My fiancee and I are reunited.

[Matt_Stevens 5]

Life can be good. ANh arrived at JFK yesterday and breezed through customs. They didn't even check her suitcases. We had a wonderful evening and just went shopping for groceries. Right now she is sitting with my grandmother and later we will visit family.

We both feel like this is all a dream. But it's not.

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and lended a helping hand.

Edited July 27, 2006 by Matt_Stevens

[Garfield fan 0]

Congrats and enjoy your lives together now ! My brother-in-law's wife (then was fiancee) also just arrived from VN last week. We met her on the weekend and they looked soooo happy, so I know how you feel right now

[raymaga 25]

Congrats to you both!!!!

Enjoy your "new lives" together and best wishes.

Happy wedding planning!!!!!

[Mand 1]

That's great news Matt. Wishing you and Anh many happy years together

[Matt_Stevens 5]

Thanks. But now we are BEYOND confused about the SSN issue. Every person we talk to tells us something different. I have read and read and read this place over and I still do not understand how to get her a SSN.

The Guide here does not give specific instructions. It's as if it assumes we know the process already.

How do I obtain the employment permit she needs in order to apply for the SSN? I called DOHS and the local SS office and they were both unsure and told me completely different things!

[iceyspots 0]

Congrats on your reunion

[MHandMB 0]

Matt, on the back of Anh's I-94 stapled in her passport, there should hopefully be a tiny stamp saying "authorized to work" or something to that effect. That is the temp EAD. Wait a week or two and go down to the SS office, fill out the form they give you, and they should be able to set up her SSN. We went about 10 days after Amed's arrival, and he had his SS card within a week.

Be sure she is in the SAVE system first. I called the SS 800 number and nicely asked them about it, and they were able to tell me that he was in the system.

Congrats on your reunion!!

[TracyTN 237]

Aww Matt! I came by here specifically to get an update. I'm so happy for you!

Oh and either PM or look for posts from mdyoung about the SSN thing.

Edited July 27, 2006 by TracyTN

[Matt_Stevens 5]

There is no authorized to work stamp on the I-94.

[trey 0]

Congratulations and best wishes to both of you!

[kvtran 0]

I don't think they do that anymore. I think you'll have to file for the EAD first after you get the marriage certificate. I'm still waiting for the documents and biometrics to be done for my fiance. It's been 6 weeks so far. Nothing yet.

There is no authorized to work stamp on the I-94.

[chuckandkim 0]

Wake up Matt it's not a dream! Welcome to America ANH!

Congrats to you two...

Chuck and Kim

[Anh map 2,098]

WAy to go Matt & Anh!!!!! Congrats!

The SSN paperwork is pretty straightforward. After K-1 it's all downhill.

[patricks 0]

Please keep us posted, or move to the "Living in America" Forum.

Regarding SS card, There is a SS office in most cities. Gosh, just go down to the office, take a number, hang out and chat with Anh, meet face to face with the SS people, show them her passport and ask them, "What do I need to do.....?" Think of it it as an adventure. My wife and I went on many small errands, roadtrips, visits, etc during her first 2 weeks in the states. Now, she knows much more than me?

[chuckandkim 0]

Actually, I hope you would start hanging out in the AOS room.... The clock is ticking with your 90 days period.