Greetings. My wife received her K-3 visa last week (yay) after a year of waiting and paperwork and we are excited. Upon arrival in the US the consulate said we will hand over the sealed packet to immigration then she will have to go to a seperate room for more prints and pictures, then we would get our original forms back. The consulate also mentioned we would get the Social security number forms at that time. I have not been able to consult with our attorney yet but I know there are knowledgable folks here, who have answered our questions in the past so I will throw these out there:
What exactly happens at immigration in this case?
Since we are travelling together will I/can I go back with my wife?
Do we do the social security forms at that time? I had clicked for a number when iturned in the forms.

Since I didn't know how long all this would take I didn't want to chance a connection so we are flying straight into Houston-IAH.

thanks
AJ

shameless bump, anyone know how the entry works. I have read the posts under the search for Houston airport but most are older or vague.
thanks,
AJ

Hi Longhorn, First I want to give you a big WOO HOO on getting the visa. The consul spoke correctly about what happens when you land. Some times they will let you accompany your wife for the packet check and fingerprints. It depends on the mood of the VO. By immigration, if you mean USCIS they won't be doing anything until you submit the AOS and EAD. Also, your wife cannot get a ss# until her EAD is approved. That's a difference between the K3 and the K1

Is the adjustment of status the I-130? My lawyer already put that in the last july, the same time as the 129F.

Thanks for the other info, that is good to know.

the K-3 was easy once we got to the consulate they didn't even ask a single question just gave us the visa!

thanks again,
AJ

Congratulations on the visa! Your wife has to apply for a work permit (EAD). Complete Form I-765. See link.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765instr.pdf

The fee is $340. Once she receives it, she will be eligible to apply for a social security card.

Thanks!
Once my wife and I head back to the states my lawyer is going to send that in. I would like the SSN before OCT 15 so I can get my taxes done jointly and a tax id number is not a good option in this case.

It seemed odd at the consulate because they said the SSN would be done at airport immigration, and here on visa journey (and through talking with my lawyer a while ago) it notes you file for the SSN after the fact. I am told the green card will take 4 months or so after arrival.

It seems there is so much "it depends" in all these cases, relating to where one files and what office is handling things it is hard to keep it.

AJ

Save your money. You do not need a lawyer to file for a work permit nor green card. Try using the guides posted on VJ. The forms are easy to complete. If you get stuck, ask questions. Your wife will receive a SSN shortly after received the EAD also known as work permit.

I must respectfully (and I mean that) disagree. I love this forum and all the info, but in working for the government and dealing with both State and Immigration folks over the years, I can say the lawyer is well worth it to me.
At Naples for example I watched, curiously, as every B-2 and J-1 filer with a lawyer was approved, and every one without was not. granted this was just one day and one liaison meeting with me but I have seen other similar situations stateside and in europe.

Thanks for the other info on the timelines and SSN!

Ciao,
AJ

Don't waste money filing the EAD, Go ahead and file the I-485 to adjust status and you get the EAD thrown in for free. If things go good she'll get her GC almost as soon as the EAD.