Guide or Checkist: Once in the US

[Asante Maroon 0]

Hey Guys,

Would any of you know about a good comprehensive guide or to do list of things that need to be done once your fiance enters the US on a fiance visa?

I am looking for a list that covers social security card application to adjustment of status and beyond. I want to be prepared ahead of time for how many forms we may need to fill, how much it all costs, and what I can do from now to prepare to make things easier for me and my SO.

I have been looking but have not found anything that has everything I need.

Thanks guys.

[taurean 0]

I am not sure if there is one comprehensive guide for how to proceed after K1 arrival. Perhaps this would be a good addition to the guides section on VJ. How to proceed will have a lot to do with where you live. For example, getting driver's license is different in each jursidiction. You may need a SSN first, or you might actually need the GC before getting the DL. Based on what I learned here on VJ, I knew the first order of business was to get a SSN. However, that took about 4 weeks and three trips to two different SS offices. Next, we tried to get some sort of state-issued ID (i.e., driver's license or photo ID card), but that was a fiasco. And for the record M still doesn't have state-issued ID, although we hope to remedy that in the next month. Once we got married we then filed for the AOS. So if you ask me, the most important things are the SSN, DL or Photo ID card (if you can get it), and then file for the AOS after you get married. You might also want to open a bank account together, and possibly add your FI or husband to your lease or other bills just to get a jump on providing evidence for the AOS.

And of course if you have questions you can always post here!

[JJWashington 0]

Yes, I would say the SSN, DL, and AOS after marriage. Then when you file the AOS, start migrating financial docs and utilities etc into both names.

[Asante Maroon 0]

I am not sure if there is one comprehensive guide for how to proceed after K1 arrival. Perhaps this would be a good addition to the guides section on VJ. How to proceed will have a lot to do with where you live. For example, getting driver's license is different in each jursidiction. You may need a SSN first, or you might actually need the GC before getting the DL. Based on what I learned here on VJ, I knew the first order of business was to get a SSN. However, that took about 4 weeks and three trips to two different SS offices. Next, we tried to get some sort of state-issued ID (i.e., driver's license or photo ID card), but that was a fiasco. And for the record M still doesn't have state-issued ID, although we hope to remedy that in the next month. Once we got married we then filed for the AOS. So if you ask me, the most important things are the SSN, DL or Photo ID card (if you can get it), and then file for the AOS after you get married. You might also want to open a bank account together, and possibly add your FI or husband to your lease or other bills just to get a jump on providing evidence for the AOS.

And of course if you have questions you can always post here!

Thank you! You mentioned things that I did not even think about. I am going to inquire about the process and the fees (where applicable), so that I know how much I can expect to pay. I hate surprises...especially when its going to cost me

Yes, I would say the SSN, DL, and AOS after marriage. Then when you file the AOS, start migrating financial docs and utilities etc into both names.

Thank you!!!