K1 - working in USA

[zaskar 0]

So I am not sure if this is the right area or not but will ask anyway

What is the general time frame before I can apply for work?

Thanks

[jcg303 1]

So I am not sure if this is the right area or not but will ask anyway

What is the general time frame before I can apply for work?

Thanks

as far as i know, you are not able to work while on the k-1 visa unless you get specific authorization, which is granted by the border patrol agent at the point of entry. you should double check http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. sorry, i don't have an exact website at the moment.

[Damian&Kelly 16]

You can't work on the K-1. Many argue that but I believe it's the truth that you can't work. I believe that JFK airport is the only airport that gives the work permit stamp, but with that stamp you still can't work right away, you have to wait 2 weeks to file for a Social security number and then another 2-4 weeks to get the SSN and the temp work stamp is only valid for 90 days (expires when the I-94 expires). The quicker you marry and file for AOS&EAD the quicker you can work. The least amount of time it would take from getting here is 90 days, because if you marry right away and file AOS&EAD right away, They say you should get the temp work permit (EAD) within 90 days of filing.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

So I am not sure if this is the right area or not but will ask anyway

What is the general time frame before I can apply for work?

Thanks

as far as i know, you are not able to work while on the k-1 visa unless you get specific authorization, which is granted by the border patrol agent at the point of entry. you should double check http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. sorry, i don't have an exact website at the moment.

This has changed. As a K-1 you will no thave the documentation needed to meet the requirements of the I-9 form even if you do get the stamp from the CBP at your point of entry. The K-1 is a fiancee visa, not a work visa. You will need to get married and file for AOS and EAD. You will receive an EAD or green card 2-6 months after applying for them.

You CAN get an SSN immediately and it will come in handy for many other things, bank accounts, drivers licenses, etc.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

You can't work on the K-1. Many argue that but I believe it's the truth that you can't work. I believe that JFK airport is the only airport that gives the work permit stamp, but with that stamp you still can't work right away, you have to wait 2 weeks to file for a Social security number and then another 2-4 weeks to get the SSN and the temp work stamp is only valid for 90 days (expires when the I-94 expires). The quicker you marry and file for AOS&EAD the quicker you can work. The least amount of time it would take from getting here is 90 days, because if you marry right away and file AOS&EAD right away, They say you should get the temp work permit (EAD) within 90 days of filing.

For clarifiction. K-1s do not need to wait two weeks for an SSN. Vj's guide on this is conservatively incorrect. It allows more time than necessary for the "SAVE" system to be updated. This system should be updated every night, so you will be "in the system" the morning after you arrive. My wife applied for her SSN the day after she arrived. You can call the SS office the next morning and get your SS number. The completely useless SS card will arrive usually within a week (my wife had hers in 6 days) this card can be placed in the bottom of your sock drawer. I LOST mine in 1973, haven't needed it since. The NUMBER is what is important.

None of this is relevent for a K-1 wanting to work, but the SSN is handy for bank accounts, drivers lisences, etc.

2 common problems I read, which are not problems...

1. K-1s try to get SSN in what will be married name. Don't, use name exactly as in passport. If having the wrong name on the SS card in your sock drawer bothers you, you can change it after you receive your green card

2. SS will ask you for 2 forms of government ID. You have them. Your passport and your K-1. Both issued by separate governments. You also have a stamped I-94

If necesary ask for a superviosr as SS does not always train the clerks they use for customer service and do not leave until your SSN is sucessfully applied for.

[Cuchita 1]

See my husband's process:

[rebeccajo 14]

For clarifiction. K-1s do not need to wait two weeks for an SSN. Vj's guide on this is conservatively incorrect. It allows more time than necessary for the "SAVE" system to be updated. This system should be updated every night, so you will be "in the system" the morning after you arrive.

Gary -

I see you've changed your advice on this but you are still not correct.

We once had a border patrol agent on this site who taught us all about SAVE. Airports have to report the info and they don't all do it the same way or at the same rate of speed. There is also a time lag for data to be entered into SAVE once it goes to the facility.

It can actually cause DELAYS for K1 entrants to go to the SS office too early. An application that cannot be completed by the clerk can get pushed to the bottom of their 'stack' just by normal workload.

It is far better to advise persons to wait a while before going to their SS office. Especially given the fact that for some members it's a bit of a drive to get to one.