On arrival, what is the next step?

[Danno 1,228]

I have been taking this whole visa process, step by step. (My mind can only absorb so-fast.)

Natalia will be arriving on the 24th (Jan).

Can I get any input about what my next step or two should be?

I have heard some advise about getting something as soon as she arrives incase she should want to work.

What about SSN?

After the wedding, do we go to our local immigration office?

[Chris Parker 10]

I have been taking this whole visa process, step by step. (My mind can only absorb so-fast.)

Natalia will be arriving on the 24th (Jan).

Can I get any input about what my next step or two should be?

I have heard some advise about getting something as soon as she arrives incase she should want to work.

What about SSN?

After the wedding, do we go to our local immigration office?

10-14 days after U.S. entry you go to the social security office with the passport with I-94 showing valid K-1 status to apply for a social security number. 10-14 days is generally needed for the I-94 to be entered into SAVE and verify against SSA inquiries. Employment authorization will expire with K-1 status, 90 days after entry, so the legal ability to actually work while in that status is rather limited.

However, having an SSN is generally helpful when applying for a marriage license and joint bank account and joint credit, etc.

After you are married you can file by mail for adjustment of status and for a more formal employment authorization document which will allow her to work more permanently.

Edited January 16, 2008 by Chris Parker

[Satellite 1]

Natalia will be arriving on the 24th (Jan).

Can I get any input about what my next step or two should be?

When I ever I see this question I can't help but break out laughing. Especially if the question concerns someone who went through an agency. Because now the lady arrives and the agency is out of the picture and the USC is wondering, what should I do now??? Should I recommend a video?

[Chuckles 0]

Find a civil surgeon in your area who will not charge you for another pshyical, that you do not need. Find one that will look at your papers, sign them, and seal them in an envelope (assuming she needs no more shots).

If he is charging you more then say 30 bucks, find another.

You need an EAD for her to work. You have to apply for it, and it takes time. Really, check the example forms and guides here on this site. They are very helpful and all you really need.

[slim 1,514]

I was lost after the interview was done and the visa was issued and I didn't go through an agency. I was just under the impression that we were done. I knew there was something to do in order to get the green card but I wasn't sure of what.

A video would be good though!

Most of it's been covered above. Basically, after you get married you'll need to apply for AOS (which will result in her getting a green card) and you can file for EAD AP also. Honestly, I'd advise against both of those as they're really just a waste of money unless she plans on working pretty quickly or going back overseas.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Getting a SSN number is certainly a good piece of advice just after she arrives, but if you can, wait on the work authorization. First, she is going to need a minimum of two weeks to adjust her body to the new time zone. Give her time to relax and get settled. Spend that time getting re-acquainted. Remember, she is in a whole new environment and it is natural for her to feel uncomfortable. Your job right now is to make her feel at home.

As far as planning a wedding, that depends upon your plans. A civil service through your county can be arranged very quickly and inexpensively if time becomes a problem. You can always have a big ceremonial wedding at a later date since planning a wedding in under 90 days can be difficult.

The longer you can stretch out the time the easier it will be for both of you to adjust to your new lives. However, don't miss the 90 day deadline for marriage. After your marriage you will be preparing for adjustment of status (AOS). This is a little expensive but necessary for her obtaining a green card. In my case, filing for work authorization and advance parole was a waste of time and money. My wife got both about three weeks before her green card. If you can afford to let her be a housewife for a time, then do it.

If you know where there are stores carrying Russian goods, then plan a trip to them after she has been here a while. Let her get accustom to our stores and goods first. I'll tell you that if you take her to a Russian store after about a month of only English spoken stores, you will see such a joy in her face. It is likely that she will relax so much and be very grateful that you thought of taking her there. Embrace her culture while you teach her about ours.

Most of all, show love, care, devotion and kindness. You will be rewarded more than you can believe.

[Chris Parker 10]

Basically, after you get married you'll need to apply for AOS (which will result in her getting a green card) and you can file for EAD AP also. Honestly, I'd advise against both of those as they're really just a waste of money unless she plans on working pretty quickly or going back overseas.

Bad advice, especially since they are now included free of charge in the very high I-485 filing fee.

[Chris Parker 10]

Find a civil surgeon in your area who will not charge you for another pshyical, that you do not need. Find one that will look at your papers, sign them, and seal them in an envelope (assuming she needs no more shots).

In case you didn't get the memo (and USCIS likes to keep it quiet, so many probably don't know it), K-1's are not required to have another medical exam done if their consular medical examination occurred less than 1 year prior the date of filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.

[KGSodie 0]

I've also read two schools of thought on the SSN. Some say, get it right away. Others say, if the bride is taking the USC's last name, wait until after the wedding so you don't have to change the new SSN card. I'm curious to hear more discussion on this... (local marriage laws here where I am say a passport is good for ID, so no SSN required for that)

[Chris Parker 10]

I've also read two schools of thought on the SSN. Some say, get it right away. Others say, if the bride is taking the USC's last name, wait until after the wedding so you don't have to change the new SSN card. I'm curious to hear more discussion on this... (local marriage laws here where I am say a passport is good for ID, so no SSN required for that)

Marriage has absolutely nothing to do with eligibility to apply for the SSN.

True, you will have to go back to SSA to change the name on the SSN card after married, but you might want to wait on doing that until you know what name USCIS chooses to put on the EAD and, later, the permanent resident card before you do that. SSN name match verification is becoming a big deal these days. Once you change it, you cannot change it back.

True, most states will issue a marriage license without an SSN, but most require you to give it on the application if you have one to become part of the marriage record and for indexing purposes (and for child support enforcement purposes, etc.).

If you don't apply for the SSN early, you may be forced to live without it several months when you want to have it.

My advice, take every benefit available to you as soon as you are eligible. That is usually in your best interest, isn't it? Unless you like to have the government give you (or more particularly, your wife) a hard time for neglecting to do basic things.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Chris Parker

[Chuckles 0]

Find a civil surgeon in your area who will not charge you for another pshyical, that you do not need. Find one that will look at your papers, sign them, and seal them in an envelope (assuming she needs no more shots).

In case you didn't get the memo (and USCIS likes to keep it quiet, so many probably don't know it), K-1's are not required to have another medical exam done if their consular medical examination occurred less than 1 year prior the date of filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.

*I did get the memo, in fact, that is excatly as I said. "find a civil surgeon who will not charge you for another physical you do not need" ... hence, most civil surgeons are the ones who didn't get the memo, or, they ignore it and tryy to a$$ rape gulible people into paying 300 bucks for something they do not need. That is the reason I gave the advice. I thought it was good advice, but that is subjective.

I've also read two schools of thought on the SSN. Some say, get it right away. Others say, if the bride is taking the USC's last name, wait until after the wedding so you don't have to change the new SSN card. I'm curious to hear more discussion on this... (local marriage laws here where I am say a passport is good for ID, so no SSN required for that)

Marriage has absolutely nothing to do with eligibility to apply for the SSN.

True, you will have to go back to SSA to change the name on the SSN card after married, but you might want to wait on doing that until you know what name USCIS chooses to put on the EAD and, later, the permanent resident card before you do that. SSN name match verification is becoming a big deal these days. Once you change it, you cannot change it back.

True, most states will issue a marriage license without an SSN, but most require you to give it on the application if you have one to become part of the marriage record and for indexing purposes (and for child support enforcement purposes, etc.).

If you don't apply for the SSN early, you may be forced to live without it several months when you want to have it.

My advice, take every benefit available to you as soon as you are eligible. That is usually in your best interest, isn't it? Unless you like to have the government give you (or more particularly, your wife) a hard time for neglecting to do basic things.

It depends what state you live in. ** Oh nm, I see you contridicted yourself here. You do see that it does have something to do with getting married depending on the state you live in.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Chuckles

[Danno 1,228]

Natalia will be arriving on the 24th (Jan).

Can I get any input about what my next step or two should be?

When I ever I see this question I can't help but break out laughing. Especially if the question concerns someone who went through an agency. Because now the lady arrives and the agency is out of the picture and the USC is wondering, what should I do now??? Should I recommend a video?

Well aren't you Mister smart-Azz today... but I will let it slide because I'm in a good mood.

PS: I'm to tight to use an agency

Edited January 17, 2008 by Danno

[JVKn'CVO 11]

*Apply for SSN 2 weeks after her arrival

*Get married!

*Apply for AOS, EAD & AP asap after marriage

The K1 flowchart takes you all the way to naturalization, and the AOS guide will tell you step by step how to apply for AOS (remember to look up the "example forms". follow it, and you'll be fine

Good Luck and enjoy your wedding and new life together!

Saludos,

Caro

[KGSodie 0]

Thanks for the input, all. It was always my intention to apply for the SSN 2 weeks after Natasha's arrival, I just wanted to read any relevant discussion on the topic. Thanks again!

[Chris Parker 10]

Find a civil surgeon in your area who will not charge you for another pshyical, that you do not need. Find one that will look at your papers, sign them, and seal them in an envelope (assuming she needs no more shots).

In case you didn't get the memo (and USCIS likes to keep it quiet, so many probably don't know it), K-1's are not required to have another medical exam done if their consular medical examination occurred less than 1 year prior the date of filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.

*I did get the memo, in fact, that is excatly as I said. "find a civil surgeon who will not charge you for another physical you do not need" ... hence, most civil surgeons are the ones who didn't get the memo, or, they ignore it and tryy to a$$ rape gulible people into paying 300 bucks for something they do not need. That is the reason I gave the advice. I thought it was good advice, but that is subjective.

My point is the civil surgeon is not responsible for determining if you need another medical exam or not. If you go to him for an exam, he should give you a new exam, even if you actually don't need it. Maybe it has been more than 1 year since your consular medical exam, how would he know? (he is not responsible for determining if you need another exam)

USCIS will look at the new exam too if you give it to them at the interview.