Applying for a Social Security Number

This has been always a raised question and a topic in the forum. Wether to apply SSN before marriage or after marriage upon arrival as K1 entrants. And my answer is always the same. This is my experience.

Both have benefits, applying in married name (after marriage within the 90-day period) or applying after two weeks upon arrival in States in maiden name (the name that reflects on the I-94 or the departure card).

It's quicker if you apply right away in your maiden name because they can verify right away their records with ur record. So you will have your card and number for about a week or a couple. But you need to go back again for the name change later (Imagine the waiting time and the long line... but it's ok.)

On the other hand, If you apply in your married name, you will go to the SSA (Social Security Administration) office once BUT it will take 3 weeks or more to get your card (it depends). Why?

Because your name is different now from their records, thus they need to verify the name from the DHS office if the person in the SSA record is the same with the person, now married, in a different name. They will chek if your new surname is the same with the surname of the petitioner...if he's the person who sponsored you to get here. It will take 3 weeks or more (a month or so) for the verification. Your lucky if the verification is quicker then you will have your card after 2 weeks, just like what I've said it depends.

After the verification, you need to wait another week for the SSA to prepare your card... So don't worry if it takes longer compared to other applicants. Each of us has a different case...

Just bring your passport with the I-94 (be sure it is not expired yet or else you need to wait for your Permanant Resident Card or Green Card to get your SS#) and fill up the form at the SSA. For married applicants, bring your passport, married license (the one from the Hall of records and not the marriage certificate), form. Visit the SSA website and check for other new requirements if there are and the application procedures.

QUOTE
How do I get a number and card?
To apply for a Social Security number and card:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency proving:
U.S. citizenship or immigration status [including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the United States];
Age; and
Identity.
Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Citizenship or immigration status: We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).
International students must present further documentation. For more information, see International Students And Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181).

Age: You must present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport to prove age.

Identity: We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued nondriver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of identity. If you do not have the specific documents we ask for, we will ask to see other documents including:

Employee ID card;
School ID card;
Marriage document;
Health insurance card (not a Medicare card);
U.S. military ID card;
Adoption decree; or
Life insurance policy.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. Or, we may use your U.S. birth certificate as proof of age and citizenship. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

The process for your children to apply is pretty much the same as it is for you to apply, although you probably need to go with them and may have to also sign some things.

Below is my timeline:

March 30, 2007, I submitted the following documents for SScard (SS office, Bak, CA):

-Passport/visa with I-94
-marriage license
-ssc application form

They told me to wait for 3 weeks cos they will send copies of the documents to the Dept of Homeland Security for a name check.

April 24, 2007, I received a notice that I will have my SSC within two weeks, if not, I'll just give them a call.

It takes a month and few days for you to have your SSC if you apply in your married name. It will take 2 weeks only to wait for the SSC after application if you'll apply in your maiden name...then another papers and weeks for the name change...

Related Links:

TIN
Non-Immigrant Visa for a Spouse (K3)
SSA Handout