How much time is enough?

[Chris Parker 11]

Is there any way to stay past the 90 without getting married? I know the K-1 is a Fiancee visa, with the intention that the person is arriving strictly for the purpose of getting married to the USC.

It just scares me that I have to get married in less than 90 days. I would like to have at least 6 months or more, but I know we may be like "well, day 89... let's do this!"

Have any of you ever heard of USCIS granting an extension?

You go out of status once the I-94 expires.

You can still adjust status based on marriage to the U.S. citizen I-129F petitioner, but it cannot be a K-1 adjustment anymore, and a separate I-130 petition will need to be co-filed with the I-485. You violated the terms of the fiancee visa by not marrying within 90 days as you promised you would do on the I-129F petition and on the K-1 visa application, so you can expect USCIS to probe deeper into why you could not marry within those 90 days you were given. Better be a good reason for the delay (preferrable circumstances beyond your control), not just "I wanted 6 months instead."

Edited February 18, 2008 by Chris Parker

[Chris Parker 11]

Social security seems to favor you rushing there two weeks after your arrival and getting a card in your maiden name before marrying on the K1. Then returning for an update after you get married (change last name) whenever that is. And then returning again after you get your greencard.

and again when you naturalize, except on that visit it is for a record update only and you do not need them to send you a new card since you already have an unrestricted card. But you should update the SSA record upon naturalization, as the SSA record is the primary way employers and government agencies verify citizenship and immigration status.