Should I apply SSN for my (now) wife before AOS?

[cuongvt101 5]

 

What's the benefit of having SSN in advance?

 

One thing I know is that in next year's tax filing, in order to claim my (now) wife as a dependent, she needs to have an SSN. But in the I-485 form, there's a field to apply for SSN too, and I don't know if the Social Security Card will come WITH the Green card, or is it processed separately (and thus will come in about 2 weeks).

 

Is there any other reasons? Thanks

 

[Mike E 11,727]

47 minutes ago, cuongvt101 said:

What's the benefit of having SSN in advance?

You can file taxes jointly

 

Easier to get health insurance, open a bank account, get a credit card, get state ID/DL. All the things you take for granted as a U.S. citizen with an SSN are sometimes denied to people without SSNs.

 

It takes a 30 minutes at the SSA office to apply.

 

51 minutes ago, cuongvt101 said:

One thing I know is that in next year's tax filing, in order to claim my (now) wife as a dependent, she needs to have an SSN. But in the I-485 form, there's a field to apply for SSN too

What makes you certain I-485 will be approved before April 15, 2024?

[powerpuff 5,990]

~~ Topic moved from K1 forum to SSN forum ~~
 

If eligible to apply upon arrival for a certain period of time (75 days out of 90), why not? It makes life much easier for a new immigrant.

Edited August 8, 2023 by powerpuff

[Redro 4,602]

5 hours ago, cuongvt101 said:

 

What's the benefit of having SSN in advance?

 

One thing I know is that in next year's tax filing, in order to claim my (now) wife as a dependent, she needs to have an SSN. But in the I-485 form, there's a field to apply for SSN too, and I don't know if the Social Security Card will come WITH the Green card, or is it processed separately (and thus will come in about 2 weeks).

 

Is there any other reasons? Thanks

 

If you apply for the SSN with GC or EAD it will come after that benefit is issued (and separately). Not two weeks after you apply for the GC/EAD.

If you are not planning to obtain the SSN now- are you planning on applying for EAD and AP for your wife or just I-485?

Edited August 8, 2023 by Redro

[Ayrton 965]

On 8/8/2023 at 1:29 AM, cuongvt101 said:

 

What's the benefit of having SSN in advance?

 

One thing I know is that in next year's tax filing, in order to claim my (now) wife as a dependent, she needs to have an SSN. But in the I-485 form, there's a field to apply for SSN too, and I don't know if the Social Security Card will come WITH the Green card, or is it processed separately (and thus will come in about 2 weeks).

 

Is there any other reasons? Thanks

 

First, you don't claim your spouse as a dependent, you file jointly with them.

 

Second, after the GC/EAD is approved, USCIS sends the application to the SSA, so it might be 2 weeks, it might be 10.