Im on K1 visa. Need advise what to do when arriving in the US

[Aping27 10]

Hi Guys, 

 

I am arriving in the US via K1 visa. 

I am just confused what to do first. 

 

To get ssn, state id then get married or marry first before getting ssn and state id?

 

please I need advise. Thank you. 

[G Walters 136]

Get your sun first (wait about a week before going for it. Give time for databases to update) then get I'd then get married.

[Roel 7,191]

I'd get married first and then get your new documents in your married name. Saves you time if you don't want them all in your maiden name. 

[Chris Duffy 1,256]

2 hours ago, Roel said:

I'd get married first and then get your new documents in your married name. Saves you time if you don't want them all in your maiden name. 

Do not do this

 

Bad Suggestion

[Chris Duffy 1,256]

2 hours ago, Aping27 said:

Hi Guys, 

 

I am arriving in the US via K1 visa. 

I am just confused what to do first. 

 

To get ssn, state id then get married or marry first before getting ssn and state id?

 

please I need advise. Thank you. 

We went 4th day after arrival in USA, due to jet lag.

 

Get your SSN first, it will be the same number used once you get married as well and do the name change.

 

The biggest benefit for getting a SSN first is many documents ask for a SSN in USA. Whether applying for NCLEX exam or opening a bank account or trying to get Driver Licenses or ID from your state.

 

If you wait till your married to get SSN,  it will be many months like maybe 6 or more months since your K1 visa is in your maiden name, and SSN office which uses the SAVE System from USCIS to check document, they would wait till you had greencard in hand which is taking forever and a day now.

[Aping26 3]

1 hour ago, Chris Duffy said:

We went 4th day after arrival in USA, due to jet lag.

 

Get your SSN first, it will be the same number used once you get married as well and do the name change.

 

The biggest benefit for getting a SSN first is many documents ask for a SSN in USA. Whether applying for NCLEX exam or opening a bank account or trying to get Driver Licenses or ID from your state.

 

If you wait till your married to get SSN,  it will be many months like maybe 6 or more months since your K1 visa is in your maiden name, and SSN office which uses the SAVE System from USCIS to check document, they would wait till you had greencard in hand which is taking forever and a day now.

Hi Chris! Would this also mean if I have ssn I can already apply for a state id and drivers license even without the green card yet? 

[NikLR 13,220]

Why do you have 2 accounts?

[Chris Duffy 1,256]

20 minutes ago, Aping26 said:

Hi Chris! Would this also mean if I have ssn I can already apply for a state id and drivers license even without the green card yet? 

Yes.

 

But remember the USA has 50 states, and each state has their own rules.  In Texas my wife got a Texas State ID when she first arrived it had like a 60 day expiration date due the Texas Department of Transportation only making it valid for 90 days since that was the expiration date on her K1 entry.

 

That State ID was valuable for her while waiting to get her Greencard.  I also got her a Texas Fishing licenses with that state ID and we used the fishing license as a secondary ID

[Aping26 3]

13 minutes ago, NikLR said:

Why do you have 2 accounts?

I forgot my password then I havw to use my facebook account to log in.  

[NikLR 13,220]

Just now, Aping26 said:

I forgot my password then I havw to use my facebook account to log in.  

You will want to report it to a mod and read the TOS. 

[Aping26 3]

7 minutes ago, Chris Duffy said:

Yes.

 

But remember the USA has 50 states, and each state has their own rules.  In Texas my wife got a Texas State ID when she first arrived it had like a 60 day expiration date due the Texas Department of Transportation only making it valid for 90 days since that was the expiration date on her K1 entry.

 

That State ID was valuable for her while waiting to get her Greencard.  I also got her a Texas Fishing licenses with that state ID and we used the fishing license as a secondary ID

So in my case. Since im going to live in california, after I got my ssn a week after my arrival, would that mean I can get the state id and driver’s license yeah? 

My fiance was kinda confused and doesnt know what to do so were trying to get info. 

Thanks Chris! 

[Chris Duffy 1,256]

Just now, Aping26 said:

So in my case. Since im going to live in california, after I got my ssn a week after my arrival, would that mean I can get the state id and driver’s license yeah? 

My fiance was kinda confused and doesnt know what to do so were trying to get info. 

Thanks Chris! 

You would have to look up the rules for California.

 

Search California Department of Motor Vehicles and see what there rules are.

 

Why not just get a Philiippines Driver Licenses and use that here as ID, My wife who didn't know how to drive was able to obtain one before coming to USA.

[Hank_ 9,173]

5 hours ago, Aping27 said:

Hi Guys, 

 

I am arriving in the US via K1 visa. 

I am just confused what to do first. 

 

To get ssn, state id then get married or marry first before getting ssn and state id?

 

please I need advise. Thank you. 

You must be married within 90 days.  Doubt you can get state ID without either the EAD or green card so no rush on that, even if you do manage to get an ID it will expire within 90 days.  SS card you can get fairly quick, as noted by others wait about a week after arrival before heading over to SSA.   

 

Relax, get married within the 90 days, file AOS (I-485, in your MARRIED name, also submit the I-131 & I-765 both free to file with the I-485) then you can get your IDs once your EAD or green card arrive.      You won't be allowed to work until you, at least, have your EAD card.

 

According to CBP you are required to carry your passport with a copy of your I-94 (this is your legal status for being in the USA) when away from home.

 

 

42 minutes ago, Chris Duffy said:

Yes.

 

But remember the USA has 50 states, and each state has their own rules.  In Texas my wife got a Texas State ID when she first arrived it had like a 60 day expiration date due the Texas Department of Transportation only making it valid for 90 days since that was the expiration date on her K1 entry.

 

That State ID was valuable for her while waiting to get her Greencard.  I also got her a Texas Fishing licenses with that state ID and we used the fishing license as a secondary ID

The 90 day limitation was relating to the I-94 issued by CBP, as is only valid for 90 days from entry.