Flying into JFK tomorrow on a K 1 Visa!

[Michael.Nichols 0]

Hi everybody,

first, thanks so much for all the helpful info. Every step of the way you all have been incredibly helpful! So now here we are. Elena got approved for the K-1, and is flying into JFK tomorrow!!! What should we expect? Will there be a fee? I heard that she can apply for some sort of work permit or something right at JFK, but I haven't been able to find out any solid info about this. Anything else we should know before she crosses through customs tomorrow?

Thanks in advance!

Mike

[AmyWrites 593]

Expect her to drain your credit card via shopping.

I'm kidding.

Expect her to be questioned a bit at the airport. I've heard it's pretty normal, so if she's late... just wait it out.

No idea on the work permit tho.

And....

CONGRATS!

[Neonred 3,553]

No fee. No (valid) work permit. Make sure there is enough time to make a connecting flight if she is doing so.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Will there be a fee?

No

I heard that she can apply for some sort of work permit or something right at JFK,

Not possible. After you two get married and then apply for AOS, she can also apply for an EAD that will permit employment once it's issued. You are looking at many weeks or months before an EAD is issued. It's possible she will have her green card before she has an EAD and the green card obviously permits employment.

Edited September 2, 2011 by Ryan H

[SMR 368]

To clarify, there have been discussions about a stamp that has been in the past placed in passports of K-1 holders at POE that claimed to be a work authorization. In particular, this was often done at JFK. I'm not sure if they are still giving the stamp but there has been significant discussion in the past about the validity of these stamps as work authorization without other documents. I'm not able to give a definitive answer on their validity but I don't think they are given anymore anyways.

Even if they are given and are valid, they are not incredibly useful, in my opinion. They could only be valid through the duration of the I-94 (3 months). Although it is possible to obtain employment authorization in connection with AOS within that time if you marry quickly and then file and biometrics goes smoothly, the FSU spouse has to get a job immediately to make it worth it. Otherwise, just wait for a couple months and you can get employment authorization through AOS.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Hopefully you will be at JFK waiting for her to clear customs. Be patient as it can be longer than you expect. Don't worry about work permit or anything else right now. She will need your complete attention. She will be exhausted although probably not show that due to her excitement. Make sure you get her to use a bathroom before heading out to your car, unless you have connecting flight. But that's still a good idea.

She will need water (bottled of course) and lots of rest. She will need time to adjust her body clock to the new time zone, so allow her two to three weeks as a minimum. Expect her to be homesick after a while, so if you know of some Russian stores plan a trip to them after a little while. She will appreciated being able to speak her native language so much.

There is always a tendency to do a lot of things right away, but consider her needs first. Once she has made the adjustment to the time, she will be ready to party with all of your family and friends. Just go slow at first and she will let you know when she's ready for more.

Remember she is in a totally foreign environment where Russian is not widely spoken. Expect miscommunications!

Take her shopping for personal items, some new clothes and just get her acquainted with her surroundings. It will not be like she was expecting from the movies they see.

Care for her and show her love and you will be greatly rewarded.

Get ready for the best part of your journey together. :dance:

[TBoneTX 45,090]

What should we expect?

Uh, "the most dangerous food is Wedding Cake," si man? (Just kidding, mostly.)

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi everybody,

first, thanks so much for all the helpful info. Every step of the way you all have been incredibly helpful! So now here we are. Elena got approved for the K-1, and is flying into JFK tomorrow!!! What should we expect? Will there be a fee? I heard that she can apply for some sort of work permit or something right at JFK, but I haven't been able to find out any solid info about this. Anything else we should know before she crosses through customs tomorrow?

Thanks in advance!

Mike

JFK is a popular POE from Russia and you can read the POE reviews at this site. Expect long lines and do not be surprised if it takes 2-4 hours to get through, not because it is a K-1 but just because it is JFK.

The people are so-so helpful (it is New York) but i would not expect any great problems. We had none and never have on subsequent trips. It is very little different than coming into theUS from any other foreign travel

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Not that it is the same, but we entered at JFK yesterday and except for the lines had no trouble at all. Alla had more trouble entering because of her animals than because of her

K-1 visa.

[baron555 934]

Hi everybody,

first, thanks so much for all the helpful info. Every step of the way you all have been incredibly helpful! So now here we are. Elena got approved for the K-1, and is flying into JFK tomorrow!!! What should we expect?

About an hour or so wait in line for Customs/POE. There will be plenty of folks around who speak her language if that is an issue.

Will there be a fee?

No

I heard that she can apply for some sort of work permit or something right at JFK, but I haven't been able to find out any solid info about this.

Not done anymore. She needs either the EAD or the GC which is part of AOS which is after marriage to get authorization to work.

Anything else we should know before she crosses through customs tomorrow?

Thanks in advance!

Mike

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Regarding the "work permit" she may get her I-94 stamped with an authorization stamp BUT it has no value without an appropriate work visa, the K-1 is not one. The CPB at JFK is notorious for their "stamp them all and let someone else sort them out" attitude.

K-1s are NOT authorized to work until you are married and have filed for the AOS and EAD. Typically you will get the EAD 60-90 days after filing.

She CAN enroll in school and she CAN do volunteer work until then. Some universities require an EAD or green card to enroll but that is a school regulation not immigration law.