K1, Expedited EAD and existing Social Security Number

[Ginger Wizard 0]

I have my K-1 interview next week, and expect to have my visa within the next couple of weeks. I want to move to the US to be with my fiance ASAP but I also need to work as soon as I arrive, since I have financial obligations here in the UK. My questions are:

1) I read on another forum that technically a K-1 visa allows you to work in the USA for 90 days but social security won't give you a card unless it says "Not valid for work without authorisation". I already have an American Social Security number, becuase I lived and worked there as a student on a J-1 visa. Can I therefore legally work on my K-1 visa as soon as I arrive?

2) I knew someone who had their EAD application expedited last year, but unfortunately I have lost his contact details. When asked for the reason he needed the process expedited he told them that he had a mortgage in the UK that he needed to pay, and they accepted this reason. Does anyone else have any experience of this? Apparently you can call and put in an Expedite request. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518648

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

3) I am a management consultant and will be transferring with my current company. I can take a role in the US but remain a UK employee. However, I have been told that if I do this (i.e. remain employed in the UK but live in the US) it might adversely affect my Green Card application. Can anyone shed any light on this? Does anyone have any experience of this?

4) Do I need to get a new Social Security number or can I use the one that I already have? I provided this on one of the forms I submitted as part of my visa application.

Thanks for all the help.

[payxibka 10,045]

Despite the 90 day work authjorization, you will find it difficult to fulfill the I-9 requirements that is needed by all US employers.

SSN's are issued for life... once you have one you do not need another number... all you need to do is keep SSA updated as to you immigration status changes

Edited May 28, 2009 by payxibka

[Ginger Wizard 0]

Despite the 90 day work authjorization, you will find it difficult to fulfill the I-9 requirements that is needed by all US employers.

SSN's are issued for life... once you have one you do not need another number... all you need to do is keep SSA updated as to you immigration status changes

Can you please elaborate on the I-9 requirements? I will not be a new hire, since I will just be transferring with my current company.

Thank you for the information on the SSA. That is very helpful. I wonder if that means that I can work immediately?

[payxibka 10,045]

Despite the 90 day work authjorization, you will find it difficult to fulfill the I-9 requirements that is needed by all US employers.

SSN's are issued for life... once you have one you do not need another number... all you need to do is keep SSA updated as to you immigration status changes

Can you please elaborate on the I-9 requirements? I will not be a new hire, since I will just be transferring with my current company.

Thank you for the information on the SSA. That is very helpful. I wonder if that means that I can work immediately?

google I-9.... you may be a transfer but you would now be US based..... The I-9 is a form to prove that you are legal to work inside the USA.

SSN by itself is not authorization to work... Does your SSN card have "Not for work without DHS authorization" language on it?

Edited May 28, 2009 by payxibka

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I have my K-1 interview next week, and expect to have my visa within the next couple of weeks. I want to move to the US to be with my fiance ASAP but I also need to work as soon as I arrive, since I have financial obligations here in the UK. My questions are:

1) I read on another forum that technically a K-1 visa allows you to work in the USA for 90 days but social security won't give you a card unless it says "Not valid for work without authorisation". I already have an American Social Security number, becuase I lived and worked there as a student on a J-1 visa. Can I therefore legally work on my K-1 visa as soon as I arrive?

2) I knew someone who had their EAD application expedited last year, but unfortunately I have lost his contact details. When asked for the reason he needed the process expedited he told them that he had a mortgage in the UK that he needed to pay, and they accepted this reason. Does anyone else have any experience of this? Apparently you can call and put in an Expedite request. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518648

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

3) I am a management consultant and will be transferring with my current company. I can take a role in the US but remain a UK employee. However, I have been told that if I do this (i.e. remain employed in the UK but live in the US) it might adversely affect my Green Card application. Can anyone shed any light on this? Does anyone have any experience of this?

4) Do I need to get a new Social Security number or can I use the one that I already have? I provided this on one of the forms I submitted as part of my visa application.

Thanks for all the help.

1. Opposite is true. K-1 can get a SSN number right away but cannot work until green card or EAD. There seems to be some deabte on this (still) but you simply do not have the documents needed for the I-9 as a K-1.

2. I am not aware of how to expedite an EAD

3. Your company should be able to get you the necessary work visas to work as a UK employee in the USA. I did the same thing, worked in Ukraine as an American company employee and the company handled all the authorizations. If you are getting married it should not affect your green card at all. Your AOS is based on marriage, not your work.

4. SSN is issued for life. If you already have one, you are good to go on that matter.

[rebeccajo 14]

I have my K-1 interview next week, and expect to have my visa within the next couple of weeks. I want to move to the US to be with my fiance ASAP but I also need to work as soon as I arrive, since I have financial obligations here in the UK. My questions are:

1) I read on another forum that technically a K-1 visa allows you to work in the USA for 90 days but social security won't give you a card unless it says "Not valid for work without authorisation". I already have an American Social Security number, becuase I lived and worked there as a student on a J-1 visa. Can I therefore legally work on my K-1 visa as soon as I arrive?

2) I knew someone who had their EAD application expedited last year, but unfortunately I have lost his contact details. When asked for the reason he needed the process expedited he told them that he had a mortgage in the UK that he needed to pay, and they accepted this reason. Does anyone else have any experience of this? Apparently you can call and put in an Expedite request. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518648

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

3) I am a management consultant and will be transferring with my current company. I can take a role in the US but remain a UK employee. However, I have been told that if I do this (i.e. remain employed in the UK but live in the US) it might adversely affect my Green Card application. Can anyone shed any light on this? Does anyone have any experience of this?

4) Do I need to get a new Social Security number or can I use the one that I already have? I provided this on one of the forms I submitted as part of my visa application.

Thanks for all the help.

1. Opposite is true. K-1 can get a SSN number right away but cannot work until green card or EAD. There seems to be some deabte on this (still) but you simply do not have the documents needed for the I-9 as a K-1.

2. I am not aware of how to expedite an EAD

3. Your company should be able to get you the necessary work visas to work as a UK employee in the USA. I did the same thing, worked in Ukraine as an American company employee and the company handled all the authorizations. If you are getting married it should not affect your green card at all. Your AOS is based on marriage, not your work.

4. SSN is issued for life. If you already have one, you are good to go on that matter.

If the OP already possesses an unrestricted SS card AND can produce a US issued ID, such as a driver's license, he/she can legally work in the United States.

Edited May 29, 2009 by rebeccajo

[mingus_drake 0]

in terms of expediting your EAD- talk to your soon to be local congressman/woman's office. they may be able to provide a letter of support for your EAD to be sped up. i just spoke to mine this morning and they were very accommodating with doing this.

[jonobate 0]

I have my K-1 interview next week, and expect to have my visa within the next couple of weeks. I want to move to the US to be with my fiance ASAP but I also need to work as soon as I arrive, since I have financial obligations here in the UK. My questions are:

1) I read on another forum that technically a K-1 visa allows you to work in the USA for 90 days but social security won't give you a card unless it says "Not valid for work without authorisation". I already have an American Social Security number, becuase I lived and worked there as a student on a J-1 visa. Can I therefore legally work on my K-1 visa as soon as I arrive?

2) I knew someone who had their EAD application expedited last year, but unfortunately I have lost his contact details. When asked for the reason he needed the process expedited he told them that he had a mortgage in the UK that he needed to pay, and they accepted this reason. Does anyone else have any experience of this? Apparently you can call and put in an Expedite request. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518648

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

3) I am a management consultant and will be transferring with my current company. I can take a role in the US but remain a UK employee. However, I have been told that if I do this (i.e. remain employed in the UK but live in the US) it might adversely affect my Green Card application. Can anyone shed any light on this? Does anyone have any experience of this?

4) Do I need to get a new Social Security number or can I use the one that I already have? I provided this on one of the forms I submitted as part of my visa application.

Thanks for all the help.

1. Opposite is true. K-1 can get a SSN number right away but cannot work until green card or EAD. There seems to be some deabte on this (still) but you simply do not have the documents needed for the I-9 as a K-1.

2. I am not aware of how to expedite an EAD

3. Your company should be able to get you the necessary work visas to work as a UK employee in the USA. I did the same thing, worked in Ukraine as an American company employee and the company handled all the authorizations. If you are getting married it should not affect your green card at all. Your AOS is based on marriage, not your work.

4. SSN is issued for life. If you already have one, you are good to go on that matter.

I'm very interested in number 3 as it's something I've considered myself. I am travelling to the US on a K-1 in November and was hoping I could work for my present UK company in the states while waiting for my EAD to come through. Is it possible to hold a work visa and K-1 visa simultaneously? How long would it take my company to get a work visa?

Any help anyone can give me would be very much appreciated!

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

It depends how its done really. For instance if you are transferring to a US based branch then you'll need to check internally what needs to be done work permit -wise. They should handle all the leg work etc to get you it.

If you are a UK employee who is still working for the UK branch from the US then there is no official US employer, no I9 and no permit.

[milimelo 4,477]

L-1 visa? Inter-company transfer?

[HWANG0926 0]

My fiance arrived 7/22. We went to the SS office on 7/28, received our SSN 1 week later in the mail, with restrictions on it.... for employment with DHS authorization only. In addition, we went to the DMV office yesterday, they gave us a PAIN in the neck in getting a driver's license... so the DL expires in Oct when his I 94 expires.

I really highly doubt that there is anything to be expedited in terms of working right away! It takes over 2-3 weeks to obtain a marriage license, we had our expedited and somehow we were lucky to receive it within 3 days.... and now preparing the paperworks for EAD, AP, and I485 AOS.

I don't think there is a way around it...

It doesn't matter if you have lived in the States before, its your current status.

Unless your SSN doesn't have a restriction on it and you have a DL or ID... i suppose it would be Valid for Employment~

[Mark UK 3]

I have my K-1 interview next week, and expect to have my visa within the next couple of weeks. I want to move to the US to be with my fiance ASAP but I also need to work as soon as I arrive, since I have financial obligations here in the UK. My questions are:

1) I read on another forum that technically a K-1 visa allows you to work in the USA for 90 days but social security won't give you a card unless it says "Not valid for work without authorisation". I already have an American Social Security number, becuase I lived and worked there as a student on a J-1 visa. Can I therefore legally work on my K-1 visa as soon as I arrive?

2) I knew someone who had their EAD application expedited last year, but unfortunately I have lost his contact details. When asked for the reason he needed the process expedited he told them that he had a mortgage in the UK that he needed to pay, and they accepted this reason. Does anyone else have any experience of this? Apparently you can call and put in an Expedite request. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518648

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

3) I am a management consultant and will be transferring with my current company. I can take a role in the US but remain a UK employee. However, I have been told that if I do this (i.e. remain employed in the UK but live in the US) it might adversely affect my Green Card application. Can anyone shed any light on this? Does anyone have any experience of this?

4) Do I need to get a new Social Security number or can I use the one that I already have? I provided this on one of the forms I submitted as part of my visa application.

Thanks for all the help.

1. Opposite is true. K-1 can get a SSN number right away but cannot work until green card or EAD. There seems to be some deabte on this (still) but you simply do not have the documents needed for the I-9 as a K-1.

2. I am not aware of how to expedite an EAD

3. Your company should be able to get you the necessary work visas to work as a UK employee in the USA. I did the same thing, worked in Ukraine as an American company employee and the company handled all the authorizations. If you are getting married it should not affect your green card at all. Your AOS is based on marriage, not your work.

4. SSN is issued for life. If you already have one, you are good to go on that matter.

I'm very interested in number 3 as it's something I've considered myself. I am travelling to the US on a K-1 in November and was hoping I could work for my present UK company in the states while waiting for my EAD to come through. Is it possible to hold a work visa and K-1 visa simultaneously? How long would it take my company to get a work visa?

Any help anyone can give me would be very much appreciated!

I thought I could go down the same route and the UK visa helpline confirm that technically, there is nothing stopping you. I was working in the UK for a UK employer which just happened to be a US multinational. They tried to transfer me to a job locally in the US but it just wasn't quite feasible. I was offered the role of working 'remotely' in the US for the UK team (and therefore, still a UK employer) but the HR department said that they would not sanction it due to "corporate tax and liability issues" (I can't remember what, exactly) and in the end, I got tired of waiting for a transfer and resigned and looked for a job myself in the US when I got here.

They were willing to get me a work visa - BUT I had already applied for a K-1 visa and therefore, according to their policies, I was explicitly not transferring for professional reasons and so the board were not able to sanction the application for a visa. They told me that, at that stage of proceedings, it would have been faster for me to get the work visa, but I was thwarted. Sadly, they told me that they would have been willing to sponsor me on a work visa even though I was moving for personal reasons, but that they couldn't because I had made it very, very clear the move was for personal reasons by applying for the K-1.

It worked out OK in the end, though. I ended up getting a job with a company near-ish to where I lived whose main client was my old employer

This information is three years old now, but thought I'd share that it was possible at the time. Back to the OP, I doubt very much that the USCIS will accept a financial necessity as a reason to expedite the EAD, though. Their logic at the time was 'well, you have to PROVE you can make it over there on your own within the constraints that are put upon you'. Considering they don't 'care' whether the fiancee is pregnant in their priorities/timelines, I'd imagine it's still the same.

Have you thought about getting the temporary EAD for 90-days by immigrating at JFK?

[Thai family 0]

You can't work with your SSN because you did while here on a previous J 1 visa. Your SSN is good for life, but work authorization is not.

-Thai Mom