Came in on my K-1 October 9/2009, got married October 27, 2009

[M613 6]

We're aiming to have it sent in in March at the latest. I DO have my social security number (issued in November) and am looking for work, but frankly, on one income, this is the timeframe we're looking at.

I guess what I'm wondering is if it's ok that we file in March? We did get married within 90 days of my entry here, so that's all good, but yeah.... I don't know if there's anything further I should know and/or do re: the circumstances.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

xM

[Corinthians 7]

Did you file for employment authorization? Having the SSN doesn't mean you can work.

Beyond that, not filing AOS just means you'll be out of status with your life on hold that much longer. Since your I-94 is already expired not much will really change in the next 2 months.

[M613 6]

thanks for the response!

The SSN card actually says "valid for work only with DHS authorization".. ?

[slangofoil 50]

thanks for the response!

The SSN card actually says "valid for work only with DHS authorization".. ?

That means you have to have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work. People usually file for this along with the rest of the AOS paperwork. You can't work until you get that or your green card.

But to answer your original question, you'll be fine filing for AOS late. Many others have done it due to the same circumstances of having to save up the money and had no problems.

[Nik+Heather 121]

It's true, you're very unlikely to have any issues with the adjustment itself. You are "just" at risk for being out of status. If you are caught, you could be detained, which might sound pretty tame, but for the average law abiding person who has never been in trouble, the thought scares the hell outta me. Texas (You're in Austin, right?), like Arizona, isn't very friendly to people who do not have legal status in the US.

I wouldn't recommend that you travel - especially not near any borders of the US, and obviously not internationally. As already mentioned, you cannot work either.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope you take your legal status seriously and make saving up for AOS the very first priority in your new life together.

[M613 6]

It's true, you're very unlikely to have any issues with the adjustment itself. You are "just" at risk for being out of status.

What does that mean...?

AOS is indeed a priority-for alot of reasons, of course. I've read enough here, there and everywhere to know to not go anywhere near a border!!!-thanks for the words of wisdom though!

re: the work-($#*($%. And here I've been sending my CV *everywhere*. In the meantime, I have been (and will continue to) spend my time volunteering @ the art museum here. And yep, I'm in Austin. And yep²-Texas isn't at all too friendly towards...er, non-Americans. Or obviously non-American folks. I steer clear of that sort of people/attitude, though

Edited January 18, 2010 by M613