emily29

so is it basically just having a specialized field that cannot be hired for by a us citizen or marriage that are options for immigration? 

Are there other options? 

I have a really good friend who has always thought of moving to the states. He is from the UK. We aren't dating, but I want to help sponsor him, etc. 

I work at an animal shelter that is usually hiring, and he has some interest in moving here and working there. Is this enough? If he were to get "hired" by them, would that be what he needed to apply for a work visa? 

Sorry! I have done a K1 in the past, but this whole bit is new to me! 

TIA!

16 minutes ago, payxibka said:

Not only odd but more importantly cannot be done.  If you are eligible for SSN you are precluded from applying for an ITIN

So are we okay to ignore the EAD application at this point and go through the Social security office to get an SSN? 

Good morning! 

I am writing this question with a huge smile on my face - my husband just received his Green Card this week! 

My question is that we had also applied for the EAD (including a SSN), with the AOS. We have not heard anything back about the EAD, and now with the green card, I understand that it is not necessary. Should we go to the Social Security Office to request a social security number? Or will this somehow cross paths with the request for a social security number attached to the EAD? 

Our taxes are all ready to go - and we are hoping to have a social prior to sending them off. (Our tax person said that requesting a SSN and ITIN at the same time might look a bit odd). 

Thanks so much for any answers!! 

Emily 

1 hour ago, yuna628 said:

If push comes to shove an ITIN could be an option to obtain temporarily if a lack of an SSN is a concern. Unless you have a need to file taxes right away, this is done in April right? Not sure how long you have filed your AOS/EAD, but it has been taking 90-120 days or so for an EAD. That should hopefully give you enough time for the SSN to be obtained. Not having a green card and not working doesn't matter either. I would seek out someone that could bring additional knowledge on the subject. If the I94 database was fine... then it seems to me the screwup was at the SSA office entirely. Small town places.... often have no clue. We too live in a tiny town... was shocked the SSA knew how to handle us, but if everything was done correct it literally takes just a few minutes and arrives a week or so later. I'm so sorry.

So! I just called H&R Block - and they were a bit more familiar with this type of situation and said that I should have the SSN in time, and if not, there would still be options for filing jointly. I updated my application for insurance, and it seems that once I said we plan to file jointly, he is eligible for coverage! 

Feeling much better about things! Thanks! 

Thank you so much for this information. It's been a huge help! Given that timeline, there will hopefully be time for an SSN with the EAD - but what is an ITIN? 

It's certainly been frustrating because things that seem to be givens that follow marriage are suddenly 5 times more work! 

Just now, yuna628 said:

Married filing jointly certainly gives you the advantage of providing good documents when you reach the step beyond AOS (ROC). That will certainly be proof of comingling of assets. Why does she feel you cannot file jointly?

Did you look in the I94 database to see if your spouse's last entry is listed?

Yes - it is listed in the I94 database. She was uncertain because he does not currently have a green card, cannot work, has no social. But I live in a small town, so am also concerned that she possibly has not seen this type of situation. 

9 minutes ago, yuna628 said:

Hi there, it seems you encountered some issues immigrants face when they are given misleading info... and it all started likely at the SSA office...

So some questions to find out where that went wrong:

Before you went to the office did you check your I94 to see if you were indeed in the database?

And how soon after your husband arrived, did you go?

Could they not find you in the database so they needed to manually check?

Did they never mention withdrawing an application for an SSN, and starting it again when/if you were sure you were in the database?

Did you ask for a supervisor at any point?

 

The good news is, with an EAD you should be able to try again... so I will very much hope that it arrives for you soon.

 

As for health insurance, this is an issue faced by many immigrant couples when they arrive. The law is that anyone does not need to provide an SSN as a requirement to obtain insurance. If you are denied as such, it is because the employee is not following the law/not aware of the law. The only person that may request an SSN and determine if you have insurance personally is the IRS itself. Now using the exchange complicates matters, as it is a federal type of entity that often demands a level of documentation from immigrants they may not have due to circumstances beyond their control... and the website is unforgiving on that point. You may need to phone someone.... in fact several someones and supervisors to get the right answer. An SSN is not linked to health insurance. Insurances may request it, but you have the right not to comply. I will admit though that when you do have an SSN, it does make things a lot easier, because you don't to expend a lot of effort explaining things to stupid people. It sounds a little harsh... but it's true.

 

I don't see a reason why you could file with your spouse jointly, in fact not filing jointly will likely complicate matters in the future. If you are not getting any sort of savings via tax credits (as the majority of persons actually using the exchange don't), it might be worth your while to seek out health insurance privately and cost compare. Without the feds being convoluted you may actually be able to sign your spouse up to a plan with you and also find the cost, while very expensive is more or less the same. Time starts ticking once you marry, and your spouse absolutely qualifies for healthcare based on marriage under special enrollment (it's currently open enrollment but that will soon end), but that doesn't last long. I actually encourage more couples to try buying private insurance instead of the exchange in the circumstances that a) there's complications or runarounds and b) in the event the exchange will not offer any additional savings for them and may make things more difficult to obtain in the long run.

 

Thank you for all of this information! We waited the recommended 2 weeks after his arrival to go to the SSA office - in fact, I think a bit longer (2.5). They never stated that anything was abnormal or missing, but said that we would get a SSN within 4 weeks. After we had waited beyond the 4 week window, we made several calls to the office, and were told that the paperwork was still with the DHS and were addressed in quite a dismissive tone. We were sent the denial more than 2 months after applying - it was actually sent on our wedding day! 

Last year, I did receive some tax credit from the exchange, but ultimately, it may be worth it to consider looking at a private insurance plan - as the filing separately will take away the tax credit anyway. I will definitely try to call someone about getting us both covered. The issue there is that I am the sole earner at this point, since we are waiting for the EAD. But hopefully that will not take too long. 

I was a bit uncertain about what you mean by filing separately will complicate matters in the future. Do you mean this with regards to health insurance - or taxes? I spoke to the woman who does my taxes, and she had mentioned that she does not believe we can file jointly - should I seek a second opinion on this as well? 

Thanks so much again! 

True to the forum - this is certainly "Off Topic." 

My husband and I have been married for 1 month, and we are both somewhat overcome with frustrations about adjustment of status, social security numbers, health insurance, etc.... 

As soon as he got to the US, we attempted to get him a social security number, as we were instructed to do. He was denied because, as we were told by the Social Security Office, the DHS never responded to the request. We were unable to try again after that, because we had already gotten married, and his K-1 visa had expired. So now, we are moving through the AOS process, and hoping to get a social security number through the application for employment. 

Yesterday, I was filling out the application for health insurance on the marketplace (since I hold a number of per diem/adjunct positions, and need to seek health insurance there). This brought an additional question - would I be filing jointly for taxes with my new husband? Long story short, it seems that until he gets a social or green card, I am unable to put him on my insurance, and also ineligible for tax credits to lessen the cost of my own health insurance since I'll be filing on my own - even though I'm married. 

I guess the purpose of this post is to seek reassurance, or even just express my frustration to a group who might have gone through/be going through similar situations. 

I am trying to remember that regardless of the process and the hoops and the struggles at this point, I am married to the person I have been in love with for the past 10 years. I just wish there was more time to enjoy that fact - because it really is great! 

5 minutes ago, Msanelson1 said:

Thank you so much for responding!! do you think these documents require a wet signature? I’ve lost most of my boarding passes but i still have my passport (stamps)and itinerary and some receipts from when I was there so I hope that counts for something ! I also have my engagement ring receipt and video and call logs !

I signed my letter of intent and had him sign his just to be safe. I always figured better safe than sorry! 

I was in the same spot with lost boarding passes. We'd been together for 9 years at that point, and I had definitely not held every piece of paper! Itineraries worked just fine! 

6 minutes ago, Msanelson1 said:

Good morning!

 

I have a few questions about the K-1 visa:

 

I am desiring to to file the petition for my fiancé in December. However, I am visiting him again in February. Should I wait until then to file or can my fiancé present this additional evidence at the interview? Also, about the affidavit of support: do I have to make a certain amount? Will it matter if I have children? And do I need “wet” signatures for the intent to marry documents and evidence? Lastly, What are some ideas for the intent to marry evidence? Thank you guys in advance for all your help !

When I filed for my fiance in October, I did not know that I was going to visit him in December of the same year. When you get through to the interview, though, your fiance will need to provide evidence of a continued relationship - so that trip in February would be helpful then if you file now. 

The evidence I used were old plane itineraries, copies of passport stamps, my engagement ring receipt, pictures (he had gotten it on a previous visit), and some Skype conversation logs. 

Good luck with all of this! 

Oh - and one other fun bit of information that I forgot to mention - the reason he was sent a denial was not because of any specific reason. The office just never received word from the DHS. 

Not a good time to fall through the cracks, I guess! 

Some new developments: The bank does in fact require us to have a joint account, but because of the situation, they allowed us to put this money in one time. (so here's hoping for no late gifts in check form!) 

Also, we went to the Social Security office to inquire about his denial. They informed us that they could no longer file for a Social Security Number for him since his K1 Visa was expired (!!!). So now, we are going to move forward with his adjustment of status, since he'll need a green card in hand in order to re-apply for a SSN. 

Does anyone have experience with how long the AOS typically takes? I know that you also apply to be able to work with the same paperwork - but since we'll need to wait for his SSN, I'd like to be able to plan ahead for that added time. 

Thanks! 

Emily 

20 minutes ago, WhatLoveBuys said:

Is this a rule because of your bank or..? Most banking institutions in my state will allow you to cash a check with multiple names on it if both individuals go into the bank with their IDs - if there are checks in his name that don't also have your name on them he can sign the check over to you as well and you can still cash or deposit it...

I guess it must be. I tried to take them in to cash them, and the teller told me that she was unable to do the ones with both of our names since they needed a joint account. Maybe I'll give it another try and take him along to see if that helps, though. 

1 minute ago, cyberfx1024 said:

You are ok to continue with the AOS process but in addition I would figure out what's going on with his ssn?

We absolutely will! We went there at the end of August after he'd been here two weeks...so it seems like there was time for the approval to go through!

Thank you! So is the social security number at this point only important as far as banking, etc in the US? (this is an issue on its own because we have quite a few checks in our combined names from the wedding and can't cash them yet!) - but this is an issue I can deal with... We are okay to continue with the adjustment of status? 

My fiance (now husband) and I  went through the process of getting a K1 visa and everything seemed to go fairly smoothly. Until today. We came home from spending a weekend with friends to find (finally! after a 2.5 month wait) a letter from the social security office. 

He has been denied a social security number because homeland security was unable to verify his immigrant status. 

Has this happened to anyone else here? Is it merely a matter of something being overlooked? I am hoping that someone can say that it is - and that this feeling of dread that I'll have to send my husband of 1 week back to Sweden is unnecessary. 

Any help is very much appreciated. 

6 minutes ago, trudi said:

The airlines have their own list of requirements, in the U.K. this meant I had to use the services of a pet transporter, the travel kennel has to conform to strict guidelines, this is for the dogs comfort and safety, Oscar was in a giant crate and I covered the floor in non slip vet bed and a blanket (no toys, collars or harnesses are allowed).

Thanks so much for all of this information! 

By a pet transporter - is this someone who you work through to figure out the requirements and make sure they're met? Is there a place to locate these services? I'm very interested in seeking assistance to ensure we do this the right way, but I want to also be sure I'm using a reliable source. 

Thanks again!

So my fiance has officially had his K-1 visa approved!! 

But now comes the point where we need to figure out how to get his dog here with him. He's coming from Sweden, and so his dog has not had a rabies shot - and from what I gather, we will need to get him one prior to coming to the US since they aren't really effective until 1 month after they've been vaccinated. 

Has anyone gone through this before that might be able to give us advice about this or travel in general - especially with a big dog and a long flight. Obviously, we want the safest, best option for his dog getting here - so any feedback I can get is greatly appreciated!! 

Thanks so much! 

Emily 

Hi all! 

Back again for a little more advice! This site has always been my go-to for getting help, and hopefully this will be the same! My fiance, Oskar is currently filling out his DS-160 and paying his fee for our K1 visa! Sooo close! 

But....he cannot find an option for K1 under the payments for nonimmigranthe visas. Has anyone been through this part of the process that could tell me where he can find this option?

He says his choices are: 

Step 3: Please select a visa category that applies to you.

 All Others (B1/B2 and other categories)
 Students and Exchange Visitors
F visas are for students in an academic program, and M visas are for students in a non-academic program, such as vocational training.
J visas are for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States
 Petition-based
Includes the following visa classes:
CW1, E-3, H, O, P, Q, R
L-1 – Intracompany Transferees (Holding 3 x 129S Blanket Packages). Select L-1 Blanket from the list of visa classes.
L-1 – Intracompany Transferees (Holding an Individual I-797 Notice of Action). Select L-1 Individual from the list of visa classes
L-2 (Blanket) Spouse or Child of L1 visa holder (Blanket Petition)
L-2 (Individual) Spouse or Child of L1 visa holder (Individual)
 Treaty Trader/Investor Company (E1/E2) First Time and Renewal of Registration and Application

Thank you in advance to anyone who can shed some light on this! 

That's what he's done. He just got 4 vaccinations on Friday, and I assume a couple of them must require a series of shots - and those are what he still needs in one and two months. 

So he has the initial vaccinations of those series, and should be caught up with all of the others. 

Thanks! He was nervous about scheduling before they were finished, so I wanted to make sure that was all okay to move forward! 

Hello! 

My fiance is at the point of scheduling his medical exam and interview. He's gotten caught up on all vaccinations - but a couple of them are in stages (so he will need to return in 1 month, and then again in another month). I know that vaccinations are technically not necessary until the AOS, but I've heard that holding off until then can get even more expensive. Will he be able to schedule his medical and be marked off as being up to date with vaccinations? Holding off until these additional shots in 2 months will put us beyond the validity of our approval. 

Any input on this is appreciated!! 

Hi all! 

Our application has officially made it to the Embassy in Sweden! 

I am unsure of what to do for the required military records: my fiance says that at the time that they called him about military service, there was a shortage of spots, and so it was optional whether he wanted to do it or not - and he chose not to. Will he need record of that? Or if there was no service, does he not need to submit anything? 

Thank you!