How to Apply for Social Security Number for a K1 Visa Holder
A K-1 Fiancé(e)Visa holder, is eligible to receive a SSN upon arriving in the US. The visa holder should produce an unexpired and valid I-94 (departure/arrival record), passport, and other required documentation to the local Social Security Agency(SSA) Office where the application will be submitted.
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Things You'll Need
- Filled up SS-5 form
- Valid passport with the K1 visa in it
- Valid I-94
- Birth certificate or other form of ID as specified in the SS-5 instructions
Instructions
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Download an application form for a Social Security Card at the Social Security Administration website by typing http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf on your web browser. This application form can be used by anyone who has never been issued a card and there is no fee incurred to apply.
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Read the instructions carefully before filling up the application form. These instructions come with the form you downloaded online. Type or handwrite your answers neatly on the form using black ink.
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Go online and type the following URL on your web browser: http://www.ssa.gov/locator to find the nearest local Social Security Agency (SSA) office in your area.
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Go to your local SSA office and bring the required documents which will serve as your proof that you are eligible to file for a SSN.
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Submit your application and wait for an approval from the reviewing officer.
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Once you have successfully applied for your SSN, you will receive your SSN in the mail in about 2 weeks. When you receive your card, notice that the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" are printed on the card. This means that to be eligible to work, you must also have an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (work permit) presented together with your SSN card.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply for a SSN about two weeks after your arrival to the US or later but do not wait until your I-94 is about to expire; file 14 days prior to the expiration of your I-94.
Wait until you are married (female K1 visa holder) to apply for SSN to save you the headache of reapplying for name change on the card later.
