Waiting for NOA4

[clueless_in_usa 8]

One month after NOA3 (visa approval), I am anxiously waiting for NOA4 (POE).

I hope that the customs people treat her nice

[mox 298]

POE is no big deal at all. As long as she has the visa and sealed medical envelope, she'll be fine. USCIS is the tough part, that's where all the background investigating happens. POE boils down to a formality, a checklist. Passport, check. Visa, check. Envelope, check. Welcome to the USA!

As for treating her nice...it varies. Some are reall assh*les, some are really cool, and most fall in between. Just remember that POE is at most 2 hours, and after that you have the rest of your life.

[amberdima 6]

what are you guys waiting for? dima's poe was a few days after interview...we just couldn't wait!

[clueless_in_usa 8]

POE is no big deal at all. As long as she has the visa and sealed medical envelope, she'll be fine. USCIS is the tough part, that's where all the background investigating happens. POE boils down to a formality, a checklist. Passport, check. Visa, check. Envelope, check. Welcome to the USA!

As for treating her nice...it varies. Some are reall assh*les, some are really cool, and most fall in between. Just remember that POE is at most 2 hours, and after that you have the rest of your life.

NOA4 received, although it was a little scary because she was sent to the small office. She was given temporary employment authorization, but, is it really valid anymore?

Anyway, she is not going to work anywhere for a while because she first needs to learn English (and marry me), but I forgot: how long does she have do wait before she goes and applies for an SSN? Thanks!

what are you guys waiting for? dima's poe was a few days after interview...we just couldn't wait!

Amber, her family is top priority and she was living thousands of miles away from them in Moscow. Therefore, it was extremely important to spend a few weeks with her family before she is restricted to travel for a long time (until she finally gets AP). Every case is a different situation.

[amberdima 6]

what are you guys waiting for? dima's poe was a few days after interview...we just couldn't wait!

Amber, her family is top priority and she was living thousands of miles away from them in Moscow. Therefore, it was extremely important to spend a few weeks with her family before she is restricted to travel for a long time (until she finally gets AP). Every case is a different situation.

i'm glad she said her goodbyes. it will still be a tough move, but hopefully worth it!

[mox 298]

NOA4 received, although it was a little scary because she was sent to the small office. She was given temporary employment authorization, but, is it really valid anymore?

Once she has her green card in hand, the employment authorization is no longer valid. Until she physically has the card though, she should keep it. In fact, it makes a great "second form of ID" if you have problems getting her a checking account or anything else where they need 2 photo ID's.

[Rob_Lesya 4]

Once she has her green card in hand, the employment authorization is no longer valid. Until she physically has the card though, she should keep it. In fact, it makes a great "second form of ID" if you have problems getting her a checking account or anything else where they need 2 photo ID's.

Mox, I think Clueless is talking about the temp stamp given at the POE.

although it was a little scary because she was sent to the small office.

nothing scary about it-- that's SOP for most K-1 processing at most POEs. They are usually sent to another area for secondary processing.

Clueless -- generally wait about 2-3 weeks before going to apply for the SSN.

[mox 298]

Mox, I think Clueless is talking about the temp stamp given at the POE.

Gah, you're right. I need more coffee.

[Neonred 3,609]

Guess I've been here way too long, but I never heard of an NOA3 or NOA4

[baron555 934]

Guess I've been here way too long, but I never heard of an NOA3 or NOA4

He made those up.....that's why he's clueless

And the reason for the 2-3 week wait is to allow the entry to clear through the USCIS computers.

[1HappyGuy 45]

You should apply for the SSN as soon as possible. It will allow you to do everything else you need, but the social security administration can be problematic. Just say that she wants to start working and that there is someone who will offer her a job once she gets the social security number. If they ask about the language situation, tell them it is a Russian speaking person that offered her the job, but you are not alllowed to give the company name because of the poor job market. You might hint it is a friend of hers and that your fiancee wants to start working soon to help pay for the wedding, etc. With that stamp in her passport, it should work, but those people at social security are not very helpful. These are people that weren't smart enough to work for USCIS.

[mox 298]

I agree that you should get her SSN asap, basically about 2 weeks after she gets here. But you don't have to come up with any reasons. Just go to your nearest social security office and take a number. Have the forms filled out beforehand, it'll save you a little time.

[Neonred 3,609]

I agree that you should get her SSN asap, basically about 2 weeks after she gets here. But you don't have to come up with any reasons. Just go to your nearest social security office and take a number. Have the forms filled out beforehand, it'll save you a little time.

Agreed. They asked us why we wanted the SSN and I just told them because she is eligible for it. Kid of pissed them off a little, and that made me happy.

[mox 298]

I agree that you should get her SSN asap, basically about 2 weeks after she gets here. But you don't have to come up with any reasons. Just go to your nearest social security office and take a number. Have the forms filled out beforehand, it'll save you a little time.

Agreed. They asked us why we wanted the SSN and I just told them because she is eligible for it. Kid of pissed them off a little, and that made me happy.

Strange that they would even ask. "Because I want to wipe my аss with the card? stfu and do your job!" We weren't asked at all, and the lady was really nice.

[1HappyGuy 45]

The office policies vary, which is why it's so frustrating dealing with them. I've seen where applying early after arrival is much more successful than waiting. Even showing a marriage certificate isn't much good if the I-94 has less than a month on it. So, if you don't get it early, you will likely be waiting until the green card or EAD arrives. A real pain in the butt.