She's finally in the States... Now what?

[RicknAnnie 0]

Hi VJ,

So after two long years my wife has finally stepped foot into America on IR-1 visa. She's been here for four day now and is eager to get started on her new life. My question is what's the next step in the process? I know that she will receive her green card in the mail relativity soon as per a paper she receive after an officer processed her packet at the LAX airport. After we have the green card number are we supposed to apply for work authorization? Does she need to apply for a social security card as well? I also heard on the grape vine that there's a $600.00 fee down the road to change her status. At what point does this need to be done if at all? Any input on the next phase of the process after arrival in the states would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks VJ!

-RicknAnnie

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hi VJ,

So after two long years my wife has finally stepped foot into America on IR-1 visa. She's been here for four day now and is eager to get started on her new life. My question is what's the next step in the process? I know that she will receive her green card in the mail relativity soon as per a paper she receive after an officer processed her packet at the LAX airport. After we have the green card number are we supposed to apply for work authorization? Does she need to apply for a social security card as well? I also heard on the grape vine that there's a $600.00 fee down the road to change her status. At what point does this need to be done if at all? Any input on the next phase of the process after arrival in the states would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks VJ!

-RicknAnnie

Rick, if your wife came on with a IR-1 visa, the only thing she needs now is to get get SSN and that should do it. Her greencard will be mailed to your address directly and she should receive it in 6-8 weeks. Although there is an option to request a SSN automatically upon arrival to the US, that sometimes does not work and if she does not receive a SSN within 2-3 weeks, take her to the SS Admin office and apply for one in person.

She does not need any special work authorization. Her endorsed I-551 on her passport (which looks like a visa) is her authorization to work.

The next big step with immigration will be applying for citizenship if and when she decides to go for it.

Good luck and congrats to both of you!

[NikLR 13,220]

Congrats! So happy to hear your wife has made it safe and sound! If she wants to work I would suggest going in person to get the SSN. Make sure you guys do everything possible for your wife to feel comfortable now that she's here. That includes finding the local Vietnamese community so she feels a little at home and places she can shop for familiar foods. Start driving lessons or at the very least figure out the bus routes to places she would like to go. Plan some weekend trips or some vacation time to visit places she has always wanted to see in the USA. If she wants to start job hunting she can but it's a good idea to figure out at least a functional resume.

As she has an IR1 visa there is no paperwork left for you guys. There's no adjustment of status or any special work endorsement. Enjoy your time together!

[Darnell 8,478]

Studying yer profile, it seems you applied for a IR-1 visa, not the K-3 that you have listed in yer profile.

So, you need to see about getting her a SSN - here's some how to I wrote up

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

as for this '2 years later thing', nope - not needed - you'll note she has a 10 year green card, when it arrives.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Darnell

[RicknAnnie 0]

Thank you guys for the great info! I'll let the missus know we're pretty much finished all expect the SSN which also sounds simple enough. Thanks for the guide, Darnell!

[Ryan H 3,790]

Her endorsed I-551 on her passport (which looks like a visa) is her authorization to work.

The visa itself acts as a temporary green card upon endorsement. The "endorsement" is an entry stamp placed on the page next to the visa by a CBP officer.

[jaycali 415]

Yep, all you need to do is get her a SSN. The endorsed visa in her passport acts as her temporary green card until the actual card arrives in the mail. With that, you don't need to wait for the actual card, she may apply for a SSN today. Since the endorsed visa is her green card, she already has work authorization. She can start working as soon as she has a SSN. Just make sure she knows she's a permanent resident, and not a US citizen (claiming to be a US citizen when you're not is an extremely serious crime, worse than rape and murder in the eyes of immigration).

As a permanent resident, she basically has all the same rights and responsibilities as you as a citizen do, except she cannot vote, she cannot get certain federal and/or state jobs, and she can be deported for serious crimes.

There is nothing "two years later" - She arrived in IR-1 status, not CR-1 status. She is not a conditional permanent resident, she is a permanent resident. All you need to do is get her a SSN, a job (optional), a driver's license (optional), citizenship (optional in 3 years), and live happily ever after (recommended).

Edited January 9, 2013 by Jay Jay