CR-1 visa - can i work once i reach the US?

[mrsemcee 1]

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

[YuAndDan 153]

CR-1 gets an I-551 stamp in passport when they enter the USA, this IS GREEN-CARD, this allows you to take a job the moment you arrive, most employers will give you time to get an SSN. You can apply for a SSN within 2 weeks after arrival and have SSN a week or so after applying for it.

K-3 CANNOT take a job, and MUST wait until they file for EAD or green-card, and have EAD or Green-card before applying for work.

Edited June 24, 2009 by YuAndDan

[mrsemcee 1]

oh ok great. thanks for that!!!

[lgg 2]

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

[mrsemcee 1]

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

thanks for the advice there! my husband is the USC but i am better with forms so i have been filling them out and giving them to him to sign and post haha!

i didnt even know anything about the difference between the two, now i know i can work once i reach the US on the CR-1 visa, i am really glad i asked. i will continue down that path.

one query though, how do i let them know which path i am going down? do they send me paperwork for one or the other when i get my NOA1 from the I-130?

[YuAndDan 153]

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

K-3 can apply for EAD BEFORE they adjust status, and can use the resulting EAD card to work befor AOS. The EAD card can take 90 days or longer to get.

You need to study up a-bit. CR-1 gets a 2 year CONDITIONAL green card id married less than 2 years when the card is issued, if married more than 2 years when green-card is issued teh card will be a 10 year un-conditional card.

A person with a 2 year conditional card is NOT adjusting status when removing conditions, they are Removing conditions, they are LPR before and after removing conditions.

[faryan 4]

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

[YuAndDan 153]

thanks for the advice there! my husband is the USC but i am better with forms so i have been filling them out and giving them to him to sign and post haha!

i didnt even know anything about the difference between the two, now i know i can work once i reach the US on the CR-1 visa, i am really glad i asked. i will continue down that path.

one query though, how do i let them know which path i am going down? do they send me paperwork for one or the other when i get my NOA1 from the I-130?

Simple you don't file an I-129F, and let the I-130 process normally. Edited June 24, 2009 by YuAndDan

[lgg 2]

Same boat with me, I'm the beneficiary, my husband the USC but I have all the details and the patience for the forms.

YOu ask all the same questions I was baffled about too!

They know because you file an I-130 and the subsequent items with that... once approved it'll follow the course for the CR-1. In our cover letter for the USCIS, I also stated we were filing an I-130 in order to eventually obtain the CR-1 visa. I figured it wouldn't hurt to be absolutely clear as to what we were doing.

Ask away, this place is great for all questions great or small and all little fears and worries and joys regarding this process. IT's been amazing otherwise I'd have been lost on a few steps. Still not done yet, ourselves so... more questions coming for us too.

Good luck... .

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

thanks for the advice there! my husband is the USC but i am better with forms so i have been filling them out and giving them to him to sign and post haha!

i didnt even know anything about the difference between the two, now i know i can work once i reach the US on the CR-1 visa, i am really glad i asked. i will continue down that path.

one query though, how do i let them know which path i am going down? do they send me paperwork for one or the other when i get my NOA1 from the I-130?

Thanks YuAndDan...

I get the verbiage confused sometimes.

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

K-3 can apply for EAD BEFORE they adjust status, and can use the resulting EAD card to work befor AOS. The EAD card can take 90 days or longer to get.

You need to study up a-bit. CR-1 gets a 2 year CONDITIONAL green card id married less than 2 years when the card is issued, if married more than 2 years when green-card is issued teh card will be a 10 year un-conditional card.

A person with a 2 year conditional card is NOT adjusting status when removing conditions, they are Removing conditions, they are LPR before and after removing conditions.

[mrsemcee 1]

thanks for the advice there! my husband is the USC but i am better with forms so i have been filling them out and giving them to him to sign and post haha!

i didnt even know anything about the difference between the two, now i know i can work once i reach the US on the CR-1 visa, i am really glad i asked. i will continue down that path.

one query though, how do i let them know which path i am going down? do they send me paperwork for one or the other when i get my NOA1 from the I-130?

Simple you don't file an I-129F, and let the I-130 process normally.

i just filed my I-130 paperwork and followed all instructions on this website, HOWEVER i actually put in an I-129F form at the back (which i now know i shouldnt have done!!)

does this mean i will get an RFE and if so, do i just say i dont want that I-129f form in there now and to continue with the I-130? or will they just not even worry about the I-129F as it wasnt supposed to be in the package?

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

thanks so much! that sounds like a good journey you had!

[mrsemcee 1]

thanks for the reply there lgg.

i feel so confused. i HAVE done a fair bit of reading up on this, but there is so much mess in between GOOD information on various sites and i get worried when i see someone doing something different to me.

i hope i dont get an RFE. i sent my I-130 off and it had all the right info, but i stupidly put in an I-129F form at the back of it, and now i fear they will be confused and send it back. will they just mail us and ask why it is in there or something? i hope so.

aaah!

Same boat with me, I'm the beneficiary, my husband the USC but I have all the details and the patience for the forms.

YOu ask all the same questions I was baffled about too!

They know because you file an I-130 and the subsequent items with that... once approved it'll follow the course for the CR-1. In our cover letter for the USCIS, I also stated we were filing an I-130 in order to eventually obtain the CR-1 visa. I figured it wouldn't hurt to be absolutely clear as to what we were doing.

Ask away, this place is great for all questions great or small and all little fears and worries and joys regarding this process. IT's been amazing otherwise I'd have been lost on a few steps. Still not done yet, ourselves so... more questions coming for us too.

Good luck... .

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

thanks for the advice there! my husband is the USC but i am better with forms so i have been filling them out and giving them to him to sign and post haha!

i didnt even know anything about the difference between the two, now i know i can work once i reach the US on the CR-1 visa, i am really glad i asked. i will continue down that path.

one query though, how do i let them know which path i am going down? do they send me paperwork for one or the other when i get my NOA1 from the I-130?

Thanks YuAndDan...

I get the verbiage confused sometimes.

Hey there...

Go for the CR-1, it's cheaper and once all is approved and your husband allowed to cross in, he'll be allowed to work right away as it's a landed immigrant visa. I think for the K3 you have to complete an AOS or something before he'll be eligible to work even. Also, both K3 and CR1 are taking about the same time to process so... save some money and give him the ability to work as soon as he lands.

Just so you know, since you've been married for less than 2 years upon applying, you'll only get a 2 year green card and apply for AOS before that one expires.

Check the guides too, they're very, very handy.

Best of luck...

LGG

i was just wondering, as i have filed an I-130 form in June (last week).... and was planning on doing the K3 process as i didnt know any better.. but have just been told the CR-1 process may be better for me, and quicker to get to my husband in the USA....

can i apply for a work authorisation before actually entering the US on the CR-1 visa, and be able to get a SSC and start working when i arrive in the US under the CR-1... or is the work auth. done once i reach the US?

i just want to do the best process which will allow me to work as soon as i reach the US, or at least be eligible to work... if you know what i mean.

hoping someone with knowledge can help

thanks!

donna.

K-3 can apply for EAD BEFORE they adjust status, and can use the resulting EAD card to work befor AOS. The EAD card can take 90 days or longer to get.

You need to study up a-bit. CR-1 gets a 2 year CONDITIONAL green card id married less than 2 years when the card is issued, if married more than 2 years when green-card is issued teh card will be a 10 year un-conditional card.

A person with a 2 year conditional card is NOT adjusting status when removing conditions, they are Removing conditions, they are LPR before and after removing conditions.

[faryan 4]

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

thanks so much! that sounds like a good journey you had!

ohh, i had my share of being in a daze with all the papers and waiting and RFEs etc just like the best of em... but now that we're done with it (until removing of condition time) its all worth it and i can hardly recall the agony... lol... just like you guys will

[mrsemcee 1]

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

thanks so much! that sounds like a good journey you had!

ohh, i had my share of being in a daze with all the papers and waiting and RFEs etc just like the best of em... but now that we're done with it (until removing of condition time) its all worth it and i can hardly recall the agony... lol... just like you guys will

thats the thing isnt it? i mean the removing of condition thing doesnt phase me in the slightest, or the money factor either.. i just want it over and done with, the first bit, so i can get to the USA!

the rest we can deal with..

[faryan 4]

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

thanks so much! that sounds like a good journey you had!

ohh, i had my share of being in a daze with all the papers and waiting and RFEs etc just like the best of em... but now that we're done with it (until removing of condition time) its all worth it and i can hardly recall the agony... lol... just like you guys will

thats the thing isnt it? i mean the removing of condition thing doesnt phase me in the slightest, or the money factor either.. i just want it over and done with, the first bit, so i can get to the USA!

the rest we can deal with..

Exactly! hehehe... after this long process, it really feels like you can deal with anything else... just to be with our beloved until then, make sure you also appreciate the family and friends back home, meet up and hang out, think about the things u want to bring to the US (and pack and send some stuff too). No matter how independent and adventurous you think/know you are, you will miss home and will feel quite lost every now and again. Finding your footing in a new country, its another ballgame, for another thread LOL. But hey, u've dealt with the immigration bit, u've dealt with the long distance missing your spouse bit. You can do anything

Edited June 24, 2009 by faryan

[lgg 2]

It's a pretty long journey this whole thing and at times, it really, really sucks but if you do all the research and reading you'll be fine. I found what worked for me was to read the Government jargon and such, and then research information here and then come to a conclusion based on all that for myself and what we were doing. it's a lot of stuff to read and it's a long process but really? it's not that difficult if you read everything and follow the instructions and well, have some patience.

I lack that myself but I'm learning and well, as long as you're dedicated to the outcome of this process, you'll be fine. Just research, read and be thorough. That said, we're still waiting, may even have an RFE waiting for us, who knows but... we are lucky that we live close enough that we can visit while this is going on.

Best of luck to you mrsemcee...

yes u can. Definitely go for CR1, its an immigrant visa, and the wait time is not much longer than K3 nowadays, and costs less in the long run.

In my case, the day after I arrived we went to the SS office to check if my details is in the computer etc or not (more because my husband was on leave on that day too, and if we wait other time, he wont be) and since it was not we just register me there and then and i got my SS card in the mail about 10days-2 weeks from my arrival. The SS office we went to was not busy at all, so that may be a reason why they dont tell us to go home and wait. You of course can wait a bit (2 weeks) before doing this to give chance for the info to appear in their system.

Good luck on your journey!

thanks so much! that sounds like a good journey you had!

ohh, i had my share of being in a daze with all the papers and waiting and RFEs etc just like the best of em... but now that we're done with it (until removing of condition time) its all worth it and i can hardly recall the agony... lol... just like you guys will

thats the thing isnt it? i mean the removing of condition thing doesnt phase me in the slightest, or the money factor either.. i just want it over and done with, the first bit, so i can get to the USA!

the rest we can deal with..