So I was reading somewhere, can't remember where, that us Canadian K3s should file EAD separate from AOS because we would get it faster (and be able to apply for EI) and it would last longer than if we filed with AOS? Is that correct? I know that Cdancer mailed off her EAD only immediately.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong:

- enter U.S. on K3
- file EAD separately
- file AOS separately

Where in that mix do we file for a SSN in that? I have checked off on one of my forms (DS-230 I think that yes I will be applying for a SSN).

Thanks!

You can't apply for a SSN until you get an EAD as a K3...

But yes... An EAD filed based on a K3 will last as long as the K3 status is valid (2 years)... An EAD filed with AOS will only last for a year.

Ah okay thanks zyggy!

So the timeline would go:

- enter U.S. on K3
- file EAD separately
- file AOS separately
- file SSN after receiving EAD
- file EI after receiving EAD

Thanks!

With sending the AOS complete you will probably get your EAD and AP in just a few weeks. That's what it was for me. Send out the docs and a few weeks later got the EAD. Not sure how much quicker it could have been...

Your order of things looks right Misa

It does make sense to apply for the EAD separately first because if AOS takes a long time for some reason, it will be nice not to have to re-apply after a year.

Thanks guys! I'll make sure I have the EAD and AOS paperwork ready (to send separately) upon arrival!

This is great to know. I'm writing this down. What is EI?

and just as an FYI for anyone reading this thread....this has nothing to do with you being a Canadian....this applies to all K3 visa holders.

EI is Employment Insurance (formerly known as UNemployment Insurance).

Yes and no. The EI component is for Canadian Employment Insurance which we can apply for after being approved for an EAD.

I don't get it. If you get the EAD and are legal to work in the US, why file for unemployment insurance in Canada?

It's if we don't get a job right away and most people will not.

K1s, K3s and CR-1s are allowed to apply for it EI based on "relocation due to marriage" (a valid reason to quit your job). But you can only get it if you're eligible for it -- able to work, that's where the EAD comes in and if you put in enough hours, etc. with your previous job you just quit.

Makes sense now. Thanks Misa!

If you were working in Canada, you were paying for your EI benefits out of every check... you would not be eligible for unemployment in the U.S. because you won't have fulfilled the requirements there.

Hi Misa

I had talked to EI myself and they suggested the day you leave your job and have your separtation slip, it is
recommended you go to EI or EI online and register yourself first. Once you have your EAD document you
send to EI so they see you are "available for work" (snicker snicker wink wink) once a certain waiting
period goes by EI will forward your benefits into your Canadain Bank account.
then you have the option of pulling out the funds locally via your bank card from cash machine!
its a Beautiful thing!

Oh, thank you for the info!

I filed mine together. It will still take about 90 days.