My wife is waiting for K3 but already has SSN.

[A_I_S 0]

We're in the process of getting our K3 (just got a touch on Sunday 5/3). My wife already has SSN back from when she was in the States on Work & Travel program (J1 visa).

What restrictions will be applying to us once she gets into the US?

With the SSN she should be able to get the drivers license immediately, open bank accounts, etc...

Can she work, though, or do employers ask for EAD? Will it take less time to get EAD ifi she already has SSN and has in fact already filed taxes in the states (back when she worked, and she's on my joint tax return for last year when we got married).

Thanks.

Andrei

[Mononoke28 135]

The SSN that your wife currently has will be her number for life. All she has to do is update her status with the SSA office.

You need to call your bank to find out what ID documents she will need to bring to open a bank account or to join your bank account, each bank is different.

Same with her drivers license. Call your local DMV office to find out what documents they will need. In Colorado for example, the person needs at least their EAD if they still haven't received their green card. A SSN is not enough.

As for work, she cannot work without her EAD. Before then, she will not be authorized to legally work in the US. The time it will take the USCIS to process this is between 3-6 months. The fact that she already has a SSN and already filed taxes won't make a difference sinc the SSA office is a different entity from the IRS.

Diana