K1 Jamaica to US - Lots of ?s (i.e., EAD @ JFK?)

[tali 0]

First of all, I am so happy I found this site. The info here is far better than anything else I've read - and its comforting to hear so many people who are working toward (or supporting others) bringing their fiancee to the U.S.

Sent K1 application on 1/3/06. Approval from both INS and the Department of State (4/6/06) will will forward app to Jamaican Embassy. Have heard nothing yet from Embassy yet.

I remember reading that a fiancee can be issued a work permit at JFK airport when he/she comes into the country for the first time. Is that true? What do I need to do to make that happen?

Does anyone know how the medical appt works?

Also, he filed for a passport in March of last year and has yet to get it. Seems like he will have to pay someone money to get it "expedited". Is it important for him to have that when we go for the interview?

By the way, I am planning on going to the interview with him. Any reason why I shouldn't.

Finally, I'd like for us to leave together after we get approval (thinking positively here ). I've heard different things like you get the visa on the day of the interview or you have to wait 3 or 4 days. If you have to wait, do you pick it up, or wait for it my mail? My experience with Jamaican mail is that it takes MONTHS.

Thanks in advance!

Tanya

[myfellah 0]

My husband went through JFK and was issued the temporary work permit for 90 days. I don't think there is anything you have to show or ask for. I know that in Morocco the fiance cannot be present at the interview so I would check in your area to be sure you can.

Good Luck!

Doreen

[Yaads 0]

Hi Tanya! Welcome to VJ!

I went through JA for a K1 visa last year. Hopefully I can answer some of your questions.

As for the JFK work permit…yes you can get it but it is only valid for 90 days and then your fiancé will have to quit work and wait for his EAD.

After you receive the packet 4 from the embassy your fiancé will set up the appointment at one of three approved doctors in JA (2 docs are in Kingston and one in Mo Bay) I think that now JA is having you set up the medical a week before the interview.

Your fiancé HAS to have his passport. It is a requirement no way around it.

You are not required to be at the interview but the JA embassy allows it and I strongly encourage you to go if you can. It seems that they will give less hassle.

After your visa is approved you have to set it up to be delivered via a specific courier service (AIR PAK I believe) It is usually delivered within 3-5 days.

Also there is a thread with a huge group of us that have gone or are going through the JA embassy right now. Check out THIS thread.

Much love,

Jamie

Edited April 24, 2006 by Jme3584

[tali 0]

Thank you so much! I'll check out the thread you suggest. Only 2 days till your interview - that's wonderful. You're almost there! Good luck. T

[tali 0]

Thanks. A few follow ups. What exactly do you DO at JFK (and where in the airport) to get your work permit. Does everyone get one? Do I need to prepare something. Also, can you apply for your EAD concurrently so that hopefully its in process during the 90 days and then you get it just as the 90 day permit expires?

Is the medical focused purely on immunizations?

Anyone have experience with a Jamaican finacee / spouse getting work here. How difficult is the transition? What about the accent... is that a barrier? I've learned a lot but even now I still have to say "what??" every once in awhile...

Sorry these questions are so scattered. I'm open to learning the best way to post on this board. I'm just so excited its here!

T

Hi Tanya! Welcome to VJ!

I went through JA for a K1 visa last year. Hopefully I can answer some of your questions.

As for the JFK work permit…yes you can get it but it is only valid for 90 days and then your fiancé will have to quit work and wait for his EAD.

After you receive the packet 4 from the embassy your fiancé will set up the appointment at one of three approved doctors in JA (2 docs are in Kingston and one in Mo Bay) I think that now JA is having you set up the medical a week before the interview.

Your fiancé HAS to have his passport. It is a requirement no way around it.

You are not required to be at the interview but the JA embassy allows it and I strongly encourage you to go if you can. It seems that they will give less hassle.

After your visa is approved you have to set it up to be delivered via a specific courier service (AIR PAK I believe) It is usually delivered within 3-5 days.

Also there is a thread with a huge group of us that have gone or are going through the JA embassy right now. Check out THIS thread.

Much love,

Jamie

[Yaads 0]

Thanks. A few follow ups. What exactly do you DO at JFK (and where in the airport) to get your work permit. Does everyone get one? Do I need to prepare something. Also, can you apply for your EAD concurrently so that hopefully its in process during the 90 days and then you get it just as the 90 day permit expires?

Is the medical focused purely on immunizations?

Anyone have experience with a Jamaican finacee / spouse getting work here. How difficult is the transition? What about the accent... is that a barrier? I've learned a lot but even now I still have to say "what??" every once in awhile...

Sorry these questions are so scattered. I'm open to learning the best way to post on this board. I'm just so excited its here!

T

You don't DO anything at JFK. As he is going through immigration that is when your fiance would get the stamp. It isn't a guarantee but a lot of people do get it. If the officer doesn't automatically give your fiance the stamp it would be best if he ask about it and let them know that he would like the stamp for temp work authorization.

You apply for the EAD (work auth) along with your AOS. So that happens after you are married. If your fiance were to get here and you get married ASAP and file AOS immediatly there is a chance that your EAD would be approved before the temp from JFK expired. It took our EAD a little over 2.5 months to be approved but every case is different.

The medical (specifically for JA) focuses a lot on communicable diseases (HIV, TB) and the blood test for drugs (especially ganja). There is also a physical exam and x-rays. Immunizations are a part of it but definitely not the focus.

As for the questions about your about work and the accent...I suggest you post in the Yardie thread were you will get a wide range of responses.

Jamie

Edited April 25, 2006 by Jme3584