Get K-1 SSN before or after I-485? Maiden or married name?

[Aaron101 2]

On the K-1 timeline, it says that we should be applying for a SSN before submitting the I-485 and getting a work authorization.  Is that correct?  We just got our marriage license in hand yesterday, we made an appointment with the SSA for next week, and we still have not sent in the I-485 (will do that soon). 

 

Do we need to have a work authorization in order to get a SSN?  Just wanting some clarity on the sequence of these steps.

 

Also which name to we put on the SS-5?  We already have our marriage license with her married name, but her passport is in maiden her name. 

 

Also what kind of additional ID or paperwork would we need to show for the SSN appointment?  The list of items in the SS-5 instructions includes a bunch of US issued identifications, which of course Cintya does not have yet. 

 

Thanks!

Aaron and Cintya.

[Crazy Cat 39,411]

The best advice as given by folks here (as well as the VJ SSN guide) is :

 

1.  Apply for SSN

2.  Marry

3.  Apply for adjustment of status

in that order. 

But, since you are now married, she can request a SSN as part of the I-485 package/EAD using the name she intends to use legallly.

 

Note: A marriage license is pre-marriage.  A marriage certificate is post marriage.

Edited November 26, 2021 by Crazy Cat

[Mike E 11,725]

Some K-1s report success getting an SSN after being married and before filing I-485 but some (more I believe) report failure.