Last night in Canada!

[KTandTommy 31]

I'm so overcome with emotion!

On the one hand, *obviously* I am super excited and bouncing off the walls that this process is finally over - tomorrow POE, reunited on Friday (driving down to FL), and in less than two weeks, I will be married to my love!

But on the other hand, it's been SO hard this week, saying goodbye to my friends and family... my apartment... my car... everything I've ever known. I must admit, there have been more than a few tears shed. Everyone I know who's done a big move like this says it's normal though... right?

If anyone is online right now... anyone have any last minute POE advice? We will be going through Windsor. We're heading out tomorrow at around 4am. Tomorrow is POE, but I won't be reunited with Tom until Friday, because we're driving down. Any last minute advice for POE? I have all the paperwork ready to go (I think! - sealed envelope... Passport with visa inside... Itemized list of the boxes in the van...)

Also - Do you guys think I should bother getting a SSN in my maiden name? I arrive on the 21st, then there's two holidays in there, and we'll be married on the 1st of January. Should I just wait til I have the marriage certificate and apply with my married name?

[newlyweds2010 208]

I'm so overcome with emotion!

On the one hand, *obviously* I am super excited and bouncing off the walls that this process is finally over - tomorrow POE, reunited on Friday (driving down to FL), and in less than two weeks, I will be married to my love!

But on the other hand, it's been SO hard this week, saying goodbye to my friends and family... my apartment... my car... everything I've ever known. I must admit, there have been more than a few tears shed. Everyone I know who's done a big move like this says it's normal though... right?

If anyone is online right now... anyone have any last minute POE advice? We will be going through Windsor. We're heading out tomorrow at around 4am. Tomorrow is POE, but I won't be reunited with Tom until Friday, because we're driving down. Any last minute advice for POE? I have all the paperwork ready to go (I think! - sealed envelope... Passport with visa inside... Itemized list of the boxes in the van...)

Also - Do you guys think I should bother getting a SSN in my maiden name? I arrive on the 21st, then there's two holidays in there, and we'll be married on the 1st of January. Should I just wait til I have the marriage certificate and apply with my married name?

Congrats, and good luck. As to the SSN, I would wait. You probably won't even be able to get one until 10 days after you enter the country (you need to be "in the system" and it takes a while), at which point you will have a different name.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

The last night is hard! I remember crying all night. I was excited to start my new life with my love, but so sad to leave everything behind... so you're not alone!

The POE seems a little nerve-wracking but its actually really simple. It sounds like you're prepared and ready to go. Early arrival means shorter lines and wait times, but keep in mind there may not be an officer there that knows what he/she is doing! The night shifters aren't always the most knowledgeable, so just be patient. Do you have $6 USD for the I-94? Just in case you're not one to carry cash.

For the SSN, if you don't need it immediately I would wait and skip a step. Do you know what the turnaround time is in your state for processing the marriage certificate? Since you'll need that to prove the new name. We had to mail ours in and it took about 10 days.

Good luck and best wishes!!

[KTandTommy 31]

The last night is hard! I remember crying all night. I was excited to start my new life with my love, but so sad to leave everything behind... so you're not alone!

The POE seems a little nerve-wracking but its actually really simple. It sounds like you're prepared and ready to go. Early arrival means shorter lines and wait times, but keep in mind there may not be an officer there that knows what he/she is doing! The night shifters aren't always the most knowledgeable, so just be patient. Do you have $6 USD for the I-94? Just in case you're not one to carry cash.

For the SSN, if you don't need it immediately I would wait and skip a step. Do you know what the turnaround time is in your state for processing the marriage certificate? Since you'll need that to prove the new name. We had to mail ours in and it took about 10 days.

Good luck and best wishes!!

Oh, I should've mentioned - we're leaving Toronto at 4am, but it's a 4 hour drive to the border, so we'll actually be getting there around 8am. Hopefully there will be more knowledgeable people on hand.

Totally forgot about the $6, but I've got that covered - thanks for the reminder!

I'm not sure what the turnaround time is, actually. I think we're going to meet with our officiant when I get down there, so I'll ask her. It's pretty neat - she actually married a guy from Sweden, so she knows exactly what we're going through

Thanks!

[StarGirl 13]

I am so happy that another Feb filer is making it!!!! POE for me was very easy, and from what I've read, it is supposed to be this way. They might ask you when you are going to go to FL where your fiance lives. At least that was what they asked me.. I had a connection flight ticket, but didn't need to show it. Simple explanation was good enough. At SS office I was told that to change last name on my social (I had one from previous visits) I would need to bring affirmation of name change from USCIS. So, yes, you can apply for SS couple weeks after your arrival, or wait till you have EAD card on your hands, if you are planning on getting one so you can have it done in your married name already.

Congratulations again on successful end of your K-1 journey, and welcome to USA!

[KTandTommy 31]

Congrats, and good luck. As to the SSN, I would wait. You probably won't even be able to get one until 10 days after you enter the country (you need to be "in the system" and it takes a while), at which point you will have a different name.

Thanks!

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I guess I'll just have to see how long it takes for the marriage certificate to be sure about how I should proceed exactly

[KTandTommy 31]

I am so happy that another Feb filer is making it!!!! POE for me was very easy, and from what I've read, it is supposed to be this way. They might ask you when you are going to go to FL where your fiance lives. At least that was what they asked me.. I had a connection flight ticket, but didn't need to show it. Simple explanation was good enough. At SS office I was told that to change last name on my social (I had one from previous visits) I would need to bring affirmation of name change from USCIS. So, yes, you can apply for SS couple weeks after your arrival, or wait till you have EAD card on your hands, if you are planning on getting one so you can have it done in your married name already.

Congratulations again on successful end of your K-1 journey, and welcome to USA!

Oh, that's good to know about the POE - We're going to be driving straight down, so I don't exactly have *proof* of that... but you would think by the amount of boxes we have packed into the van, they will recognize it! LOL

Thanks for the advice and the welcome!

[newlyweds2010 208]

Thanks!

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I guess I'll just have to see how long it takes for the marriage certificate to be sure about how I should proceed exactly

I don't know about FL, it took us 2 weeks to receive ours in CA. Remember that until you have a valid I-94 (it's good for 90 days) even the least knowledgeable SSA clerk should have no problems in giving you a SSN.

[Patsgal54 18]

The nerves are completely normal! I was exactly the same. I was so excited to see my fiance, but I was also really upset to be leaving my parents and friends. And I was nervous about POE. Even though you know it'll be fine, you still worry about something going wrong, right? But if you're anything like me, the minute you see your fiance you'll be absolutely fine.

As for the SSN, as others have said, I would wait until you're married. Going to the Social Security office is never a fun experience, I wouldn't recommend doing it twice!

Good luck tomorrow

[KTandTommy 31]

The nerves are completely normal! I was exactly the same. I was so excited to see my fiance, but I was also really upset to be leaving my parents and friends. And I was nervous about POE. Even though you know it'll be fine, you still worry about something going wrong, right? But if you're anything like me, the minute you see your fiance you'll be absolutely fine.

As for the SSN, as others have said, I would wait until you're married. Going to the Social Security office is never a fun experience, I wouldn't recommend doing it twice!

Good luck tomorrow

Haha - yup, that's exactly how I'm feeling. *Thankfully* My parents are driving me down, and vacationing for 3 weeks, so that'll make my transition a little easier. And my sister and her family are flying down on Sunday, and staying until after the wedding (even though it's just a small wedding - I'm so happy I'll have her there!)

Thanks!

[hikergirl 277]

Have a safe trip.

Best wishes and an early congratulations on your wedding!

[KTandTommy 31]

Thank you!

[JensJrny2Ray 367]

My goodness, I got very emotional just reading your post. Best of luck to you with your new life in the States and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!

SIGH, I'm gonna miss Canada so much.

[Tom & Stacy 3]

I applied for my SSN 4 weeks after I arrived in the US and it still wasn't in the system. I'd get your SSN before your I-94 expires because if not you'll need to wait until your EAD or Green Card shows up before getting it. I had it printed in my maiden name and will be going back once I recieve my EAD to have it changed to my married name. I needed the SSN # to be added to my husbands life insurance.

POE is simple! You'll have no problems. Just don't lie. Tell the complete truth and you'll be on your way in no time. Good luck and congrats!

I also cried the night before I left. It was hard leaving my bedroom and my parents. Gave my dad my car. So sad. But once you are with the one you love it isn't bad at all. You just live life and look forward to seeing your family and friends again whenever you can!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You will also need to get your SSN while you still have more than 2 weeks left on your I-94 or they won't give it to you until you have your EAD or your green card. I would go ahead and get it in your maiden name as you already have all of the identification for that and USCIS has that name on file. After you are married, it will require a second trip to go in and change the name with your marriage certificate - but if there are any problems with your AOS or delays or situations that require a SSN such as being added to your spouses' health insurance during the limited 'window' that they allow, it is far better to have to make 2 trips and have a SSN when you need it, than only making one trip - but not being able to have a SSN when you do need it.

It is easier to change the name with SSA than to be without a SSN in the US - and SSA is NOT conversant with USCIS regulations so you may well run into delays trying to get the card in your married name right away.

Edited December 23, 2012 by Kathryn41