I-485 and social security number

[ervik_9 0]

Hi!
 

Will be arriving soon with K1 visa, and a little bit unsure about what is currently the best and fastest way to go about with the SSN and the I-485.
We are not changing our names, and want to apply as soon as possible after marriage. 
So, my question is, do you think it would it be possible to submit I-485 without SSN on the form, even though it's on it's way its way? To potentially save a week or two or three. Has anyone done this?
Or should we wait for the SSN before submitting I-485 regardless, alternatively not apply for SSN separately but instead request it with the I-485 to be able to submit asap? I would prefer having an SSN, to make life easier while waiting off course..

At the time of handling, the form would be incorrect, as I have been issued SSN, even though at the time of submitting, it would be correct, as it's not yet issued. Or am I missing something completely with the I-485 and SSN process?
Appreciate your help
 

[Fe.Ta 858]

3 minutes ago, ervik_9 said:

Hi!
 

Will be arriving soon with K1 visa, and a little bit unsure about what is currently the best and fastest way to go about with the SSN and the I-485.
We are not changing our names, and want to apply as soon as possible after marriage. 
So, my question is, do you think it would it be possible to submit I-485 without SSN on the form, even though it's on it's way its way? To potentially save a week or two or three. Has anyone done this?
Or should we wait for the SSN before submitting I-485 regardless, alternatively not apply for SSN separately but instead request it with the I-485 to be able to submit asap? I would prefer having an SSN, to make life easier while waiting off course..

At the time of handling, the form would be incorrect, as I have been issued SSN, even though at the time of submitting, it would be correct, as it's not yet issued. Or am I missing something completely with the I-485 and SSN process?
Appreciate your help
 

 Could you please fill out your timeline?  In which state are you located?

My husband came in on a K1 visa and we went to the SSA office to get the SSN within a week of his arrival.  We got the SSN in about 10 days.  We were able then to get married and do the rest.  Having the SSN allowed us to get the joint account, medical insurance, etc. while we waited on the AOS to be approved.  We live in Florida, so we got to be able to do a lot of things with his SSN while we waited on the AOS/EAD/AP.  Unlike other states, we were even able to get his DL as a regular one (10 year valid) and did not have to renew every year or when the GC transitioned, etc.  However, this varies per state and some states are less familiar with immigration than others.

My suggestion would be to just go to the local SSA office as soon as you can once you arrive to get the SSN.  Then, get married, and submit the AOS with all the proper documentation and your assigned SSN.  One thing to note:  As soon as your AOS is approved and you get the 2-yr GC, please make sure you go back to the SSA office to get the restriction on the SSN card REVEMOED (a restriction will be printed on it when you first get it).  Removing this off the SSN card after your AOS approval and BEFORE your GC expires will help with a lot of things once the waiting time comes between the expired GC and the approval of the ROC (this is going to be a few years from now).

[ervik_9 0]

9 minutes ago, Fe.Ta said:

 Could you please fill out your timeline?  In which state are you located?

My husband came in on a K1 visa and we went to the SSA office to get the SSN within a week of his arrival.  We got the SSN in about 10 days.  We were able then to get married and do the rest.  Having the SSN allowed us to get the joint account, medical insurance, etc. while we waited on the AOS to be approved.  We live in Florida, so we got to be able to do a lot of things with his SSN while we waited on the AOS/EAD/AP.  Unlike other states, we were even able to get his DL as a regular one (10 year valid) and did not have to renew every year or when the GC transitioned, etc.  However, this varies per state and some states are less familiar with immigration than others.

My suggestion would be to just go to the local SSA office as soon as you can once you arrive to get the SSN.  Then, get married, and submit the AOS with all the proper documentation and your assigned SSN.  One thing to note:  As soon as your AOS is approved and you get the 2-yr GC, please make sure you go back to the SSA office to get the restriction on the SSN card REVEMOED (a restriction will be printed on it when you first get it).  Removing this off the SSN card after your AOS approval and BEFORE your GC expires will help with a lot of things once the waiting time comes between the expired GC and the approval of the ROC (this is going to be a few years from now).

Hey, thank you for good advice!
Located in PA. arriving beginning of May, marriage middle of May (no SSN was required). Might be worth it to just wait then it seems like, shouldn't hold up the process much anyways  Thought it was usually a month minimum, maybe more.

[Mike E 11,730]

56 minutes ago, ervik_9 said:

want to apply as soon as possible after marriage. 

K-1 fiance(e)’s are eligible for an SSN. Some SSA workers interpret this policy as meaning that once married, the K-1 visa holder is not eligible for an SSN

 

Apply for an SSN 2 working days after the later of:

 

* arrival into U.S. 

* online I-94 is available

 

59 minutes ago, ervik_9 said:

So, my question is, do you think it would it be possible to submit I-485 without SSN on the form

I know it is possible.

 

Not everyone who files I-485 has an SSN. Most are not eligible for an SSN.

1 hour ago, ervik_9 said:

Or should we wait for the SSN before submitting I-485 regardless

Do not do this. There are zero benefits to waiting for an SSN.

 

There can be dire consequences to waiting for an SSN. 

 

 

 

[Chancy 6,233]

*** Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to AOS from K1 Visas forum ***

 

[Fe.Ta 858]

4 hours ago, ervik_9 said:

Hey, thank you for good advice!
Located in PA. arriving beginning of May, marriage middle of May (no SSN was required). Might be worth it to just wait then it seems like, shouldn't hold up the process much anyways  Thought it was usually a month minimum, maybe more.

Yes, as others have said, it is better to get SSN ASAP and then submit AOS.  My husband arrived late June, we were planning to get married in July but it didn't happen until the first week of August and our AOS was submitted the first week of September.  We cut it closer than we wanted to or planned, but still filed on time and had everything - including SSN.

[Scandi 3,981]

You absolutely do not need an SSN to file the i-485, so there's that. No reason to delay filing for AOS just to wait for the SSN, there are no benefits in doing that.

 

You should however apply for an SSN immediately after entry into the US (like within the first week at least), you don't want to delay that as it can be harder to get one once you start getting near the end of your 90 days (and if something goes wrong in the SSN process you will want to have enough time left on your 90 days to be able to reapply if needed). Applying for a SSN should be the first thing you do when you enter the US. But after applying it can take weeks to actually get it - so you can absolutely go ahead and get married and file your AOS before getting your SSN. 

 

SSN and evidence of bonafide marriage will be brought to the interview, which can be months or even years later. 

Edited April 11, 2023 by Scandi