help! what are the first steps for k1 after entering usa

[Annlee21 24]

hey guys, 

i just to got to states a week ago. im lost on  how to get driver licenses. can i only get it after i get married?

what are the first things i can do?

thank you

[mniceguy16 184]

as long as you have a legal residence permit in the USA you can go to the dmv by you and sort out your licence.

[geowrian 22,335]

* Moved from K-1 P&P to AOS from K-1 forum as this question is about the AOS process *

 

Order isn't important (except getting married then AOS😞

 

• Get an SSN within first 76 days of entry (90 days - 14 days status required to apply). No need to be married for this...you can get the name updated later if changing names due to marriage.
• Get married
• File for AOS + AP + EAD. See the AOS from K-1 guide.
• Driver licenses are issued by the state...the exact rules and process for this vary by state. Some may have no issue with it on K-1 status and/or after filing AOS. Some may want you to have an EAD first. Some may even want a green card.

3 minutes ago, mniceguy16 said:

as long as you have a legal residence permit in the USA you can go to the dmv by you and sort out your licence.

OP entered on a K-1 visa....they don't have a green card yet.

Edited October 23, 2018 by geowrian

[mniceguy16 184]

Just now, geowrian said:

* Moved from K-1 P&P to AOS from K-1 forum as this question is about the AOS process *

 

Order isn't important (except getting married then AOS😞

 

• Get an SSN within first 76 days of entry (90 days - 14 days status required to apply). No need to be married for this...you can get the name updated later if changing names due to marriage.
• Get married
• File for AOS + AP + EAD. See the AOS from K-1 guide.
• Driver licenses are issued by the state...the exact rules and process for this vary by state. Some may have no issue with it on K-1 status and/or after filing AOS. Some may want you to have an EAD first. Some may even want a green card.

OP entered on a K-1 visa....they don't have a green card yet.

Well call dmv and ask.

 

[Annlee21 24]

 

for the social it says

You should also bring the document RM 10211.530 that you printed out. what is this?

[Christy&J 837]

Applied ssn.

Once ssn in hand goto dmv and bring papers they asked for...( ssn required at most states)

Dependa on which states you are from...they will only issue driving license that valid same date with your i94 date.

Good luck

[geowrian 22,335]

6 minutes ago, Christy&J said:

they will only issue driving license that valid same date with your i94 date.

PA here....my wife got hers valid for 1 year with a K-1 stamp and SSN (and my birth certificate was required).

[Annlee21 24]

thank you guys for all your help.

does anyone know what 

for the social it says

You should also bring the document RM 10211.530 that you printed out. what is this?

[geowrian 22,335]

Just now, Annlee21 said:

thank you guys for all your help.

does anyone know what 

for the social it says

You should also bring the document RM 10211.530 that you printed out. what is this?

They want an I-94. You can print it online:

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/

[Annlee21 24]

mine only comes up if i put travel history and it shows my last entry 10-13.

is that correct? 

if i go to Get Most Recent I-94, it says No record found for traveler.

 

[Annlee21 24]

can i fill out work authorization Form I-765 before marriage?

[geowrian 22,335]

12 minutes ago, Annlee21 said:

mine only comes up if i put travel history and it shows my last entry 10-13.

is that correct? 

if i go to Get Most Recent I-94, it says No record found for traveler.

It should show your current entry...that's what you'll need for the SSA. You may want to check a CBP deferred inspection site to get that corrected. You will need it for AOS as well.

https://www.cbp.gov/contact/deferred-inspection/overview-deferred-inspection

 

3 minutes ago, Annlee21 said:

can i fill out work authorization Form I-765 before marriage?

Fill it out? Sure. But if you file it without AOS, you:

1) Must pay the form filing fee; and

2) It will only be valid for the 90 days from your entry on the visa.

 

It takes ~4-6 months to process...so this is not a viable option. Wait until you marry and file it alongside AOS. No form fee for the I-765 (or I-131) if filed due to AOS, and it will be valid for 1 year from date issued.

[Jaquelly 1,647]

45 minutes ago, mniceguy16 said:

Well call dmv and ask.

 

You're giving misleading information. 

 

6 minutes ago, Annlee21 said:

can i fill out work authorization Form I-765 before marriage?

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

 

What you need is here.

 

You cannot get your license until you get your NOA1 from your EAD. Also, they will likely require you to go in, have them check for your status, and then wait for a letter from DHS that states that you're here lawfully and legally.

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

- Get your SSN. Depending on when you entered the country, sometimes it doesn't update in the system immediately and most recommend waiting 1 to 2 weeks post-POE before doing SSN. If you just recently entered in the last few days, could be why your I94 record has not updated yet. It will. Just print it off and that's what you should take with you to SSA office, including the SSN application form.

 

- Get legally married. If you intend on changing name post marriage, your SSN card can be updated later. Some have gotten married before applying for SSN (my husband included) without issue; however, it is recommended to get SSN FIRST.

 

- File AOS. You can also file your work permit and travel permit along with AOS application. You will not have to pay for either permit application if you file them all together. Each permit will cost you a whole other fee if you file either or both separately. You should not file your permit applications before submitting your AOS application.

 

- Ability to get a driver's license depends on your state. Some people were able to get one with SSN card only (before AOS is approved). Some cannot get one until AOS is approved. Some were able to get a conditional driver's permit or license; some areas do not offer that. Ultimately, your best option is to visit your local DMV office and see what your area will allow. If driver's license isn't an option yet, you should be able to get a state ID in the meantime. However, most offices will require some kind of proof of residence before issuing one, just FYI.

[TM92 527]

6 hours ago, geowrian said:

Driver licenses are issued by the state...the exact rules and process for this vary by state. Some may have no issue with it on K-1 status and/or after filing AOS. Some may want you to have an EAD first. Some may even want a green card.

@Annlee21, in which state do you live?

5 hours ago, geowrian said:

file it without AOS, you:

1) Must pay the form filing fee; and

2) It will only be valid for the 90 days from your entry on the visa.

 

It takes ~4-6 months to process...so this is not a viable option.

@Annlee21, this is one unfavorable factor of the K-1 compared to the CR-1.