How long until I can work in the US

[plinkabob 7]

Hey guys!

My fiancé and I have recently started our very own visa journey. Right now we are at the NOA2 check point for the K1 visa, just waiting for the NVC (I believe?). I have looked at statistics and have gathered that the average time from now until interview is roughly 3 months.

My question is this... If I were to apply for AOS as soon as we tie the knot, how long will it be before I can legally work. Can I do that with a green card or do I have to apply for other things before that can happen? I work as a free lance merch seller, touring with bands and such, so would really love to know so I can have a vague idea of when I can get back on the road again. Obviously nothing is guaranteed to take a set amount of time but I am a little confused with all these other things I need to apply for after the K1.

Sorry if this has popped up a million times but I have searched the forums and can't quite make sense of it all. Any help would be appreciated, even if just a link to the exact same topic that has already been answered.

Thanks in advance!

[Tracey&Greg 33]

Hi there,

After you tie the knot you'll apply for the AOS and the EAD(Employment Authorization Card). The EAD usually comes within 90 days or less which allows you to work while waiting for your AOS. So you were almost right with answering your own question

I know it bites waiting to work esp with a fast pace industry like music but time flies when your with your special one

Feel free to ask any questions if you have any along the way.

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K1 Process to Working & Traveling During US Immigration Forum~

~Inquiry about EAD, similar topics are often discussed at this forum~

[plinkabob 7]

Oh, that's not so bad then!

Thank you so much!!

[christeen 966]

Correct About 90 days... File for AP/EAD

[Tracey&Greg 33]

Oh, that's not so bad then!

Thank you so much!!

No problemo

[sma1488 155]

Also keep in mind that while you can't work until you receive your EAD, you CAN do employment-related networking with people, look for business opportunities, line up gigs, etc. You just can't work or get paid for your services until you're authorized for employment in the US.

[LittleHobo 0]

Hi there,

After you tie the knot you'll apply for the AOS and the EAD(Employment Authorization Card). The EAD usually comes within 90 days or less which allows you to work while waiting for your AOS. So you were almost right with answering your own question

I know it bites waiting to work esp with a fast pace industry like music but time flies when your with your special one

Feel free to ask any questions if you have any along the way.

I was under the impression that the EAD was only good until the Visa expires (which is within 90 days of entering the country, anyway). Am I off base?

[TBoneTX 43,043]

Your impression comes from a system of operation that's no longer in effect.

The procedure now: Enter on K-1, marry, apply for AOS/AP/EAD, and wait a typical 90 days for the AP/EAD card, which you'll use until the green card arrives.

Edited July 7, 2015 by TBoneTX

[Darnell 8,478]

I was under the impression that the EAD was only good until the Visa expires (which is within 90 days of entering the country, anyway). Am I off base?

yes. (you are off base)

for a K-1 visa holder, the visa expires on entry, as it's 1 time, single use entry visa.

authorized stay is then governed by dates in the I-94 document.

For an adjustment of status, you are allowed to file and chase after an EAD card, which is mondo useful to have. it can be issued anywhere from 60 to 90 days after filing the AOS, and when filed with the AOS set, the fee for EAD is waived. EAD card expires a year after issued date (which has nothing to do with the visa expiration date).

To hold an EAD without filing for AOS, the EAD card would expire when the I-94 expires, and that really doesn't help anyone,

as

The I-94 usually expires on day 90, and if you filed for an EAD alone, paying the fee, you might receive the EAD around day 84 .