getting green card as quick as possible

[WS-JW 0]

hi all

I was wondering, with the problems of working with K-1 before getting the green card, a process that could take 6 months or more since entering the US of not being able to work, would getting eloped almost immediatly and applying for AOS as quickly as possible be a good idea? then having an offical wedding later?

the only problem i see with that is then it could cast doubts onto if the relationship is genuine and would certainly look like a "green card marriage" plus I understand the AOS application requires wedding photos, and also the interview would look bad. it's just not been able to work for half a year seems ridiculous. And we want to spend time and have a "proper" wedding.

also does anyone know if my UK drivers license will be vaild for 3 months upon entry to drive in the US, as it is on the visa waiver program?, as i was thinking of buying a car before green card too, but i am guessing with buying one i would have insurance problems and other things too?

thanks in advance

[catrocks 0]

It is illegal to enter the US on the visa waiver program with the intent to stay. You can come on the VWP and marry, but then you have to go back to the UK and file for K-3 or the immigrant visa. If you did the immigrant visa route you could continue to work in the UK until you get the visa, and you could work immediately on arrival in the US.

I don't know about the drivers license - it varies from state to state so you would have to contact your state's DMV.

[WS-JW 0]

sorry I meant I do have a K-1 Visa, I have just been issued it, but am wanting to work as quickly as possible but am wondering if there could be problems if we elope immediatly after I enter US

[eau_xplain 2]

If you are entering with a K1, you can have a simple civil wedding (in front of a magistrate) right away and start filing your AOS. You can then take your time to plan your grand church ceremony. This church ceremony will no longer be called a wedding but an affirmation of your vows. It's the civil wedding that counts with USCIS as it's the one that makes you legally husband and wife.

[scur 0]

If you are entering with a K1, you can have a simple civil wedding (in front of a magistrate) right away and start filing your AOS. You can then take your time to plan your grand church ceremony. This church ceremony will no longer be called a wedding but an affirmation of your vows. It's the civil wedding that counts with USCIS as it's the one that makes you legally husband and wife.

Exactly. You are in a K-1 so having a civil ceremony wont be a problem. i did the same and you can take pictures too. Lot of people dont belive in marriage or even wearing a ring and changing their last name its not USCIS's concern. If you can prove them its a legit marriage i dont think you will have any problems.

[tom_g 3]

I had my K1 interview on the 2nd Jan, entered the US on the 13th, got married 15th jan, filed AOS 17th jan, applied for SSN exactly 2 weeks after entering the country - I've done everything as quickly as possible

I'm not entirely sure it helps, because the package that you left at POE still has to be re-united with your AOS package.

My NOAs took 20 days to arrive, which is quite a long time.

I'm rushing because I need to work asap. My wife works hard but money is running out. If i'm still waiting for EAD in may we're in trouble

boredom and stress, inactivity and anxiety, what a great combination

[Cécy 44]

Getting married quickly is not a problem by itself. You will find that many people here on VJ did that for the simple reason that you do not know when you will be in the US since you can't tell when the K1 will be approved. It's therefore hard to plan a big wedding in such a short time. USCIS knows that.

Now you can have have more than just the 2 witnesses at the wedding, and have a small party so you get some pictures. But what really matters is that the marriage is legal.

What you can do is to schedule a date for the big wedding and make the reservation for the site, you will get a contract that you can bring with you to the interview it is good proof that you plan to have a bigger wedding.

Pictures like in the K1 are not a primary proof.

I'm not sure how soon you should get married though, you might want to give it a few days, if only to adjust to the time difference and gather the papers you need to get married.

You will need to apply for a Social Security Card (it's not mendatory for the AOS) but it's something you will need to work. If you are a woman it is often easier to apply under the maiden name as it is the one that USCIS has. Also you have to wait a few days for it so you get in the system.

As far as the driving license, the rules are different in every state, you might want to get in touch with your local DMV for that. But I know the rules are a bit different from coming under VWP.

You will need a social security number (unless I'm mistaken) to take your driving license test and therefore the license itself. Also in many states you need to be either within the 90 days of your arrival or have and EAD (sometimes even a Green Card) to obtain it. Again check with the local DMV for what their requirements are.

Also some states keep the UK license in exchange of the US one (Georgia does that for example) so if it's the case of your state, just tell them you lost your UK license and take all the tests so you don't have to go through that trouble.

When it comes to buying a car, take into consideration the problem of having a credit history to get a car loan with decent interests, it might be good to get it with your spouse...