The boyfriend and I are confused.

From what I've read, assuming we were to be approved on the K-1, he would be unable to work until we married, completed additional paperwork, and he receives a social security number.

From what he's read, when he crosses with the K-1, he can get a temporary work permit, and go to work. I had read that, too, but as I understood it, it was a temporary permit that lasted only while he was on the K-1 (technically, from when he enters the country until we get married), so not exactly useful.

Any thoughts?

THe way you read it is correct... you should assume that your fiancee will not be able to work for at least 4 to 6 months...

He's probably read about the temporary EAD that is very occasionally issued at the point of entry. It is, as you noted, only valid until the date stamped on the I94.

A full EAD can (optionally) be applied for at the same time as adjustment of status.

Awesome, thanks for the info. We've been assuming six months without work, and we know we can swing it financially. It's mostly just keeping him from feeling idle and like a poor provider (cause, you know, we liberated American women need that, or something. ) or from becoming completely addicted to PlayStation.

This is complicated by the fact that his company may be starting operations in the U.S. in the coming year, and while it's nowhere near where *I* am in the U.S., it would be possible for him to a) have employment status that would allow him to work in the U.S., due to his job while entering on the K-1 which would allow him to get married but not work.

*pounds head on the wall*

Thanks!