October 2009 K-1 Visa filers

[Leenie 15]

We applied for our social security number today. Even though it was a full 19 days after my fiance's POE, we weren't in the SAVE-ASVI and will now have a delay because we have to get manual verification from USCIS. Boooo.

Out of curiosity, what did you guys bring in for number 4 below (this is off of VJ's guides for getting an SSN). His birth certificate? We're thinking ahead about this now.

1.The SS-5 form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office if you forget).

2.your Passport (with the K-1 Visa in it)

3.your valid I-94

4.another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions)

5.You should also bring the document RM 00203.500 that you printed out

[K and L 27]

I think we're going to use L's Brazilian driver's license (only in Portuguese) with his Inter-American Driving Permit (which I believe is in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) as the second form of ID. I think if they accept school IDs, they won't have a problem with that.

Citizenship or immigration status: We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate' date=' U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);

I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or

Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).

International students must present further documentation. For more information, see International Students And Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181).

Age: You must present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport to prove age.

Identity: We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued nondriver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of identity. If you do not have the specific documents we ask for, we will ask to see other documents including:

Employee ID card;

School ID card;

Health insurance card (not a Medicare card);

U.S. military ID card;

Adoption decree;

Life insurance policy; or

Marriage document (only in name change situations).

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. Or, we may use your U.S. birth certificate as proof of age and citizenship. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

While the passport does fill age / identity / citzenship and the I94 the immigration requirement, I don't think they're considered separate documents.

Edited June 5, 2010 by K and L

[Beth and John 7]

Out of curiosity, what did you guys bring in for number 4 below (this is off of VJ's guides for getting an SSN). His birth certificate? We're thinking ahead about this now.

1.The SS-5 form you downloaded and filled out (they have some at the office if you forget).

2.your Passport (with the K-1 Visa in it)

3.your valid I-94

4.another form of valid ID (as defined in the SS-5 instructions)

5.You should also bring the document RM 00203.500 that you printed out

John took his passport, Canadian drivers license and his application for a SSN. He had no troubles whatsoever. Was in and out in 30 minutes or less.

The biggest hurdle(s) that he is having to jump at this point is finding a frickin' civil surgeon who either won't charge hundreds of dollars to transcribe his vaccinations onto the I-693, or is even willing to do just the vaccination transcription (most want to do the full medical - however he has a copy of his medical from Vancouver). grrrr. frustrating. Oh, and the other is the fun car import thingy. If you have an "older" vehicle, I recommend you just sell the thing. Hindsight is 20/20.

[K and L 27]

I would keep calling around - and really, if they charge as much as they did abroad, I'd call even as far as an hour or two away, because four hours of gas is cheaper than the extra $100+!

FWIW, there are probably civil surgeons with UMich's med school. Unlike other civil surgeons, being that they're employed by the state, they're required to not run a profit at the hospital and the clinics. When I was looking for a civil surgeon here, one of my really good friends (who coincidentally just finished his coursework at UMich) suggested the state-run university clinics that are approved are a good place to go because they won't overcharge and usually they're willing to listen - if you can show them where it says that a full physical is not needed, they will typically not force you to get it. Especially since this service is one that insurance isn't good for.

[Beth and John 7]

I would keep calling around - and really, if they charge as much as they did abroad, I'd call even as far as an hour or two away, because four hours of gas is cheaper than the extra $100+!

FWIW, there are probably civil surgeons with UMich's med school. Unlike other civil surgeons, being that they're employed by the state, they're required to not run a profit at the hospital and the clinics. When I was looking for a civil surgeon here, one of my really good friends (who coincidentally just finished his coursework at UMich) suggested the state-run university clinics that are approved are a good place to go because they won't overcharge and usually they're willing to listen - if you can show them where it says that a full physical is not needed, they will typically not force you to get it. Especially since this service is one that insurance isn't good for.

Tried Michigan State University, where I work, and they would not do anything other than a full physical, which is a shame. I explained to them that they were missing out on some quick cash from a population of people who did not need to have the full meal deal. Wouldn't listen; ah, bureaucracy! John ended up driving about 50 miles to have a civil surgeon do it for $35. Just a few days worth of phone tag with people and perseverance paid off ... I guess

[lilacvioletiris 11]

Tried Michigan State University, where I work, and they would not do anything other than a full physical, which is a shame. I explained to them that they were missing out on some quick cash from a population of people who did not need to have the full meal deal. Wouldn't listen; ah, bureaucracy! John ended up driving about 50 miles to have a civil surgeon do it for $35. Just a few days worth of phone tag with people and perseverance paid off ... I guess

Where did you go to get this done? I figure Ron might be making such a drive as well once he gets to Michigan.

[Beth and John 7]

Where did you go to get this done? I figure Ron might be making such a drive as well once he gets to Michigan.

I will be MORE than happy to share if it saves you guys the headaches we have dealt with

* Dr. Howard S Goldberg, Howard S. Goldberg, MD

26771 West Twelve Mile Road, Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48034

(248) 356-7726

All of the East Lansing listed Civil Surgeons were useless as well as the Howell and Brighton area ones. Might still be worth a call to any if they are in your area though. Here is the list we used .. Michigan Civil Surgeons

What's your "days til wedding" countdown, Carla?

[lilacvioletiris 11]

What's your "days til wedding" countdown, Carla?

Thanks for the information, Beth.

It is 32 days until the wedding! And today is my birthday and I get to spend it with the love of my life!

[Beth and John 7]

Thanks for the information, Beth.

It is 32 days until the wedding! And today is my birthday and I get to spend it with the love of my life!

(F) (F) Happy birthday!!!! (F) (F)

[Leenie 15]

It is 32 days until the wedding! And today is my birthday and I get to spend it with the love of my life!

Happy birthday!!

[corcor 0]

Hey all! So, we're married

I got my K-1 approval in the mail late on Monday May 17th, and first thing Tuesday morning flew out to Oregon via Vancouver. There was a huge backlog of people in secondary inspection at immig. in Vancouver, so they had to put me on a later flight... not impressed... but I made it! After 4 days of craziness, we got married on Sunday the 23rd, and it was PERFECT! It rained a bit during the ceremony, but at least it didn't pour like it had earlier that morning! We had so much fun and were just so happy to finally get married that little things like that didn't matter- it actually made it more enjoyable And the clouds made for some sweet pictures

We honeymooned in Hawaii (which was a surprise to me since Aaron planned the whole thing)and had an amazing time! Relaxed, had adventures, worked on our tans... good memories for sure! Then we came home to our tiny little house which we have been working on for the past week, and I LOVE it!!! It is so stinkin cute! Nothing compares to being married, and I'm so excited for you guys who are about to tie the knot!! It is seriously the best thing ever

If anyone wants to see our wedding pics here's a link to our photographers site... there's a lot on there just to warn you! http://roman.smugmug.com/Weddings/Corey-and-Aaron/12416362_EBfVh#888511926_gDrpc

Bless you guys!!

[Leenie 15]

Wow, I enjoyed looking at your wedding pics. Your photographer did such a great job! You two look so beautiful and in love. Can't wait for our turn

[Rito 28]

Out of curiosity, what did you guys bring in for number 4 below (this is off of VJ's guides for getting an SSN). His birth certificate? We're thinking ahead about this now.

We took his "non-driver's ID." It's not the national ID card, but a form of state-sponsored ID you can get if you don't drive.

[Rito 28]

If anyone wants to see our wedding pics here's a link to our photographers site... there's a lot on there just to warn you! http://roman.smugmug.com/Weddings/Corey-and-Aaron/12416362_EBfVh#888511926_gDrpc

Bless you guys!!

These photos are awesome! You got a fantastic photographer.

[kristik 0]

Hey all! So, we're married

I got my K-1 approval in the mail late on Monday May 17th, and first thing Tuesday morning flew out to Oregon via Vancouver. There was a huge backlog of people in secondary inspection at immig. in Vancouver, so they had to put me on a later flight... not impressed... but I made it! After 4 days of craziness, we got married on Sunday the 23rd, and it was PERFECT! It rained a bit during the ceremony, but at least it didn't pour like it had earlier that morning! We had so much fun and were just so happy to finally get married that little things like that didn't matter- it actually made it more enjoyable And the clouds made for some sweet pictures

We honeymooned in Hawaii (which was a surprise to me since Aaron planned the whole thing)and had an amazing time! Relaxed, had adventures, worked on our tans... good memories for sure! Then we came home to our tiny little house which we have been working on for the past week, and I LOVE it!!! It is so stinkin cute! Nothing compares to being married, and I'm so excited for you guys who are about to tie the knot!! It is seriously the best thing ever

If anyone wants to see our wedding pics here's a link to our photographers site... there's a lot on there just to warn you! http://roman.smugmug.com/Weddings/Corey-and-Aaron/12416362_EBfVh#888511926_gDrpc

Bless you guys!!

congratulations!! love the photos! thank you for sharing!