Dougster75

Hi,

Another thing I should have researched better before we arrived...

I did a search of the forum under SSN and couldn't find anything that answered it specifically.

As an L1 holder authorised to work, I can obviously obtain an SSN but we have found numerous items where my wife (L2) would also need to have an SSN - auto insurance - maybe the driving test etc. However, the SSA website specifically says that obtaining a driving license isn't a good enough reason in itself to obtain an SSN.

So.... what would be the best way of getting her an SSN? Does she need to apply for an EAD first perhaps or could she go to SS and say that she intends to apply for EAD?

All help appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug.

MsElui

she is entitled for an ssn as an L2 - no other reason is required. i got one at least a year before i got an EAD. she will need to take her visa docs and marriage cert to the ssn office.

Bluegrass Lass

There are a few threads that can be found on this topic. Just use the search function:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=L1+spouse+SSN

ukintexas

[QUOTE=Dougster75;7645353]Hi,
As an L1 holder authorised to work, I can obviously obtain an SSN but we have found numerous items where my wife (L2) would also need to have an SSN - auto insurance - maybe the driving test etc. However, the SSA website specifically says that obtaining a driving license isn't a good enough reason in itself to obtain an SSN.

Don't listen to everything that says she HAS to have an SSN - it's not true - Auto Insurance being a classic example. I've emailed you the details though regarding application process.

QUOTE]

rebs

Ditto - I'm on an L2 and my husband and I both went along to the SSN office when we got here and both got our numbers. In fact, my card arrived a couple of weeks later and hubby's didn't arrive for about 5 weeks.

MsElui

true - but it makes life ten times easier if you can just give it - otherwise the americans just cant seem to compute that you dont have one and you have to endlessly explain it over and over every time. ssn is quick and simple.

ukintexas

Yeah, agreed - how often I was tempted to give a false number on irrelevant things that I knew wouldn't be cross checked, just to have the smug satisfaction that they didn't really need it!!! Have got over that now though

Dougster75

Thanks all... I would just like to double-check on her being able to do this purely being an L2 in case maybe something has changed since above posters did theirs. The guidance notes for completing the SS app say:

"If you check 'Legal Alien NOT allowed to work' you must provide a document from a US Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the U.S. Government benefit...."

Would the L2 be enough for this? I'm assuming that she would need an EAD?

Appreciate thoughts.

Cheers,

Doug.

rebs

I got mine less than a year ago - July last year. I don't think things have changed since then.

I can't remember exactly what I put for that question and I don't have a copy of the form I filled out (I'll never make the AR club!).

I do remember that we had no problem at all, and I definitely did not have anything to say why I needed an SSN, nor did I wait until I had my EAD.

Have you already tried to get a number for your wife and run into problems?

meauxna

The item you quote from the instructions is what is messing you up. An L-2 *is* a legal alien allowed to work.. allowed to apply for a work permit and eventually work, that is.

Compared to an H-4 for example, who is a legal alien NOT allowed to work. Evah.

Only the L-2 spouse can get an EAD (and therefore a SSN). Other L-2 dependents can not.
Absent her EAD, she must present the marriage certificate + your L-1 to show that she is an L-2 spouse.
Here's the SSA guideline on it; hopefully it will help and not confuse.
https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203500

ukintexas

Seconded! To apply for an EAD the L2 needs to have the L1's SS number to hand. The SS gained without an EAD will not allow the L2 holder to work, it will simply allow them to fill in boxes on forms!!! If the SS is gained by the L2 and they then apply for an EAD, they will need to revisit the SS office to update their SS card to show that they are now eligible to work. Clear as mud??

Giantaxe

It also makes it more likely that you will be a victim of identity theft. Doctors/dentists etc always seem to ask for an ssn, but I now decline to give them one unless they have a very good reason for wanting it. Wanting to use the ssn as an identifier isn't a good enough reason in my book.

tonrob

You rebel, you!

meauxna

er, still muddy.

The L-2 does not need her L-1's SSN to apply for her own. By virtue of having the L-2 visa + I-94, she is eligible for the SSN.

The SS card received will have the legend 'not employment authorized without DHS permission' or similar. That legend means that IF the L-2 shows her SS card for being hired, the employer must ask to see her EAD (which is the permission from DHS).

There is no need to go back and get an updated SS card until the person becomes a Permanent Resident (green card); the SS card legend won't change.

ukintexas

You make far more sense than I do Meauxna!