Work upon entering through k1 visa

[EnglishMuffin 0]

Hi All,

Tomorrow I have my medical in London, so I'm pretty sure I am close to my interview at the embassy, fingers crossed.

I am now starting to think about work upon entering the United States.

I understand that the K1 visa holder is issued with a temporary work visa, and can file for a SS number upon landing in the US.

My fiancé would like to finish school, and I am a graduate of Film Production. She is happy to move anywhere in the US, be in Chicago, NY or LA, for me to get a good job and for her to go back to school. I am going to be looking for a job in the film industry, preferably one with good health benefits (wish me luck).

I suppose my question is, has anyone experienced this ? Wanting to find work upon landing, or even before? I am going to start searching for jobs, and try to land interviews before departing. Has anyone had much success?

Thanks

Chris

[Peter_Pan 661]

You can't work for some months after the wedding, you are somwhat mistaken (when you enter on K1 you can apply for a temporary work permit but that takes about 2 months to get and it is only good for one more month, so that is a waste of money and time).

Edited April 4, 2012 by Peter_Pan

[Tygrys 143]

Hi All,

Tomorrow I have my medical in London, so I'm pretty sure I am close to my interview at the embassy, fingers crossed.

I am now starting to think about work upon entering the United States.

I understand that the K1 visa holder is issued with a temporary work visa, and can file for a SS number upon landing in the US.

My fiancé would like to finish school, and I am a graduate of Film Production. She is happy to move anywhere in the US, be in Chicago, NY or LA, for me to get a good job and for her to go back to school. I am going to be looking for a job in the film industry, preferably one with good health benefits (wish me luck).

I suppose my question is, has anyone experienced this ? Wanting to find work upon landing, or even before? I am going to start searching for jobs, and try to land interviews before departing. Has anyone had much success?

Thanks

Chris

No. K1 does not authorize work. You won't be legally able to work until you apply for and get EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

You can appply for SSN right away, but you will receive it with a large print stating that the work is authorized only with EAD.

[paojack 41]

You are not allowed to work until you get your EAD or GC, whatever comes first.

[EnglishMuffin 0]

No. K1 does not authorize work. You won't be legally able to work until you apply for and get EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

You can appply for SSN right away, but you will receive it with a large print stating that the work is authorized only with EAD.

How does one get the EAD? Is this something processed with an employer? What is the time frame ?

[LeftCoastLady 441]

How does one get the EAD? Is this something processed with an employer? What is the time frame ?

Please read up on the Adjustment of Status process: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

Once you're in the US and married, you'll need to file additional documents to get a Social Security card, an Employment Authorization Document, and a green card.

[Tygrys 143]

How does one get the EAD? Is this something processed with an employer? What is the time frame ?

You will have to marry first and then apply for Adjustment of Status (to permananet resident). At the same time you can apply for EAD.

EAD usually takes a couple of months to be approved. Please read guides for AOS.

[Inky 1,110]

How does one get the EAD? Is this something processed with an employer? What is the time frame ?

You apply for it after your married it costs $1070 to file AOS EAD and AP. Please read the guides.

[baron555 934]

Hi All,

Tomorrow I have my medical in London, so I'm pretty sure I am close to my interview at the embassy, fingers crossed.

I am now starting to think about work upon entering the United States.

I understand that the K1 visa holder is issued with a temporary work visa,

No they are not. This is not true. They can not legally work until they file for AOS and receive either the EAD or GC.

and can file for a SS number upon landing in the US.

One can do this with just the I-94; so yes this is how it is done.

My fiancé would like to finish school, and I am a graduate of Film Production. She is happy to move anywhere in the US, be in Chicago, NY or LA, for me to get a good job and for her to go back to school. I am going to be looking for a job in the film industry, preferably one with good health benefits (wish me luck).

I suppose my question is, has anyone experienced this ? Wanting to find work upon landing, or even before? I am going to start searching for jobs, and try to land interviews before departing. Has anyone had much success?

Thanks

Chris

You can not legally work until you have the EAD or GC in hand.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

You can apply for EAD the day you land in the US. The big problem is that it will take time to get approved and it will expire 90 days after you arrive in the US (exact same day as your I-94).

While nobody can predict processing times what do you think are the chances of getting the EAD and securing a job within 90 days? Even if you get the EAD in 6 weeks (which would be quite a feat) any prospective employer will see from the EAD that you are only authorized to work for maximum of 6 weeks. Do you think that improves your change of getting hired?

If you wanted to start working ASAP upon landing in the US then you should have already got married and enter the US on an IR/CR Visa.

[photomile 101]

Just to be clear, once you enter the USA you must marry within 90 days, after which you must file for adjustment of status. With this application you will be able to apply for EAD (Green card) and AP (Advanced Parole). These are taking around three months to come through.

A few things you need to note if you don't know already.

You cannot work until you receive your EAD temporary green card. No if, but, maybe about it. You CANNOT work legally.

You cannot leave the United States until you have been granted Advanced Parole or you will not be let back in and you will have to file for a new visa such as the CR1 if you are married. ! No Exceptions. Even exceptional circumstances need to have AP granted although you can expedite in some of those exceptional circumstances.

When you are granted for AOS you will usually be given a conditional two year residency which will also give you a conditional 2 year green card.

At the end of the two years you must file to remove these conditions.

It's a long journey but worth it. I realise you probably know some of this already so, I'm sorry if this seems patronising, but I REALLY don't want to see anyone separated from their loved ones!.

It has happened! And will happen again! A few people married and went on their honeymoon in another country only to find they could not come back in!

[Tygrys 143]

Just to be clear, once you enter the USA you must marry within 90 days, after which you must file for adjustment of status. With this application you will be able to apply for EAD (Green card) and AP (Advanced Parole). These are taking around three months to come through.

A few things you need to note if you don't know already.

You cannot work until you receive your EAD temporary green card. No if, but, maybe about it. You CANNOT work legally.

You cannot leave the United States until you have been granted Advanced Parole or you will not be let back in and you will have to file for a new visa such as the CR1 if you are married. ! No Exceptions. Even exceptional circumstances need to have AP granted although you can expedite in some of those exceptional circumstances.

When you are granted for AOS you will usually be given a conditional two year residency which will also give you a conditional 2 year green card.

At the end of the two years you must file to remove these conditions.

It's a long journey but worth it. I realise you probably know some of this already so, I'm sorry if this seems patronising, but I REALLY don't want to see anyone separated from their loved ones!.

It has happened! And will happen again! A few people married and went on their honeymoon in another country only to find they could not come back in!

EAD is not a temporary green card. It is just what it says, employment authorization. It does not grant or change your immigration status.

[EnglishMuffin 0]

Thank you for all your answers and support, this really helped clear up some issues, I love this site!

You guys are awesome!!

[photomile 101]

EAD is not a temporary green card. It is just what it says, employment authorization. It does not grant or change your immigration status.

My mistake, I thought 'green card' was the collective term for work authorisation. Thanks for clearing that up!

[pat & angela 1]

so even if i have SSN i cant work? Cause ive been there 3 times on a work visa :/