Non-Resident Banking

[SunDrop 59]

Hi VJers

We've had to put our K1 filing on hold for a while, until the job market improves stateside and we feel secure enough to start life together in the US without my being able to work for up to a year.

However, it would be helpful if I could open an bank account in the US for various reasons. I have a SSN from when I had an L4 visa for a year before my 21st birthday. I know that my SO would allow me to use his address for banking correspondence, so is this possible or would I be risking problems with immigration later down the line? I guess I'd have it registered as a non-resident account, since I don't have any state ID or resident visa.

Any advice?

TIA

Tish

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Hi VJers

We've had to put our K1 filing on hold for a while, until the job market improves stateside and we feel secure enough to start life together in the US without my being able to work for up to a year.

However, it would be helpful if I could open an bank account in the US for various reasons. I have a SSN from when I had an L4 visa for a year before my 21st birthday. I know that my SO would allow me to use his address for banking correspondence, so is this possible or would I be risking problems with immigration later down the line? I guess I'd have it registered as a non-resident account, since I don't have any state ID or resident visa.

Any advice?

TIA

Tish

My late wife's parents opened a bank account when they were here on extended vacation when Kez was ill. They were able to open a bank account just with there UK passports, they had to complete a form for non-resident aliens but that was all there was no problem with them not having US SSN and they still use the account today to transfer money for when they come to visit.

[Old Dominion 26]

Hi VJers

We've had to put our K1 filing on hold for a while, until the job market improves stateside and we feel secure enough to start life together in the US without my being able to work for up to a year.

However, it would be helpful if I could open an bank account in the US for various reasons. I have a SSN from when I had an L4 visa for a year before my 21st birthday. I know that my SO would allow me to use his address for banking correspondence, so is this possible or would I be risking problems with immigration later down the line? I guess I'd have it registered as a non-resident account, since I don't have any state ID or resident visa.

Any advice?

TIA

Tish

Go ahead and do it! No problem down the road at all.

[SunDrop 59]

Thanks for replying - I guess the problems I've read about are with new residents entering on non-immigrant visas!

Would any bank be up for this or do I need to use an International one like Chase? I believe the SO and folks use the AZ Credit Union (but both of his folks work for the state so maybe restricted from what I understand?)

Thanks again,

Tish

[SunDrop 59]

Thanks for replying - I guess the problems I've read about are with new residents entering on non-immigrant visas!

Would any bank be up for this or do I need to use an International one like Chase? I believe the SO and folks use the AZ Credit Union (but both of his folks work for the state so maybe restricted from what I understand?)

Thanks again,

Tish

Just an update, in case anyone is reading this thread after searching. I walked into Chase with my passport, UK license and 30usd as a deposit, walked out 20 minutes later with a visa debit checking account. Had to ask them to complete the non-resident form.

The kicker was that adding my USC partner to it, initially as a joint account holder made him the primary account holder, as he has a SSN. I couldn't use my SSN as it was issued in my maiden name and I didn't have a copy of my marriage cert with me (since it was sent in with my divorce petition!)

He was offered a credit card but didn't accept it, I didn't qualify as a non-resident.