Marrying and SSN

[araxoolie 69]

It says here that, after arriving, my fiancee should get her SSN first, then marry, then change her name at the SSA office. It also says here that she'll need to wait two weeks after arrival to get the SSN.

So my question is, why is it recommended to do it in that order? Is it based on the assumption that you can't marry without an SSN? In my state you can marry without an SSN if you provide a reason you don't have one (i.e. "I just got here and they haven't got my arrival in their system yet"). I'd like to avoid making multiple trips to the exremely-overcrowded local SSA office if possible--first marry with the change of name, then get an SSN under the new name. Can we do it that way?

[AnneA 72]

as far as I have been able to figure out, it's because it can give complications to get a SSN with a changed name due to lack of ID - passport, I-94, K1 will be in the 'old' name

[geowrian 22,335]

The issue is some SSA staff will refuse to issue an SSN under the new name without an EAD or green card with the new name. It took my wife and I 3 visits to get them to get somebody who could navigate the system to do so.

Some SSA staff will even refuse to issue the SSN under the old name once married, as that is no longer your legal name.

The SSN -> Marry -> New SSN path ensures you get an SSN in the first place with the least risk of hurdles/hassles.

[araxoolie 69]

All right, that sounds like a good enough reason to make two trips! I'd hate to get stuck in the bureaucratic weeds.

[MikeMc 38]

Ok here's why the 2 week wait time:

Once you enter the POE, you will need to wait for the records to be updated and sent to SSA, usually takes about 10 days.

 

Everything in the system is currently in your Maiden Name, the I-94, your passport, birth cert all of it.

That's why it makes it easier for the SSA office to issue one. Once married they seem to get stupid and unable to figure out who you are and also think you are supposed to wait until you have a Green Card now before you can be issued one.

 

You would think their system would update a little faster, and be more dynamic, but I guess they still on the old Tape System style where they still get it via mail.

 

After that, wait until you're an official green card holder to update it to your married name. (you will have to do it again then anyways to get the "with restrictions" stamp off of the SSN Card).  Not many places will ever ask to see your SS card, so if you are doing something where you think it will be required, just bring a copy of your marriage cert with you to show your last name.

[geowrian 22,335]

1 minute ago, MikeMc said:

usually takes about 10 days.

Well, used to. Most are within a day now.

[MissEclair 16]

My fiancé is male and won't be changing his name. Should he still file for a SSN before getting married or does it not matter?

[payxibka 10,044]

3 minutes ago, MissEclair said:

My fiancé is male and won't be changing his name. Should he still file for a SSN before getting married or does it not matter?

Doesn't matter but don't tell SSA that he is married because some offices won't understand 

[payxibka 10,044]

10 minutes ago, MissEclair said:

My fiancé is male and won't be changing his name. Should he still file for a SSN before getting married or does it not matter?

The 75 day rule will apply in all situations so be wary of that

[Ontarkie 13,916]

~~Moved to SSN , from K1 P&P - The OP is asking about the process of obtaining the SSN after entering the US.~~

[Fr8dog 312]

Get the darn thing ASAP, they are easier to change than to get at a later date. The 10 days (2 weeks) is a thing though so wait for that. If you wait till after you are married you are setting yourself up for the potential "wait until the EAD or Greencard is issued" debate. Even though you should be able to get one after you are married and before you get your card, there are just to many cases where people ran into trouble. After waiting this long for the visa and the amount of money poored into it, the extra few hours wait time is not that bad anymore.

Than of to the DMV for the next hurdle.

 

[araxoolie 69]

So, our planned wedding date is rapidly approaching, and the government shutdown means no new social security cards are being issued. Anyone have advice on how we should work around that?