Can My Fiance Get a Social Security Number?

[BrianB]

My fiance arrived on September 3 (K-1), and the process was relatively easy. Our wedding day is October 2.

I have read on this website that she can apply for a Social Security number now. However, the SSA.gov website says that noncitizens can only receive a Social Security number if they have permission to work, and of course we have not applied for a work permit yet: "Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number."

I have tried calling Social Security for clarification, but of course I cannot get through to their tollfree number. Does anyone have recent experience with this?

[Kevin219]

Get work authorization

K1 are eligible for SSN
To apply for a Social Security number:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving:
Immigration status;
Work eligibility;
Age; and
Identity.
Take your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

But before that....
Have you applied for the "K" visa with along with I-765?
If not, you may fill up for I-765 at your regional USCIS office get EAD aka Employment Authorization Card for him/her.

It must be filed within 90 days of entry.
It does take time, from 15 to 60 days after application is filed, so, you better hurry.

[BrianB]

Thanks. I guess the answer to my question is "no". I understood the best way to apply for the work permit was the same time as the Adjustment of Status, to save the additional fee. No big deal, I just thought it would be good to get one thing out of the way.

[Sydfan]

You CAN go get your SS# and card right now. You just apply for it under the name that is EXACTLY on her I-94. Because that is the name that is in the immigration system. The sooner the do it the better, because it takes a while for SS to get a move on. We unfortunately waited a little too long and by the time they were ready to give it to her, it was withing 14 days of her I-94 expiring (regardless of our marriage) so they couldn't send it.

If you go do it now, she should get a card before that time. She still won't be able to work until the 765 is approved (which you won't file until you file the 485), but once she has her work card she can start working. As opposed to our case in which we had to wait ANOTHER 2 months for Soc Sec to get a move on...

Also, get the card, because having a SS card is key to doing ANYTHING in this country.

Go apply now or in a few days. She got here the 3rd, maybe wait until the 20th, that would be two full weeks, enough time for her to be fully uploaded into all systems.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[barbarajlw]

My fiance arrived on September 3 (K-1), and the process was relatively easy. Our wedding day is October 2.

I have read on this website that she can apply for a Social Security number now. However, the SSA.gov website says that noncitizens can only receive a Social Security number if they have permission to work, and of course we have not applied for a work permit yet: "Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number."

I have tried calling Social Security for clarification, but of course I cannot get through to their tollfree number. Does anyone have recent experience with this?

Got my ss application in today no problem and applied for it under my married name no issue at all. Took in my passport with visa and my marriage cert and he did it all in my married name as that is what I filled the form in with not my previous name on I-94. Have been here 3 weeks and was on the homeland security system already.
So no issue at all for me here in Georgia.

[BrianB]

Here is an update. We just got back from the Social Security office. The lady was very nice, and said she was approving the application. We got a letter that is kind of a receipt, and hopefully the card will follow within a couple of weeks. She didn't ask at all about authorization to work.

There was a snag in that apparently Homeland Security entered the birthday incorrectly, because what is in the computer does not match her passport. The SSA lady said something like they will ask Homeland Security to verify the birthday.

I hope this works, but if not at least we tried.

[barbarajlw]

Here is an update. We just got back from the Social Security office. The lady was very nice, and said she was approving the application. We got a letter that is kind of a receipt, and hopefully the card will follow within a couple of weeks. She didn't ask at all about authorization to work.

There was a snag in that apparently Homeland Security entered the birthday incorrectly, because what is in the computer does not match her passport. The SSA lady said something like they will ask Homeland Security to verify the birthday.

I hope this works, but if not at least we tried.

You shouldn't have any problems Brian they did not ask me about work permit either. he gave me the same letter / receipt, and card will follow in 2 weeks. I had to check his info that he had printed and correct some spelling and thats was it.

[BrianB]

Here is a final update if anyone is interested. The wedding on October 2 went very well. The Social Security card (and the offical copy of the marriage certificate) arrived in the mail today, so it worked.

[barbarajlw]

Here is a final update if anyone is interested. The wedding on October 2 went very well. The Social Security card (and the offical copy of the marriage certificate) arrived in the mail today, so it worked.

Cool Brian and congrats , I actually ended up getting my SS 1 week later lol good on you man and happy years ahead.

[mskersh]

K1 visa obtaining SSN

Here is an update. We just got back from the Social Security office. The lady was very nice, and said she was approving the application. We got a letter that is kind of a receipt, and hopefully the card will follow within a couple of weeks. She didn't ask at all about authorization to work.

There was a snag in that apparently Homeland Security entered the birthday incorrectly, because what is in the computer does not match her passport. The SSA lady said something like they will ask Homeland Security to verify the birthday.

I hope this works, but if not at least we tried.

Hello, I have read your messages about getting SSN for your fiancé then. Were you guys able to obtain SSN prior to your wedding? if so, what were the requirements? Thank you in advanced.

[Daneeey0214]

I HAVE APPLIED FOR MY SOCIAL SECURITY AFTER A MONTH WHEN I GOT HERE. (SEP ARRIVAL) (OCT APPLIED SSN) THEN WORKED. WE GOT MARRIED NOVEMBER THEN I WENT BACK TO THE OFFICE JUST TO CHANGE MY LAST NAME, THEY WILL ISSUE YOU SSN FOR WORK PURPOSE ONLY. but you cant get drivers license until you will get green card. if you have SSn then you can also open bank account


QUOTE=BrianB;213922]My fiance arrived on September 3 (K-1), and the process was relatively easy. Our wedding day is October 2.

I have read on this website that she can apply for a Social Security number now. However, the SSA.gov website says that noncitizens can only receive a Social Security number if they have permission to work, and of course we have not applied for a work permit yet: "Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number."

I have tried calling Social Security for clarification, but of course I cannot get through to their tollfree number. Does anyone have recent experience with this?[/QUOTE]