As a K-1 Visa Holder your Fiancé(e) is eligible to receive a SSN upon producing a valid I-94. Do not wait until you only have a few weeks left until your I-94 expires to file for a SSN. Many SSA offices will not allow you to file for a SSN if your I-94 is about to expire (generally 14 days prior to the expiration on your I-94). On the other hand, you should also not file for a SSN too soon either.
You and your Fiancé(e) should wait at least 2 weeks after her arrival in the U.S. before applying for a SSN. If you go too soon your Fiancé(e)’s record of arrival will not be in the system yet, and it will require manual verification from the USCIS. As this will add weeks to the period it takes to process the SSN.
Once your Fiancé(e) has successfully applied for her SSN, the SSN card will come in the mail in about 2 weeks. You can check on the status of the SSN application and/or often get the SSN in advance by returning in person to the SSA office.
Your card, when you receive it, will be marked with the words "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH USCIS AUTHORIZATION" indicating to an employer that you must also have an unexpired EAD to be eligible to work.
If your Spouse needs to replace a lost Social Security card, change the name shown on her card, or request a replacement card, she will need to complete an application (Form SS-5) to receive a Social Security card.
In addition to completing the form she needs to furnish identification:
- To get a replacement card, you usually need one identifying document. Your replacement card will have the same number as your old card. Some documents that we can accept as proof of identity are:
- Driver’s license
- Marriage or divorce record
- Military records
- Employer ID card
- Adoption record
- Insurance policy
- Passport
- Health Insurance card (not a Medicare card)
- School ID card
- For a name change on your card, you also need documentation that shows your old name and your new name. Your new card will show your new name but will have the same number as your old card. We cannot accept your old Social Security card as evidence of identity.
- For a new card, you will need to provide documents that show your age, citizenship or lawful alien status, and who you are; for example, a birth certificate and a school record.
- You will also need an in-person interview if you are age 12 or older and are applying for an original number.
For more information regarding SS benefits your spouse can learn in her native language at: http://www.ssa.gov/multilanguage/Russian/russian.htm
