What should I do?

[aliciaandfran 0]

Hi everybody! I need some help. My fiance and I really want to see each other (maybe planning a trip Jan 2-11) BUT we don't know if that is the smartest thing to do or not. I wanted to be at the interview with him and I am expecting an NOA2 any day now (hopefully). Can somebody tell me is it stupid to go now in January...and turn around and go again for the interview...or will the interview be several months later? I know it is hard to know...I have followed cases on here so i know that everybody's case is different...

One more thing...Will Fran be able to work when he gets here? B/c I already have a job lined up for him...but I've read somewhere that they can be out of work for up to 6 months or longer...Any help will be greatly appreciated....thanks...alicia

[BettyAndMe 0]

According to the statistics for K-1 visas under "Immigration Timelines", the average time from NOA2 to the petition arriving at the consulate is 25 days and the average time from receiving the petition to the interview date in Nicaragua is 51 days. The total is 76 days or about 2 1/2 months. If your times conform to these averages, then you would expect an interview in early March.

Don't know if that helps, but it is at least one data point.

Cheers

[TracyTN 237]

I don't think its 'stupid' to want to see your fiance. You have to decide what is best for you guys (and your pocketbook!).

Your fiance will have to have work authorization to work legally in the US. This can take several months to obtain. Did you not understand this requirement when researching the fiance visa?

[aliciaandfran 0]

I don't think its 'stupid' to want to see your fiance. You have to decide what is best for you guys (and your pocketbook!).

Your fiance will have to have work authorization to work legally in the US. This can take several months to obtain. Did you not understand this requirement when researching the fiance visa?

Thanks for responding...I think what would be best is to wait and not make 2 trips...but we want to see each other.

I thought that they get a temporary work permit...and then we would have to change his status...BUT I don't really know...that is just what I thought. I don't really know though.

According to the statistics for K-1 visas under "Immigration Timelines", the average time from NOA2 to the petition arriving at the consulate is 25 days and the average time from receiving the petition to the interview date in Nicaragua is 51 days. The total is 76 days or about 2 1/2 months. If your times conform to these averages, then you would expect an interview in early March.

Don't know if that helps, but it is at least one data point.

Cheers

Thanks a lot...this informations is very helpful...Thanks for taking the time to help.

[bora bora 1]

It's a personal decision. No one can decide but you and your fiance.

My fiance and I spent last Christmas/New Years holiday and the one before together and so it is very difficult for us to be apart now. In addition, this is the longest stretch we've had. However, I don't have much time away from work and I will be going to Brazil for the interview - so there is no way we can financially (and because of my limited personal days) afford to do both.

It looks like we'll have an interview in March so travelling in December is not feasible at this point.

You both have to decide what works best for you and your finances.

[payxibka 10,048]

Will Fran be able to work when he gets here? B/c I already have a job lined up for him...but I've read somewhere that they can be out of work for up to 6 months or longer...Any help will be greatly appreciated....thanks...alicia

A k-1 is employment authorized (EA) for 90 days. However you must have and employment authorized document (EAD) in order for him to work. The only way to magically transform the K-1 EA to EAD is to receive the "stamp" on you I-94 at the POE. Currently only JFK appears to be the POE that does this on a regular basis. After the 90 days has expired then he will need another EAD which you can apply for after you marry. This process may or may not be complete by the time the temporary EAD expires. So it is possible for there to be a gap in his authorization.

[TracyTN 237]

To add to what fwaguy said - I've read that the temp EAD issued at JFK seems to depend on what CBP officer you get - so if you want it, ASK for it upon entry. Otherwise, they may not do it.

[motu 6]

My feeling is that the temp EAd (at JFK) is not worth it for many of us - as you still have to get the SSN (a delay of a few weeks 3 to 6) and then you may end up having a gap between the temp and the next one obtained after applying for EAD. The gaps could mean not being able to work in the meantime (it will depend on the employer if they elect to continue the job.) Also unless he has been here before and knows the way of life (r.g. communication, driving, mass transport etc. etc.) the stamp at the POE doesn't do much. Its just my opinion, others do better with it. Also, you can save the money by not making multiple trips as you will need lots of money and time and patience in this proces. Good Luck