After all this - what happens when I get there!

[jim&nay 1]

SO after becoming obsessed with a number of acroymns like NOA DOS and the likes, I have an interview date. Thank the Lord!

So What happens after POE? I feel the K1 visa flow charts don’t give you enough information about what happens when you enter the country.

I am assuming, after reading numerous sources, that in my specific situation, it will happen like this:

1. POE

2. Rush off to fill in SSN

3. Get married (we having a quickie in city hall)

4. go back to change my name in SSN

5. (in the mean time change my name on my British passport?? Can I get forms and do it easy from British consulate NYC? I won’t need it to travel for at least 6 months so time not and issue, but should I keep hold on it as I will need it for the following processes?)

6. Once I get a SSN I can be legally employed????? Employers will consider my CV/Resume in applications?

7. Start to adjustment of status process, which includes a lot of forms (again!)

8. adjustment of status turns me into a permanent resident and I get a permanent resident card? What time scale is this?

9. At what point can I take my driving test? how long does my UK drivers license "last", or can be used for?

I know all you lot who have done this know it like the back of your hand!!!! Spell it out for me please! 

[canadian_wife 1,791]

SSN is not a work authorization document. You need your SSN and your employment authorization document. You will apply for this when you apply for your adjustment of status AFTER you are married. Until then you cannot work

Driving tests are based on the state you will be going to and their requirements for immigrants

Good luck

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You should wait 2 weeks to get our SSN, to give the computer a chance to update with your POE information.

A SSN by itself does not allow you to work, you need an EAD to work. Apply for an EAD with your AOS paperwork.

AOS takes 3-5 months.

Driver's License is a state matter, so every state is different. Most can't get a DL until they have their GC.

There is a whole AOS forum further down that will answer even more questions!

[ameribrit 37]

If AOS is approved without interview, like mine, it can take less than 2 months.

[Manda_Uk 2]

Don't quote me on this but I think probably the easiest way to do SSN is to go straight after your married as it takes 2-3 weeks for you to show in the system and then you don't have to worry about going to the office twice and changing your name you can just go and register your married name straight away. I remember reading on here a few people had issues when they went to change their name at the SSN office, just make sure you bring all your documents like ID, passport with visa and marriage certificate with you when you go.

With regards to working I'm sure there is nothing stopping you looking for work and getting a job lined up its just you can't work until you get the EAD document which takes around 90 days from filing AOS. Make sure you file the I-765 document along with all your other AOS documents as its free when you file with AOS. Good luck with your interview!

[A&F 0]

My now husband got his SSN before the wedding. He is currently getting ready to apply for his driver's license but he has been driving since he got here with his UK license with no problems.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

SO after becoming obsessed with a number of acroymns like NOA DOS and the likes, I have an interview date. Thank the Lord!

So What happens after POE? I feel the K1 visa flow charts dont give you enough information about what happens when you enter the country.

I am assuming, after reading numerous sources, that in my specific situation, it will happen like this:

My suggestions---

1. POE

2. Rush off to fill in SSN Wait 10-14 days

*Find out requirements for a marriage license in the state where you will marry.

3. Get married (we having a quickie in city hall) Get certified copy of your marriage certificate.

4. go back to change my name in SSN Just wait for your EAD or greencard, then fix name and get the statement removed from your card at the same time.

5. (in the mean time change my name on my British passport?? Can I get forms and do it easy from British consulate NYC? I wont need it to travel for at least 6 months so time not and issue, but should I keep hold on it as I will need it for the following processes?) Keep it until it expires. Travel with marriage certificate to show why passpoert and greencard have different names. Expensive to get from Washington DC British Embassy so save the money for now.

6. Once I get a SSN I can be legally employed????? Employers will consider my CV/Resume in applications? No work until EAD or GC in hand

7. Start to adjustment of status process, which includes a lot of forms (again!) My list if you like a general idea of what's involved. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FIsgnb7Tfj7tcRNnqRMKUOXQdEfR6HTUDY2vX6zKqqU/edit?hl=en&authkey=CNXN_oQH

8. adjustment of status turns me into a permanent resident and I get a permanent resident card? What time scale is this?

9. At what point can I take my driving test? how long does my UK drivers license "last", or can be used for? Varies by state. Some it's not until greencard. Others the NOA for AOS will do. Driving on UK license as a "visitor" for one year or until GC is generally acceptable in all states. No way to answer without knowing your state.

I know all you lot who have done this know it like the back of your hand!!!! Spell it out for me please!

Edited August 22, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

I know you're worried about all the stuff you "HAVE" to do, but don't forget to take time to enjoy finally being with your loved one. You're getting married!!! Quickie or not....ENJOY yourself. Worry about everything else afterwards!!!

[rica30 0]

I know you're worried about all the stuff you "HAVE" to do, but don't forget to take time to enjoy finally being with your loved one. You're getting married!!! Quickie or not....ENJOY yourself. Worry about everything else afterwards!!!

Agree! *thumbs up* Sorry I don't know how to add an emoticon. hehe! =)

[hab01fan 0]

SO after becoming obsessed with a number of acroymns like NOA DOS and the likes, I have an interview date. Thank the Lord!

So What happens after POE? I feel the K1 visa flow charts don’t give you enough information about what happens when you enter the country.

I am assuming, after reading numerous sources, that in my specific situation, it will happen like this:

1. POE

2. Rush off to fill in SSN

3. Get married (we having a quickie in city hall)

4. go back to change my name in SSN

5. (in the mean time change my name on my British passport?? Can I get forms and do it easy from British consulate NYC? I won’t need it to travel for at least 6 months so time not and issue, but should I keep hold on it as I will need it for the following processes?)

6. Once I get a SSN I can be legally employed????? Employers will consider my CV/Resume in applications?

7. Start to adjustment of status process, which includes a lot of forms (again!)

8. adjustment of status turns me into a permanent resident and I get a permanent resident card? What time scale is this?

9. At what point can I take my driving test? how long does my UK drivers license "last", or can be used for?

I know all you lot who have done this know it like the back of your hand!!!! Spell it out for me please! 

Adjustment of status will make you a conditional resident. You then must submit an I-751, Petition to remove Conditions on residency 90 days prior to the 2 yr anniversary of your AOS. Include as much documentation to prove you are in a valid marriage. Docs must show both names as in joint accounts, life insurance policies, wills, etc. A child born during the marriage is a golden ticket.

[Harsh_77 716]

Post #7 is the best reponse.

[bigdog 376]

SO after becoming obsessed with a number of acroymns like NOA DOS and the likes, I have an interview date. Thank the Lord!

So What happens after POE? I feel the K1 visa flow charts don't give you enough information about what happens when you enter the country.

I am assuming, after reading numerous sources, that in my specific situation, it will happen like this:

1. POE

2. Rush off to fill in SSN

3. Get married (we having a quickie in city hall)

4. go back to change my name in SSN

5. (in the mean time change my name on my British passport?? Can I get forms and do it easy from British consulate NYC? I won't need it to travel for at least 6 months so time not and issue, but should I keep hold on it as I will need it for the following processes?)

6. Once I get a SSN I can be legally employed????? Employers will consider my CV/Resume in applications?

7. Start to adjustment of status process, which includes a lot of forms (again!)

8. adjustment of status turns me into a permanent resident and I get a permanent resident card? What time scale is this?

9. At what point can I take my driving test? how long does my UK drivers license "last", or can be used for?

I know all you lot who have done this know it like the back of your hand!!!! Spell it out for me please! 

[bigdog 376]

Best to wait 2 weeks for SSS application, can complete for on line. You need to make wedding plans get certificates, fill out paperwork for i485, it will take time. Then more waiting. You can get Drivers License but it will expire when I 94 expires, then renew for 1 year while i485 is processed. Hope that helps see vj guides.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

You can get Drivers License but it will expire when I 94 expires, then renew for 1 year while i485 is processed.

BigDog, that is not true in every state. Many states won't give a license with less than 6 months remaining on the I-94. Since a K1 only gets 90 days, there's no way to get a licence using the I-94 in states that require 6 months+.

[Brit Abroad 166]

Nich-Nick gave you the information, but forgot to mention that when you book a flight, it needs to be in the same name as your passport. The reason you carry a marriage certificate with you is to connect the green card (in your married name) to the passport in your maiden name, which will allow you to check in for the return to US flight. Provided you tuck a certified copy of your marriage certificate into the back of your passport, it'll do until it expires. The only drawback with doing this is that you normally end up having to check in at a desk, or you will need a supervisor to assist you on the check in machines as the names on your passport and green card don't match.

As previously mentioned, it is MUCH cheaper to name change your passport back in the UK.

Driving licence requirements change with each state. Normally you can drive on a UK licence until you are issued with an EAD or green card. Once you have either of those, the driver centers will normally allow you to apply for a permit and take the written test.

Edited August 23, 2011 by Brit Abroad