Hi,

How long after moving to the States will I be able to work? I work for Aon insurance, and their headquarters are in Chicago, so my boss has said that he could get me a job there once I am over there. As I can't drive at present and she lives in the suburbs, I am worried about what I am going to do with myself while I am waiting to be able to get a job, especially as she wants to wait until at least 2 months of living with each other before we get married.

Thanks

Andy

Depends on lots of factors, but its usually a couple of months at least. I'd definitely marry as soon as you hit US soil, send in your AOS papers (including the EAD for work authorization) and keep your fingers crossed for speed!!

After you get married, you apply for AOS. Part of your Adjustment of Status (AOS) is an application for work authorization called EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
You file your AOS and EAD together, this happens after you are married as you must have your marriage certificate among other things.
From there the gov't has up to 90 days to approve your EAD. After that timeframe you can go to your local immigration office and get a temporary work permit, until the real one comes through.
You should be prepared for at least 3 months wait after you file to receive your EAD, and that's if all goes smooth. So, 2 months before marriage and 3 after is 5 months assuming all goes smoothly.

Take a look at peoples' timelines. I got here end of Feb. and am still waiting for my EAD.
The sooner you get married, the sooner you can apply for your EAD.

It gets boring-but it's worth it to be married and finally with your spouse.

Good Luck!

Maybe take driver's training while you're waiting.

I wouldn't rush a wedding if it's not what you both want. Waiting a month or so will give you guys time together to settle down after all of this K1 stress and it will give you a chance to get comfortable with your new life. Waiting has it's disadvantages, but at least you won't be getting married just to get it over with so you can get on with your paperwork. I lived in the UK with my fiance for six months without working and we were both worried I'd get really bored, but you learn to fill the time and then you learn to miss it when it's gone. Oh the good ol' days of going to the gym and the shops when it was nice and quiet!

Joey

Andy D,

Interesting. Why, may I ask?

Yodrak

She wants to wait because we haven't lived together before. She has just got a management position and so she is under pressure at work so she wants us to settle in together before we tie the knot.

Am I able to learn to drive before I am married though?

http://www.uis.edu/internationalaffairs/workshop5.htm

Oops, sorry. Different states, different laws. Looks like you might need a social security card for the time being. I didn't read the whole thing, but looked like a good link if you want to investigate.

Joey

I am prepared to wait because she is worth it, however I am worried a bit about getting bored in a town with no public transport and being totally dependant on her for money. As I am currently clearing my student debt before I move, I can't see me having more than a £1000 to my name by the time I get out there.