When do I apply for an SSN?

[bradcanuck 1]

At what point during the process can I apply for a Social? Is it after the i-485 is approved? Or is it work authorization?

Thanks.

[YuAndDan 153]

Either with EAD or Green-Card which ever comes first, both documents convey work authorization.

Wait at least 2 weeks after getting EAD or Green-Card before attempting to get SSN, the officer at the SSA office needs to confirm your status on a computer system, and it take up to 2 weeks for USCIS to update that system.

[thetreble 19]

When you get your EAD you can go and get it shortly after. Bing. Bang. Boom.

Edited August 13, 2007 by thetreble

[M&J 0]

hey there!

check out the guides on vj . visa k flowchart or ssn step by step

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

[mwinburn 0]

hey there!

check out the guides on vj . visa k flowchart or ssn step by step

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

I'm confused. The guide says to do it two weeks after entering the US. You guys are saying two weeks after EAD. Those events are several months apart. Are the guides incorrect or is there another reason for delaying until EAD?

[bszoom42 0]

I think it depends on what process you are talking about. For K-1, they recommend waiting 2 weeks to allow for data entry to occur.

[bszoom42 0]

Personally, I am planning on taking my fiancee (once we reach this stage) after our marriage. I don't see the advantage of getting the SS card made before that, as we will need to go right after marriage anyway to get the name changed.

[misa 2]

K1s can apply upon entry (2 weeks is recommended so that they are in S.A.V.E.).

For K3s and some other adjustment applicants (like bradcanuck's situation), you can't apply for an SSN until you have an EAD or GC.

[Krikit 1,163]

K1s can apply upon entry (2 weeks is recommended so that they are in S.A.V.E.).

For K3s and some other adjustment applicants (like bradcanuck's situation), you can't apply for an SSN until you have an EAD or GC.

You'll need to apply no later than two weeks before your I-94 expires. If you wait any longer than that, you'll have to wait to adjust status.

[MissStacey 1]

I entered on K3 and am waiting for my EAD to apply for my SSN.

I have always wondered why K1 can apply right away and K3 has to wait for EAD.

[misa 2]

I entered on K3 and am waiting for my EAD to apply for my SSN.

I have always wondered why K1 can apply right away and K3 has to wait for EAD.

Because the SSA considers K1s work authorised at least for the period of their I-94... (same reason why K1s can get the EAD stamp at certain POEs). K3s just aren't work authorised until EAD or GC... never understood it but that's just the way it is. Silly rules.

[payxibka 10,044]

Personally, I am planning on taking my fiancee (once we reach this stage) after our marriage. I don't see the advantage of getting the SS card made before that, as we will need to go right after marriage anyway to get the name changed.

The advantage is that the SSA seems to "screw up" less often when you do it before the marriage than after. Just be prepared to explain to the SSA folks there own rules.

[MissStacey 1]

I entered on K3 and am waiting for my EAD to apply for my SSN.

I have always wondered why K1 can apply right away and K3 has to wait for EAD.

Because the SSA considers K1s work authorised at least for the period of their I-94... (same reason why K1s can get the EAD stamp at certain POEs). K3s just aren't work authorised until EAD or GC... never understood it but that's just the way it is. Silly rules.

I know. It is such a pain living in limbo. You need an SSN for almost everything in the U.S.

[sapa_uscan 0]

I think it depends on what process you are talking about. For K-1, they recommend waiting 2 weeks to allow for data entry to occur.

... ok, I am also [slightly] confused!

I am a K1, and once I cross the border, we are getting married in 3 days! --

Based on some of the responses in this thread, I can apply for SSN in about two weeks time from my entry.

My question is :

In the meanwhile, from what I've heard, employers only ask for the SSN number. And so, if after entering and applying in two weeks time, I should be getting the SSN in say another two weeks. Once I get the SSN can I start working (even though my EAD probably won't be coming for another 2-3 months!)

Any light on this please ?!

thanks,

sapa

[payxibka 10,044]

Employers must have a prepared I-9 for each employee. The I-9 requires the employer to SEE (not just ask) for the appropriate documentation