Work permission after arrival

[Spangler 0]

I'm a US citizen and my fiancee is foreign. She came on a K1 visa. We just arrived 2 weeks ago; we're not married yet, but plan to get legally married soon. We'll have the wedding later.

We thought permission to work would come quickly after getting married, but it appears there is a lot to apply for.

1) I noticed on the USCIS site there are 2 times to apply for the I-765, and maybe one would allow my fiancee to begin work soon. Is that possible? (included quote and link below) I couldn't really make out what the USCIS was suggesting.

2) How long does it usually take for the spouse to get work permission? We don't have much money, so it's important for her to find a job soon.

Thank you so much

link:

After admission, your fiancé(e) may immediately apply for permission to work by filing a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Any work authorization based on a nonimmigrant fiancé (e) visa would be valid for only 90 days after entry. However, your fiancé (e) would also be eligible to apply for an extended work authorization at the same time as he or she files for permanent residence. In this case, your fiancé(e) would file Form I-765 together with Form I-485 as soon as you marry. " http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

[kennym 275]

Most people apply for the Employment Authorization when filing the Adjustment of status package after your married... It takes about 2-3 months to recieve the the Employment Authorization once you submit the form..

[Que Saudade 284]

The employment authorization application you are referring to once she enters is only valid for 90 days. Then you have to file again with AOS to extend it.

Unless she has a job lined up the moment she gets here, I would question how much is it really worth?

I would suggest that you get married, then file adjustment of status as soon as you can afterwards. When you file AOS (link to guide here), I recommend that you file employment authorization (I-765) and advanced parole (I-131) along with AOS package. No extra fee when filed together. The cost is $1070 for AOS. You should get EAD/AP card combo between 8-12 weeks after filing. The green card won't happen until several months later.

She can go ahead and get her SS card now if he wants to, but she can't work with it until she gets EAD. SS Card link here for K1

Good luck

[KayDeeCee 4,904]

Yes, you CAN file for an EAD before filing for AOS. However, it is a waste of $380. The EAD you would receive from that would expire when your I-94 does, and since it takes 2-3 months to receive the EAD, you won't really be able to use it anyway. That is why it is a waste of money. The fee is waived when you file for it with your I-485. The EAD you receive when filing with your other AOS paperwork will be valid for a year and tide you over until your green card is approved. I would apply for the SSN now, then file all your AOS paperwork as soon as possible after you marry and get the certified marriage certificate back from the court. The sooner you apply for AOS, the sooner you can receive the EAD and be able to work.