If you recently received your fiancé visa, you might be wondering when you’re able to apply for your Social Security number.

There are actually two times when you can apply to receive your Social Security number as a K1 fiancé visa applicant. The first time is right after you enter the United States on your fiancé visa and the second time is part of the application process to receive your green card.

I want to focus specifically on how to apply for your Social Security number shortly after arriving in the United States on your fiancé visa. During COVID, the Social Security offices have been essentially closed and they recently reopened.

You can go to the Social Security office and you would want to take your passport, your visa, your I-94 card, and that stamp that’s in your passport as proof that you entered the United States as a fiancé visa applicant.

It depends on the Social Security office and where you live but I recommend calling first to see if you can make an appointment. Oftentimes, they don’t answer the phone so you might have to go in person with those documents. There are also forms that they will have you fill out.

Obtaining the Social Security number is not for you to be able to work. It’s really just so you can receive that Social Security number. Your Social Security number is your number for life and that Social Security number will allow you to be added to your spouse’s bank account once you’re married.

It would sometimes allow you to be able to receive health insurance or be added to your spouse’s health insurance in some states. It will help you to facilitate the process of receiving your driver’s license and the list goes on. But please understand it’s not for work.

There might be instances in which even if you go and try, there might be glitches in the system and you won’t be able to receive it but don’t fret. There’s a second way that you can receive that Social Security number and that’s part of the process for your green card application. There’s a box that you check on that application and you’ll receive a Social Security number with your work permit and later, with your green card.