After Point of Entry

[Joanne and Adam 15]

So I've been taking a break from research recently while I've been waiting for my interview. (It got to the point where I was getting dizzy from looking at a computer screen for too long )
But now I feel better and ready to get back into it again I've been wondering, what happens exactly after point of entry? What are the basic steps for what I need to do?

This is what I have sussed out so far:

1. Apply for SSN as soon as possible.
2. Apply for a marriage certificate/get married

3. Change name

But then what? Do I go straight ahead and apply for Adjustment of Status? Can anyone present to me in baby language what exactly it is that I do first as soon as we're married?

(Yeah I know I should know this already- I kinda do but you guys are so good at helping me understand )

Are there any good web pages that explain the process thoroughly? I find this one really helpful but I feel it lacks the important details:
http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Thanks Guys

[Inky 1,111]

Yes - please see the guide section for adjustment of status its step by step.

You file AOS as soon as possible after marriage. SSN is not needed to file AOS but its good to get it as soon as you can.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Yes - please see the guide section for adjustment of status its step by step.

You file AOS as soon as possible after marriage. SSN is not needed to file AOS but its good to get it as soon as you can.

I assume the 'Guides' tab is the Guide section! Still not used to this website

Thanks!

[jenni17 36]

So I've been taking a break from research recently while I've been waiting for my interview. (It got to the point where I was getting dizzy from looking at a computer screen for too long )

But now I feel better and ready to get back into it again I've been wondering, what happens exactly after point of entry? What are the basic steps for what I need to do?

This is what I have sussed out so far:

1. Apply for SSN as soon as possible.

2. Apply for a marriage certificate/get married

3. Change name

But then what? Do I go straight ahead and apply for Adjustment of Status? Can anyone present to me in baby language what exactly it is that I do first as soon as we're married?

(Yeah I know I should know this already- I kinda do but you guys are so good at helping me understand )

Are there any good web pages that explain the process thoroughly? I find this one really helpful but I feel it lacks the important details:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Thanks Guys

File for AOS as soon as possible after getting married... here are the instructions

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

[Joanne and Adam 15]

File for AOS as soon as possible after getting married... here are the instructions

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

Thank you!

[Guest DeletePlse]

Hi guys, the SS website is so confusing!! Do we have to marry and then apply for SSN or apply for SSN as soon as arrive in US?

[Pitaya 2,577]

You have received a lot of great advice. Here is a good "SSN How-to" from long-time VJ member Darnell:

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

We got married four days after her POE, waited for the marriage license to be recorded, purchased numerous certified copies of the recorded marriage certificate. Shortly thereafter, took my wife to the local SSN, with her passport, a certified copy of marriage cert, she applied for a SSN. We filed the AOS paperwork for my wife and stepson approximately 2 weeks after the marriage. Check out our signature block.

Good luck.

[Dave&Roza 748]

So I've been taking a break from research recently while I've been waiting for my interview. (It got to the point where I was getting dizzy from looking at a computer screen for too long )

But now I feel better and ready to get back into it again I've been wondering, what happens exactly after point of entry? What are the basic steps for what I need to do?

This is what I have sussed out so far:

1. Apply for SSN as soon as possible. It is usually best to wait about 2 weeks for your information to be entered into the SAVE database and now for the on-line I-94 to be generated

2. Apply for a marriage certificate/get married Good.

3. Change name If you so desire, but it might be easiest to apply for he SSC in teh maiden name and then using the Marriage License go back and change your name. You are SUPPOSED to be able to get the original card in teh married name using the Marriage Certificate, but most SSA works refuse to do so because your immigration information does not match the name you want to use even thought you are using a valid document they accept to do a name change.

But then what? Do I go straight ahead and apply for Adjustment of Status? Can anyone present to me in baby language what exactly it is that I do first as soon as we're married? After you get married, you do what most couples do. Then once you have copies of your Marraige Certificate, send off the AOS, EAD (employment authorization) and AP (Advance parole). The $1070 for AOS alos covers the EAD and AP which should arrive in a few months and then the GC will arrive.

(Yeah I know I should know this already- I kinda do but you guys are so good at helping me understand )

Are there any good web pages that explain the process thoroughly? I find this one really helpful but I feel it lacks the important details:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow Why yes there is a very good website for this. Go here.

Thanks Guys

Good luck,

Dave

Edited June 12, 2013 by Dave&Roza

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I've been wondering, what happens exactly after point of entry? What are the basic steps for what I need to do?

This is what I have sussed out so far:

1. Apply for SSN as soon as possible.

2. Apply for a marriage certificate/get married

3. Change name

But then what? Do I go straight ahead and apply for Adjustment of Status? Can anyone present to me in baby language what exactly it is that I do first as soon as we're married?

Are there any good web pages that explain the process thoroughly? I find this one really helpful but I feel it lacks the important details:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

I'll offer this--

1) Keep Social Security as a separate issue. It isn't needed for marriage or filing AOS. And marriage/AOS isn't needed to get a SSN. They won't give you a card as a K1 once your I-94 is within two weeks of expiration, so don't leave it to the end of your 90 days. A SSN is useful for setting up bank accounts and getting added to credit cards, leases, etc. That's why it's good to go on and apply a week or two after arrival. Many offices have workers that are not well trained on K1s. It is best to apply in the maiden name exactly as written on the I-94 entry and not muddy the waters with marriage certificates or name changes. Just get the number and get out. You have to go back later anyway to show the work authorization/greencard so they can change your status and remove the "not authorized for work" writing. Change the name on that visit.

OR

1) Apply for marriage certificate, get married, get a copy of the marriage certificate. The legally registered marriage certificate is your key to proving a name change. Pay for a couple of copies if they aren't overly expensive.

2) File for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as you can because you will find yourself unable to do many things until you have work authorization, advance parole, or a greencard. Things like travel outside the US, work, or get a driver's license. There is no 90 day deadline for filing, but life will be better with those things so make it a priority. While you are waiting on your interview, start filling out the forms so the bulk of that is done and thought through in advance. You may use my AOS list for organizing your submission if you like. It's more of a checklist than full explanation of every part.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FIsgnb7Tfj7tcRNnqRMKUOXQdEfR6HTUDY2vX6zKqqU/mobilebasic?authkey=CNXN_oQH

3) Change name. This is a fluid process that happens along the way. There isn't a BAM! my name is changed. Use your new last name on your AOS application. When you go to the bank, tell them your new name. Each thing you encounter here in time will be given your new name. Your UK passport can still be used until it expires. Your marriage license with it shows the reason for a name difference between the passport and greencard. You can begin to change anything in the UK you want like a state pension plan, or maybe a bank account you kept open. Or you can let those ride for awhile. I've seen a fair share of UK ladies whose venture to marriage and the US did not work out. Many were a huge surprise to me after following their whole excitement in the UK forum.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

I'll offer this--

1) Keep Social Security as a separate issue. It isn't needed for marriage or filing AOS. And marriage/AOS isn't needed to get a SSN. They won't give you a card as a K1 once your I-94 is within two weeks of expiration, so don't leave it to the end of your 90 days. A SSN is useful for setting up bank accounts and getting added to credit cards, leases, etc. That's why it's good to go on and apply a week or two after arrival. Many offices have workers that are not well trained on K1s. It is best to apply in the maiden name exactly as written on the I-94 entry and not muddy the waters with marriage certificates or name changes. Just get the number and get out. You have to go back later anyway to show the work authorization/greencard so they can change your status and remove the "not authorized for work" writing. Change the name on that visit.

OR

1) Apply for marriage certificate, get married, get a copy of the marriage certificate. The legally registered marriage certificate is your key to proving a name change. Pay for a couple of copies if they aren't overly expensive.

2) File for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as you can because you will find yourself unable to do many things until you have work authorization, advance parole, or a greencard. Things like travel outside the US, work, or get a driver's license. There is no 90 day deadline for filing, but life will be better with those things so make it a priority. While you are waiting on your interview, start filling out the forms so the bulk of that is done and thought through in advance. You may use my AOS list for organizing your submission if you like. It's more of a checklist than full explanation of every part.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FIsgnb7Tfj7tcRNnqRMKUOXQdEfR6HTUDY2vX6zKqqU/mobilebasic?authkey=CNXN_oQH

3) Change name. This is a fluid process that happens along the way. There isn't a BAM! my name is changed. Use your new last name on your AOS application. When you go to the bank, tell them your new name. Each thing you encounter here in time will be given your new name. Your UK passport can still be used until it expires. Your marriage license with it shows the reason for a name difference between the passport and greencard. You can begin to change anything in the UK you want like a state pension plan, or maybe a bank account you kept open. Or you can let those ride for awhile. I've seen a fair share of UK ladies whose venture to marriage and the US did not work out. Many were a huge surprise to me after following their whole excitement in the UK forum.

Thank you so much, this is a really useful post- I just have 1 question, probably a stupid one..

When do I file the I-94? Or do I get that on Point of Entry when I go through immigration? What happens when it expires?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thank you so much, this is a really useful post- I just have 1 question, probably a stupid one..

When do I file the I-94? Or do I get that on Point of Entry when I go through immigration? What happens when it expires?

Did you ever travel to the US before ESTA? There was a card you filled out on the plane. They gave you the bottom half to turn in when you left? That was I-94W for visa waiver. People with visas got similar but I-94 (white instead of green). Until last month as a K1 you would have filled out I-94 on the plane and at POE the bottom half of the I -94 entry card would be stapled in your passport. It would have your 90 day K1 admission end date on it. Photocopies of it were included with AOS. Social Security needed it as proof of your legal admission.

So fast forward to last month. I-94 went paperless. Your passport will be stamped but no I-94 card will be filled out on the plane and thus no bottom half handed to you at POE. There is a website where you go online and print out a copy of your legal entry to include with AOS or show Social Security. Anything you read that says I-94 or I-94 card, going forward would be the online paper printout. (Border crossings like Canada or Mexico still get the card.)

So I-94 says you are legal for 90 days in which to marry. What happens after it expires? Good question. You have nothing to show you are legal, but you won't be deported or anything. So with it expired, you couldn't get a SSN or a driver license because you have no document saying you can stay in the US. It's the awkward limbo part of a K1. You are kind of a nothing. Once you get the EAD card, it has a one year expiration, so you have a document showing you are authorized in the US for a year. You can get a driver license that expires on the same date. Anyway, not a worry about being expired and getting in trouble, but the sooner you marry and apply for AOS/EAD/AP, the sooner you start feeling like you belong.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Did you ever travel to the US before ESTA? There was a card you filled out on the plane. They gave you the bottom half to turn in when you left? That was I-94W for visa waiver. People with visas got similar but I-94 (white instead of green). Until last month as a K1 you would have filled out I-94 on the plane and at POE the bottom half of the I -94 entry card would be stapled in your passport. It would have your 90 day K1 admission end date on it. Photocopies of it were included with AOS. Social Security needed it as proof of your legal admission.

So fast forward to last month. I-94 went paperless. Your passport will be stamped but no I-94 card will be filled out on the plane and thus no bottom half handed to you at POE. There is a website where you go online and print out a copy of your legal entry to include with AOS or show Social Security. Anything you read that says I-94 or I-94 card, going forward would be the online paper printout. (Border crossings like Canada or Mexico still get the card.)

So I-94 says you are legal for 90 days in which to marry. What happens after it expires? Good question. You have nothing to show you are legal, but you won't be deported or anything. So with it expired, you couldn't get a SSN or a driver license because you have no document saying you can stay in the US. It's the awkward limbo part of a K1. You are kind of a nothing. Once you get the EAD card, it has a one year expiration, so you have a document showing you are authorized in the US for a year. You can get a driver license that expires on the same date. Anyway, not a worry about being expired and getting in trouble, but the sooner you marry and apply for AOS/EAD/AP, the sooner you start feeling like you belong.

Ahhh I understand now. Yeah I remember those cards you had to fill out- they're not doing that any more? -What a relief, I always got so confused with it. You gave a really great explanation. Basically this is what I need to do then:

1. Wait a couple weeks to apply for SSN after PoE - print out my I-94 in this waiting time

2. Get married and apply for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as possible to avoid being stuck in 'limbo'!

Thanks

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Ahhh I understand now. Yeah I remember those cards you had to fill out- they're not doing that any more? -What a relief, I always got so confused with it. You gave a really great explanation. Basically this is what I need to do then:

1. Wait a couple weeks to apply for SSN after PoE - print out my I-94 in this waiting time

2. Get married and apply for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as possible to avoid being stuck in 'limbo'!

Thanks

You've got it

You will still fill out the customs form on the plane where you say if you've you've touched cows, etc. hahaha And you declare any gifts, liquor, etc you are bringing. As an immigrant your household goods, personal belongings, etc do not need to be listed or valued. They are free and unlimited and are supposed to have been owned by you a year. So make sure you don't bring brand new things in boxes or with tags or you are supposed to declare them and put a money value on them. Don't start worrying about if your new shoes are older than a year. It's not that picky. But 12 new identical cameras wouldn't look like your general stuff owned at least a year if you follow my drift.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

You've got it

You will still fill out the customs form on the plane where you say if you've you've touched cows, etc. hahaha And you declare any gifts, liquor, etc you are bringing. As an immigrant your household goods, personal belongings, etc do not need to be listed or valued. They are free and unlimited and are supposed to have been owned by you a year. So make sure you don't bring brand new things in boxes or with tags or you are supposed to declare them and put a money value on them. Don't start worrying about if your new shoes are older than a year. It's not that picky. But 12 new identical cameras wouldn't look like your general stuff owned at least a year if you follow my drift.

Ahh I get it now Well I've done it twice before on my own so I should be able to figure it out again

I'll make sure I let them know about all the cows I've touched