My fiance entered the US last month on a k-1 visa. We have already applied for a social security card and should receive that this week. However Im confused about the EAD and the AOS. I believe the AOS is the application for the residence card and the EAD is simple permission to work. But if we apply for the conditional residence card and receive it wouldn't it be pointless and a waste of money to also apply for the EAD??? Please help..

dieseldan,

It would only be pointless if you do not need your wife's income to supplement yours. It can sometimes take one up to a year (or more in unfortuante cases) to receive the conditional 2yr GC. If this length of unemployment is acceptable for both you and your wife's lifestyle, then there is no need to apply for EAD when you submit her AOS paperwork.

This is a personal decision for each couple to make based on their finances/lifestyle. Also, something to take into consideration is the social interaction employment, even part-time, provides for the newly immigrated. Discuss with your wife how she may feel if she does not work and remains in the house during the day. There are many factors to consider.

One other consideration - many states require proof of legal immigration status in the US before they will allow a Driver's License. If your wife wishes to drive she may need to have either an EAD or her green card before your state will authorize her a license. Since it varies from State to State you may wish to investigate that further for your particular home state. EADs are supposed to be granted in about 90 days; the AOS can take from several month to several years. Ours took 3 weeks short of 2 years; without my driver's license and EAD I would have been bored to tears!