Mint Julep

Hi Guys, well I made it to Texas at last and am now preparing to get married and adjust my status, however, I understood that It was necessary to apply for my Social security number after two weeks and went to the local office only to be told that I could only apply for it if I had work authorisation, but I've been reading everywhere that it is pointless to apply for it on a K1 as it would run out before you even got it, so I was waiting until I adjusted my status. Once again, I would be grateful if anyone here can shed some light on this for me, thanks again

ian-mstm

That is NOT true. Go back and ask to speak to a supervisor. Someone who enters on a K-1 does NOT need an EAD to apply for a SSN.

This should help: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/...hp?p_faqid=576.

Ian

meauxna

MJ, what Ian said. You got a worker who didn't know what she was doing.
If any trouble next time, ask them to look at their "POMS" (internal memos) for instruction on K-1s and "incident to status".
Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you still have trouble.

Mint Julep

Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you, there seems to be so much conflicting information, but after your replies I know the right thing to do ! and after reading the link Ian sent it would appear that I am eligible to work here once I get the SSN..is that right ? can I just go out and get a job ? thanks once again

meauxna

Noooooo, no, that is something else different.
What the 'incident to status' means FOR SSA PURPOSES is that you don't have to have an EA document first, to get your SSN.

What it means in Immigration speak is that you are eligible to APPLY for an EAD.
Not all non-immigrants are eligible to do so (they can't get an SSN or EAD).

You can go job hunting now, but you can't sign any paperwork or start working until you have your EAD *in your hot little hands*.

Mint Julep

Thanks Meauxna, I get it now, so I really dont need my SSN until I've applied to adjust my status and get my EAD and as far as I'm aware there is no time restriction for the SSN once I've applied for AOS..(i hope this makes sense) Thanks muchly

Noorah101

If you apply based on your K-1 visa, you must apply for your SSN within your first 76 days in the USA. If you wait longer than that, you will need your EAD in hand before you can try applying for the SSN again.

So, after entering on the K-1, you should apply for your SSN sometime between your 10th day in the USA up until your 75th day (just to be safe).

Rene

ian-mstm

You might find it useful for getting a driver's license, opening a bank account, etc.

Do yourself a favor... apply now, while you don't need any other documentation other than what you already have.

Ian

Mint Julep

Thanks Ian, I will go back to that woman and tell her her job, any tips on how to make this process easier is much appreciated, thanks again

TracyTN

Take this with you - part C is the pertinent section.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500