Wirksworth

Hi All,
I applied for my SS number when I applied for AOS as there was an option to do this on the form. I applied in September and have had the Biometric appointment but have heard nothing about my SSN. I am being asked when I am going to get a State driving license by our car insurance company and MO require a SSN to do the test.
Advice on where/who to to chase up re my SSN appreciated.
Thanks

Noorah101

You entered the USA on a K-1, right? With a K-1, you are able to go into your local SS office within your first 86 days in the USA to apply for your SS card. I assume you didn't do this, though. After the 86th day, you need your EAD in hand in order to apply for SS card.

The option to order the SS card in the I-485 form is new, so I'm not sure how that works out how long it could take. If you are still within your first 86 days, personally I'd go apply in person. If you are past that time, just have to wait it out.

You can go in person to a SS office to make inquiries.

Rene

Wirksworth

Well, quite a few things learned today on the K1 Visa journey after a couple of hrs at the local Social Security Office

1 - The queues are long at US Social Security offices
2 - DO NOT apply for your SSN via the AOS form I-485
3- Apply for your SSN at the local office >10 days after you arrive but No Later than day 75 from entry as they need 15 days before the expiry of your K1 visa to be allowed to issue a SSN
4- You can work from entry to your wedding date without applying for EAD. Once you are married you are a K-3 you need EAD - confirmed by the SS Officer via his work authorisation flow chart
5- If you apply for SSN on your AOS form, there seems mo way to find out when you may get said SSN
6- in Missouri you need a SSN to apply for a driving license

Noorah101

True for bigger cities but you can go to any SS office, so a suburb location could be less busy.
Good to know, but why? Does it not get processed?
Yes, true.
I disagree. Once you enter on a K-1, your status will never change to K-3. The K-3 is a completely different visa. I also disagree on the point that you can't work after marriage. You are in K-1 status for the whole first 90 days in the USA, and are work authorized that whole time.
So what did they advise you to do, since you've already ticked the I-485 box? Did they advise waiting it out, or did they advise applying fresh while you were there in person?

Rene

Wirksworth

Hi Rene

1- good to know re suburbs office - I was on the edge of a city
2- I trust the SSN will get processed as part of the I-485 but it is much faster to go to the local SS office and apply . Seems there is no way to find out where ones SSN application is if you use the I-485 form route
4- The Office said " once you get married and file AOS your status changes to Spouse of a USC and you become a K3" - Both he and a call to USCIS said once married even if within the K-1 visa period you need an EAD to work . The USCIS Handbook does say the offence of working by a Spouse of a USC who does not have EAD is forgiven ( IN no way am I advocating this) but no where could I find a Spouse on a K-1 can work until the end of the K-1. The office was looking at a Visa work authorisation flow chart as he talked to me
5- I was told my ONLY option was to wait for the SSN with no idea when it may arrive- I was out of time on my 90 day K-1 entry stamp to be able to apply whilst I was at the SS office.

Noorah101

Thanks for the clarifications. I still disagree with point 4. There is absolutely no way a K-1 visa holder can suddenly become in K-3 status. The SS flowchart is wrong on that one.

Rene

Rete

I agree with Rene about disagreeing on #4. Your status after applying for AOS is pending AOS. Don't always believe SSA workers. They are the very same people who insist you cannot work during the K-1 validity period.

Has the I-485 changed lately? Never saw that you could apply for a SSN on the form being completed. I know that if you are applying for a CR1/IR visa and will interview at a US Consulate, you can tick a box to apply for your SSN.

Noorah101

Hi Rete, yes, the SS box on the I-485 is new.

Rene

Wirksworth

Sorry,
The SSN application box is on the EAD Form I-765 which I did with my AOS I-465 . It doesn't change the situation that SSN is best applied for at a SSN office in my opinion.