March 2010 filers

[kittens_0117 5]

Did everyone else already have their social security number when they filed the AOS? We went ahead and wrote "Applied For" in that box. I plan to make a photocopy of the card and mail it with the AOS information off the NOA1 so they can add it to our file.

He got here less than 3 weeks ago. We applied on the 8th day he was here (2/26) and now it has been 12 days waiting for it. I guess social security cards normally take 2-4 weeks to arrive in the mail. I'm unsure.

What has been your experience with getting the social security card/number? Did anyone else also file AOS without it?

I got my SS card because of work, but as I remember they can give your number right away (in my case they printed out a form/receipt or whatever) - then you can just wait for the card in the mail. And yes, it usually arrives 2-4weeks. Hope this helps.

[Jewel-8 21]

I'm so glad that the paperwork is moving for so many of you. Our package was delivered at 6:36 this morning. So happy!!!!!!

Dave's Social Security card arrived yesterday. It took 13 days from applying and 3 weeks from POE if anyone was wondering.

We have had no success with opening a bank account online because he does not have a US driver's license or Central American mandate(?). We will have to open our much needed joint account at a branch tomorrow.

Getting a driver's license is going to be a problem in Utah January 1st they passed a law saying everyone had to appear in person and bring proof of citizenship. For non-citizen, they have to prove a lot of things AND they get a limited term license that has a status printed on that it not an acceptable form of ID. So it sounds like we have to wait for the EAD or the greencard and get a driver's license that is only valid for 2 years. Luckily his foreign driver's license will work just fine for now!

Paperwork, legal hassles, adjusting to Utah: Expensive.

Finally being together: Priceless.

These past three weeks have been the best of my life. YAY for the amazing honeymoon period!!

[Jewel-8 21]

I got my SS card because of work, but as I remember they can give your number right away (in my case they printed out a form/receipt or whatever) - then you can just wait for the card in the mail. And yes, it usually arrives 2-4weeks. Hope this helps.

Ohh good You have the medical and the social security number handled!! We stayed up late one night getting the applications taken care of. I freaked out when I couldn't find my 2009 W2, but it was hiding in our closet. Here's praying for no RFEs for any of us!!!

[kittens_0117 5]

I am aiming to be part of this forum in a couple of weeks. Just a signature away from concurrent filing for AOS, EAD, and AP... and waiting for a mail from our lawyer.

Since my husband and I are both working (he's the USC I'm on work visa), initially we thought of doing this filing by ourselves, but we decided to get a lawyer to do our stuff since we figured we're both very busy with our work and with all the craziness going on we can't be sure we have everything needed to present a strong case or file everything properly.

Which I am actually happy we did - a bunch of work projects came in and I am absolutely bonkers trying to squeeze in time to simply gather all requirements for the filing right now - hence the glacial timeline of mine.

So to those who are contemplating whether to get a lawyer or not, just weigh in your situation. If you can afford it and if it helps your scheduling (and paranoia), look for a good one who gives a reasonable price; but if you have all the time in the world to look up everything you need, and if you're pretty ####### about forms and stuff, then a lawyer won't be necessary.

Good luck to you all and I'm hoping to be part of this group in the next week or so!

[kittens_0117 5]

me too... yay - hopefully no other complications so we can submit next week!

Should be filing in two weeks max... yay MARCH FILERS lol

[Jewel-8 21]

So to those who are contemplating whether to get a lawyer or not, just weigh in your situation. If you can afford it and if it helps your scheduling (and paranoia), look for a good one who gives a reasonable price; but if you have all the time in the world to look up everything you need, and if you're pretty ####### about forms and stuff, then a lawyer won't be necessary.

I agree completely. There is no sense in us hiring a lawyer as I would be all over him/her every day and making them explain every little entry on each form. I fit the definion perfectly. If it gives you piece of mind then it's worth having a lawyer.

[kweenbee 0]

Got our emails and texts today too @ 12:53 p.m. central.

Got our confirmation emails today too! So glad that the wheels are starting to turn for us. I just want the Employment authorization so I can start working

[Frenchie09 0]

Hey guys! I just read the part about SSN...

My husband (the US citizen) does have a SSN since he works, but I don't. So we filed without one for me. I know it's ok to do so, but I was wondering: should we apply for a SSN now, while our application for AOS is pending (sent it last monday)?

Or should we wait for the work permit to be accepted?

Thanks a lot for your answers!

And good luck to us all!

[Jewel-8 21]

Hey guys! I just read the part about SSN...

My husband (the US citizen) does have a SSN since he works, but I don't. So we filed without one for me. I know it's ok to do so, but I was wondering: should we apply for a SSN now, while our application for AOS is pending (sent it last monday)?

Or should we wait for the work permit to be accepted?

Thanks a lot for your answers!

And good luck to us all!

K-1 visa holders are eligible for a social security card. I'm not sure about the student visa. It may be easier just to wait until you have the EAD or Greencard in hand.

[Frenchie09 0]

Yeah J-1 can ask for an SSN too apparently? But as you said, I would be afraid of some conflict or confusion if I get an SSN before my EAP is taken care of by USCIS.

The only reason why I need an SSN is for my husband to file his federal income taxes for 2009 properly. But we'll write the IRS to explain the situation instead.

Thanks for your advice.

Edited March 12, 2010 by Frenchie09

[DainandVicky 4]

Yeah J-1 can ask for an SSN too apparently? But as you said, I would be afraid of some conflict or confusion if I get an SSN before my EAP is taken care of by USCIS.

The only reason why I need an SSN is for my husband to file his federal income taxes for 2009 properly. But we'll write the IRS to explain the situation instead.

Thanks for your advice.

This is from the guides:

J-1

Exchange visitor (pursuant to an approved program) (See RM 00203.480) An exchange visitor whose DS-2019 shows the category as “international visitor” or “student” in item 4 of the form must provide a letter from the program sponsor as evidence of authority to work. Otherwise, presume the J-1 is authorized to work as part of the exchange program.

[roseTX 0]

oh my gosh, why until now i did not receive any confirmation at all,, we mailed ours last march 02, received in chicago lockbox march 04,, until now nothing,,, i get worried so already,,im already freaking out guys....

[Jewel-8 21]

oh my gosh, why until now i did not receive any confirmation at all,, we mailed ours last march 02, received in chicago lockbox march 04,, until now nothing,,, i get worried so already,,im already freaking out guys....

Maybe on Monday or Tuesday you will have a NOA1 in your mailbox!

[fabulous02 1]

Maybe on Monday or Tuesday you will have a NOA1 in your mailbox!

Yeah... Our AOS package was received on 1st March and I got all the NOA's in my mail yesterday. So you should get everything around Monday or Tuesday...

[roseTX 0]

Yeah... Our AOS package was received on 1st March and I got all the NOA's in my mail yesterday. So you should get everything around Monday or Tuesday...

i hope so guys because i am freaking worried already. thanks for the support.... i do appreciate it.