one for a driver's licence. 

 

People recommend getting an SSN soon after you arrive because you won't be able to get one from two weeks before your 90 days expires until your employment authorization arrives-- that can be 6+ months. Remember the driver's licence issue. Then, you don't walk out of the office with a card-- you have to wait for them to mail it to you. So you'll have employment authorization but no social security card. It's simply best to take care of it early. 

[Wuozopo 4,285]

2 hours ago, NicolaBolton87 said:

I moved from England to Pennsylvania 5 and a half weeks ago on a K1 visa. I just went to the social security office this morning to apply for one and was told I can’t grt one right now because the only reason I would need one is for state benefits or work purposes. 

 

I’ve read a lot of posts before the move about applying for a SSN after a few weeks of being here but is there any actual reason I need one right now? 

 

Print this and show the next worker or supervisor https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211530

 

You'll find K1 down the list. 

[Ontarkie 13,915]

~~Moved to SSN, from Moving Here and Your New Life~~

[Tella&T 183]

Bizarre. I applied for SSN in PA soon after I came and got it without being told what you were told. I needed it to be added to my husband's health insurance after we got married and was asked for it numerous times. I wish I could be more specific but I did not pay much attention apart from being surprised how many times I needed it. Try again!

[JasonGG 267]

My fiance applied for a SSN 2 days after her arrival and a day before our wedding.  She need a SSN to get a driver's license, open a checking account, get added to our joint checking account, and added to our electric bill.  Our health insurance and doctor's office also requested it.  Perhaps she could have done without many of these, but they also provide proof of a "bona fide relationship" when we go to the AOS interview.

 

Definitely go back to the SSA office (or a different one, if there is one nearby).  You should be able to get one without any issue.

 

Jason

[NicolaBolton87 161]

I’m having so much trouble getting a social security number in PA. I’ve been twice now to the office and even took all the information from the SSN website stating that I am eligible for one but it’s just not happening.

 

i went today for the second time and was told I don’t need one right now. I have a friend in Oregon who required a SSN for her biometrics so am I going to have problems when it comes to that if I can’t get one?

 

i also can’t get added to my fiancé’s bank account without a state ID and obviously can’t get a state ID as I’m not a permanent resident. And isn’t that one of the best ways of showing evidence of a bonafide marriage?

 

i’m getting so stressed out. Please help

[bf__ 501]

Have you tried going to a different SSA office?

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

According to your timeline you aren't married yet / it will happen this month on 27th

there is a lot to do now like the AOS / EAD

for biometrics for your friend is that for naturaliztion?   you are 3 years away from that

[NicolaBolton87 161]

6 minutes ago, adil-rafa said:

According to your timeline you aren't married yet / it will happen this month on 27th

there is a lot to do now like the AOS / EAD

for biometrics for your friend is that for naturaliztion?   you are 3 years away from that

We get married on this 27th, yes. I’m working on the AOS/EAD currently.

 

my friend just moved to Oregon on a K1 visa and required SSN for biometrics 

[Marieke H 2,303]

20 minutes ago, NicolaBolton87 said:

 

i went today for the second time and was told I don’t need one right now.

I find this response very odd. So they refused to do it just because they think you don't need it, and not because they believe you aren't eligible? It is not up to them to decide if you need one, and there are several reasons why you do need a SSN, as mentioned in your previous thread.

 

Try a different office. Tell them that you want a SSN, so you can be added to his bank account, insurance, etc.

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

6 minutes ago, MariekeH said:

I find this response very odd. So they refused to do it just because they think you don't need it, and not because they believe you aren't eligible? It is not up to them to decide if you need one, and there are several reasons why you do need a SSN, as mentioned in your previous thread.

 

Try a different office. Tell them that you want a SSN, so you can be added to his bank account, insurance, etc.

they are not married yet

[Marieke H 2,303]

Just now, adil-rafa said:

they are not married yet

So? They will be soon. Most K1s apply for a SSN before getting married, because it is almost impossible to get one after marriage. I got mine a week after I arrived in the US. They would not allow me to change my name on it after my marriage, so for 7 months my SS card was still in my maiden name, which fortunately was no problem when I opened my bank account. I went back to change the name on my card when I had my EAD.

Getting a SSN can be very challenging for K1.

[NicolaBolton87 161]

2 minutes ago, MariekeH said:

So? They will be soon. Most K1s apply for a SSN before getting married, because it is almost impossible to get one after marriage. I got mine a week after I arrived in the US. They would not allow me to change my name on it after my marriage, so for 7 months my SS card was still in my maiden name, which fortunately was no problem when I opened my bank account. I went back to change the name on my card when I had my EAD.

Getting a SSN can be very challenging for K1.

I went to the SSN office 3 weeks after arriving. They told me no. I went again today, they told me no.

 

all I need to know is if I NEED my SSN for any of the AOS process? I know for a fact someone in oregon who just moved on a K1 was asked for it when attending her biometrics.