Question about AOS

[DeniseBill 4]

I got a question about filing for AOS. We were wondering if we have to file for AOS right after we get married. Or can we wait a few months?

We called USCIS... -.- And their answer was, that there is no time limit. But I do not trust USCIS that much. Mostly what they say is completely untrue from my experiences.

The reason why I am asking this is because we are a little short on money. But I also read that when you file for AOS with the amount of $1010 it's also so I am able to work. So if we have to file for permanent resident, is there a way to just file for that and the ability for me to leave the country if I ever have to go back to Holland?? not the working permission? And how do we do that and what are the costs?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you ^^

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I got a question about filing for AOS. We were wondering if we have to file for AOS right after we get married. Or can we wait a few months?

We called USCIS... -.- And their answer was, that there is no time limit. But I do not trust USCIS that much. Mostly what they say is completely untrue from my experiences.

The reason why I am asking this is because we are a little short on money. But I also read that when you file for AOS with the amount of $1010 it's also so I am able to work. So if we have to file for permanent resident, is there a way to just file for that and the ability for me to leave the country if I ever have to go back to Holland?? not the working permission? And how do we do that and what are the costs?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you ^^

there is no time limit, per se. You are out of status after 90 days if you have not filed. After 180 days being out of status you begin to pick up time in the form of bans from entering the country (if you leave) and of course you cannot work. It begins to become a problem as an alien out of status is in a difficult position and there are lots of things you cannot do. The list can include drivers lisence, attending school, student loans and of course traveling.

You cannnot file for permanent residency without "working permission" Permanent residency IS working permission. The EAD you refer to is free when filed with the AOS, you can choose not to file it, but it will save you no money. You may get the working permission (EAD) before the green card and be able to work sooner, so there is nothing to lose to apply for it.

For my opinion, this is a matter of great importance, it should be a priority in your life. This is one of those things you borrow money from family for, it needs to be priority 1. It is something that was known from the start and you could have gone the cheaper CR-1 route and chose not to. You would avoid this whole AOS thing altogether, now the time is coming and it needs to be a major priority for you. If it is not, it WILL become a problem down the road.

[Anurisis 0]

What's CR-1?

[DeniseBill 4]

First, thanks for your reply,

Well when I said waiting I meant like 2 months, so we can get all the money together. I know that it is an priority, believe me that's why I am trying to find out right now what to do.

As for the CR-1 Route you are talking about, I found this website after we sended in all the paperwork, so we didn't even know that there was a CR-1 thing back then. (I know I know, spare me the speech of looking up information before you start something, we were just too excited)

So all together, if we are to get married in let's say November, can we wait till like January? That is if we're not able to borrow money, his family aint rich but theyre doing the best they can to help us.

[Krikit 1,165]

No, it's not a problem. You would still be within the 90 days of the I-94 being valid, so there is still legal status.

[tommys_girl 0]

to be totally honest with you the best thing you can do before you even come to the USA on your K1, save save save money, your K1 is good for 6 months before you land in the USA, if you think you might run into trouble to save the $1010 once you get here, maybe taking the 6 months stayin in your own country before coming might be a better option and have that money already put aside ( i know that means you will be away from your fiance longer) but it will help you not to fall into financial problems while your waiting for your greencard, as being on a K1 you are not allowed to work until you receive your EAD so depending on how soon you get married and file your AOS, your EAD can be anything from 4 to 7 months after you land in the USA, just something to think about, sometimes i wish i had of waited a little longer before i got here. good luck on your journey!!