K-1 Timescales - Working in the USA

[d3adc0d3 186]

From our experience, you don't need to wait 2+ weeks to apply from your ssn. My husband arrived on a Friday night, applied for it on the next Monday morning, and had it in hand about 5 days later. Now that everything is computerized, it doesn't take as long to be in the system. He brought his passport to the social security office; that's all. If you're looking to expedite the process, make sure the place where you get your certified copy of your marriage document knows that you need it ASAP. We got ours from the Santa Barbara courthouse (where we got married) the same afternoon as our wedding. We filed AOS/AP/EAD that same week. It's been 62 days since NOA1 for those, and no approvals for EAD/AP yet. Some people in our group have gotten approvals already. Good luck!

I wonder if that has anything to do with him being on the VWP. Not all countries have the updated passports which would allow faster electronic processing.

[Tina and Johan 206]

I wonder if that has anything to do with him being on the VWP. Not all countries have the updated passports which would allow faster electronic processing.

Very possibly, but the OP is from the UK, so it could still be helpful information. Edit to add this: plus, he still came on a K1, so his information on his I94 was based on that visa, not a vwp.

Edited October 7, 2014 by Tina and Johan

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

Is the policy of filing them after the I-485 recent? As far as I was aware, it was file with AoS and have the fees waived, or cough up for the fees if you file separate.

I have never heard of an AoS taking only 3 months! I typically hear around 8-12 months from the date they filed, until they receive their CGC.

Not new at all. They are waived if filed with a pending I-485. That can be at the same time, or after filing for AOS.

http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

Please note that, if you file Form I-485 to adjust your status as a permanent resident on or after July 30, 2007, no additional fee is required to also file an application for employment authorization on Form I-765 and/or advance parole on Form I-131. You may file these forms together. If you choose to file the I-765 and/or I-131 separately after July 30, 2007, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence of the filing of an I-485.

Sometimes people get an interview and have their green cards approved before even receiving their EAD/AP. Quick approvals can happen. I would not say it typically takes 8-12 months. That is a bit on the high end. Just saw a timeline earlier for someone that was approved in 3 1/2 months. You can check out the progress reports forum to see timelines of people.

And no, you do not need to wait 2 weeks after entry to apply for the SSN. Since the I-94s became electronic/automated, people have been able to print their I-94 right after entry and get the SSN within days. It has nothing to to do with the VWP.

[KVE 29]

Thanks for the speedy response .... another question, what would happen to my UK passport - if it expires within the time period of waiting for AOS, I would have no UK residency to renew or replace ?

Renew your passport. The UK renews passport from their Overseas office in Durham (UK). I applied for my sons passport. It is simple, you apply online and pay online then gather supporting documents and mail the old passport and supporting documents to Durham (they will provide the address). Takes roughly 10 weeks according to them, but depending on when you apply processing times may be less...