Fiance is here on K-1 whats next

[fayebabe2008 0]

My fiance arrived here 3 weeks ago on K-1 and we are getting married end of March what steps are next? From what i understand we need to get her a SSN card. But i dont understand what forms to file next or what order to file them in I-485, I-864, I-94, I-765, I-693 and AOS, EAD.

Thanks

[raymaga 25]

After you are married, you will file for AOS (Form I-485). You can also apply for AP (Form I-131) and EAD (Form I-765) at the same time for the same fee.

You will need a copy of your marriage certificate before you can submit your AOS application.

You do not need to get the SSN card before you apply for AOS. You are able to apply, however, after 2 weeks of arriving in the U.S.

Read the "Guides" and "FAQ" sections here on VJ for more detailed instructions on what you will need to do after you are married.

Good luck.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Not to be rude, but you should have researched this BEFORE applying for the K1 but can't change that now

Also, this thread will help you: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=235331

As a quick guide - apply for her SSN now (as once you are married she has to wait till she has her EAD or GC to get one and having one lets her get on your bank accounts and other stuff like that... very useful). There is a thread in the guides for that (you may need to take some documents with you)

Then get married.

Then file for AOS, EAD and AP (thread above).

Good luck and Congratulations.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[raymaga 25]

I did not have a SSN card when I applied for AOS. I only applied for my SSN card after I was married. I mailed the AOS documents the same day I went to the SSA office to apply for my card so that I wouldn't have to change my name on the SSN card.

Unless things have changed with regards to SSN cards, the OP doesn't HAVE to apply before submitting the AOS documents... only if they want to.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I did not have a SSN card when I applied for AOS. I only applied for my SSN card after I was married. I mailed the AOS documents the same day I went to the SSA office to apply for my card so that I wouldn't have to change my name on the SSN card.

Unless things have changed with regards to SSN cards, the OP doesn't HAVE to apply before submitting the AOS documents... only if they want to.

Yes things HAVE changed in the last SIX years since you've done it.

It's no longer possible to do it the way you did. After you're married you will need to wait till AFTER getting a GC or EAD as they need to "confirm" your status. Some SSA's will allow you to apply but will make you wait a while till they can confirm your status with DHS. Others won't let you apply and tell you to come back.

If you arrive on a K1 then you can go and get one very easily and change it later because otherwise they can't get bank accounts etc (in some states) and it makes the "bonafide" marriage stuff a lot easier if you can start getting on the spouses stuff.

I never once said it was "required" for AOS, I said it was easier to do it BEFORE marriage for bank accounts etc

Edited February 8, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[TracyTN 237]

Yes things HAVE changed in the last SIX years since you've done it.

It's no longer possible to do it the way you did. After you're married you will need to wait till AFTER getting a GC or EAD as they need to "confirm" your status. Some SSA's will allow you to apply but will make you wait a while till they can confirm your status with DHS. Others won't let you apply and tell you to come back.

If you arrive on a K1 then you can go and get one very easily and change it later because otherwise they can't get bank accounts etc (in some states) and it makes the "bonafide" marriage stuff a lot easier if you can start getting on the spouses stuff.

I never once said it was "required" for AOS, I said it was easier to do it BEFORE marriage for bank accounts etc

That's not true about K1ers and SSNs. You don't have to be married nor have mailed your AOS to get an SSN. You just need to wait at least 10 days after POE so your entry will be in the system, hence making it possible for the SSA to verify your status electronically. K1ers do not need proof of work authorization from DHS before SSA can issue an SSN. Check the link in my signature. K1ers are work authorized for SSA's purposes simply by having entered on a K1.

I tend to think that its easier to be married, esp. for women - then you spare yourself going to the SSA again after you get married to change your name. However, when we got married and applied for hubby's SSN, their little minds were blown by the fact that he entered on a fiance visa but was now married. Needless to say, many SSA employees know little about this type of situation, which is why the document in my sig can help. I say can because sometimes they can't even understand their own rules...

As this is an AOS related discussion, I'm moving the thread to that forum.

[raymaga 25]

That's not true about K1ers and SSNs. You don't have to be married nor have mailed your AOS to get an SSN. You just need to wait at least 10 days after POE so your entry will be in the system, hence making it possible for the SSA to verify your status electronically. K1ers do not need proof of work authorization from DHS before SSA can issue an SSN. Check the link in my signature. K1ers are work authorized for SSA's purposes simply by having entered on a K1.

I tend to think that its easier to be married, esp. for women - then you spare yourself going to the SSA again after you get married to change your name. However, when we got married and applied for hubby's SSN, their little minds were blown by the fact that he entered on a fiance visa but was now married. Needless to say, many SSA employees know little about this type of situation, which is why the document in my sig can help. I say can because sometimes they can't even understand their own rules...

As this is an AOS related discussion, I'm moving the thread to that forum.

Thank you Tracy for verifying this information..... calm down Vanessa&Tony.... especially when YOU don't have YOUR facts straight!!!!!!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

That's not true about K1ers and SSNs. You don't have to be married nor have mailed your AOS to get an SSN. You just need to wait at least 10 days after POE so your entry will be in the system, hence making it possible for the SSA to verify your status electronically. K1ers do not need proof of work authorization from DHS before SSA can issue an SSN. Check the link in my signature. K1ers are work authorized for SSA's purposes simply by having entered on a K1.

Sorry but you're wrong.

PLEASE READ THE POST BEFORE REPLYING

I didn't say you have to be married, I said applying BEFORE marriage when you have entered on a K1 is easier. Once you're married if you already have a SSN, you CANNOT CHANGE YOUR NAME ON YOUR SSN UNTIL YOU HAVE PROVED YOUR WORK STATUS.

Again, please read my post which states SOME SSA's will allow you to apply and make you wait while they wait for DHS to confirm your status, others will make you come back when you have your EAD or GC.

Again, things have CHANGED since you did it, and there are lots and lots of posts discussing this. As a CURRENT K1, I know.

Thank you Tracy for verifying this information..... calm down Vanessa&Tony.... especially when YOU don't have YOUR facts straight!!!!!!

Sorry but you simply don't know. As a current K1 i do. i'm going through this RIGHT NOW. And discussing things with other people who are going through this RIGHT NOW.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thank you Tracy for verifying this information..... calm down Vanessa&Tony.... especially when YOU don't have YOUR facts straight!!!!!!

As an aside, your profile still has you listed as a current K1. For everyone's ease of reference, please update.

Thanks

[TracyTN 237]

Sorry but you're wrong.

PLEASE READ THE POST BEFORE REPLYING

I didn't say you have to be married, I said applying BEFORE marriage when you have entered on a K1 is easier. Once you're married if you already have a SSN, you CANNOT CHANGE YOUR NAME ON YOUR SSN UNTIL YOU HAVE PROVED YOUR WORK STATUS.

Again, please read my post which states SOME SSA's will allow you to apply and make you wait while they wait for DHS to confirm your status, others will make you come back when you have your EAD or GC.

Again, things have CHANGED since you did it, and there are lots and lots of posts discussing this. As a CURRENT K1, I know.

Excuse me, but I DID read your post.

You said, "After you're married you will need to wait till AFTER getting a GC or EAD as they need to "confirm" your status." That is not what is needed to confirm your status; what IS needed is their entry information from the POE which has nothing to do with getting married.

I didn't bother with the rest of your post but I could have - but since you brought it up- the SSA is a federal agency so if SOME SSAs are doing it one way and some are doing it another, then that is a problem with that particular SSA office. They should be reported and made to apply their rules correctly. So it is inaccurate of you to say that's 'how it is' - if it is that way at some offices, then they are just flat wrong. There are tons of posts in the 'working and traveling prior to getting a green card' forum about this very thing - how many offices are misinterpreting their own rules. Particularly of interest are VJ member I Quit's posts on the subject.

As far as being a 'current' K1er goes - I couldn't give a toss. Unless these FEDERAL rules have changed, then when you apply/applied has no bearing on what the answers are. Unless/until I see something on the SSAs site that says their rules are otherwise, I'll stick with that, thanks very much.

As an aside, I really don't see the need in getting all ticked off because I corrected what you said. I wasn't rude to you, which is more than I can say for how you have replied.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Sorry -- I don't want this turning into what looks like pistols at dawn amongst organisers! Everyone needs to calm down here. I'm sorry V&T, but you are coming across as quite rude and confrontational over a run-of-the-mill issue. There are ways of expressing your disagreement with other VJ members without being quite so aggressive.

This is a valid discussion and it should not be sidetracked. If we can figure out a way to discuss this in more civil tones, I'm sure we can hit upon the truth.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Excuse me, but I DID read your post.

You said, "After you're married you will need to wait till AFTER getting a GC or EAD as they need to "confirm" your status." That is not what is needed to confirm your status; what IS needed is their entry information from the POE which has nothing to do with getting married.

I didn't bother with the rest of your post but I could have - but since you brought it up- the SSA is a federal agency so if SOME SSAs are doing it one way and some are doing it another, then that is a problem with that particular SSA office. They should be reported and made to apply their rules correctly. So it is inaccurate of you to say that's 'how it is' - if it is that way at some offices, then they are just flat wrong. There are tons of posts in the 'working and traveling prior to getting a green card' forum about this very thing - how many offices are misinterpreting their own rules. Particularly of interest are VJ member I Quit's posts on the subject.

As far as being a 'current' K1er goes - I couldn't give a toss. Unless these FEDERAL rules have changed, then when you apply/applied has no bearing on what the answers are. Unless/until I see something on the SSAs site that says their rules are otherwise, I'll stick with that, thanks very much.

As an aside, I really don't see the need in getting all ticked off because I corrected what you said. I wasn't rude to you, which is more than I can say for how you have replied.

That was my second post. The first discussed it better. The second was in reply to someone else's post.

I agree, the SSA needs to get a clue and follow their own rules better, BUT it doesn't change that getting it PRIOR to marriage on a K1 is easier, and safer. Yes changing it means you have to go back in again, but I couldn't apply for a bank account without it (and I mentioned bank accounts in my first post).

There have been several posts in which people have been turned away while waiting for DHS confirmation of their status. Does it tick me off? Yes it does because filing taxes will be interesting with my SSN in my maiden name but I can't change that they turn me away. I can fight it, i can sit there and scream and holler, but it doesn't change them telling me to **** off, not in those words, but that's what they do.

I'm sorry you found my post(s) rude but it doesn't change that your information doesn't deal with the current difficulties, and that getting an SSN prior to marriage is the best option right now. Getting it AFTER marriage has proved for so many to be incredibly difficult and in most cases not possible till they have their GC or EAD (and not being able to get a bank account has ticked off a lot of people).

Sorry -- I don't want this turning into what looks like pistols at dawn amongst organisers! Everyone needs to calm down here. I'm sorry V&T, but you are coming across as quite rude and confrontational over a run-of-the-mill issue. There are ways of expressing your disagreement with other VJ members without being quite so aggressive.

This is a valid discussion and it should not be sidetracked. If we can figure out a way to discuss this in more civil tones, I'm sure we can hit upon the truth.

As a CURRENT K1 I get very frustrated at all the "older" K1's claiming they know it all when they simply don't. I apologise if anyone found my posts rude, mod's feel free to delete if you wish, BUT it doesn't change that the other people are giving false information to CURRENT K1's which will result in a LOT of heartache for anyone relying on their information as gospel.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[TracyTN 237]

That was my second post. The first discussed it better. The second was in reply to someone else's post.

I agree, the SSA needs to get a clue and follow their own rules better, BUT it doesn't change that getting it PRIOR to marriage on a K1 is easier, and safer. Yes changing it means you have to go back in again, but I couldn't apply for a bank account without it (and I mentioned bank accounts in my first post).

There have been several posts in which people have been turned away while waiting for DHS confirmation of their status. Does it tick me off? Yes it does because filing taxes will be interesting with my SSN in my maiden name but I can't change that they turn me away. I can fight it, i can sit there and scream and holler, but it doesn't change them telling me to **** off, not in those words, but that's what they do.

I'm sorry you found my post(s) rude but it doesn't change that your information doesn't deal with the current difficulties, and that getting an SSN prior to marriage is the best option right now. Getting it AFTER marriage has proved for so many to be incredibly difficult and in most cases not possible till they have their GC or EAD (and not being able to get a bank account has ticked off a lot of people).

I was replying specifically to your second post, which was the one I quoted.

At any rate, it may be easier and safer, but if someone has a long-ish trek to their SSA office, I don't see the harm in going after you marry and making them follow their own rules. Actually I'm the sort who thinks they should follow their own rules anyway - so I don't see the harm in going AFTER marriage - but I'm funny like that.

Have those folks waiting for DHS confirmation gone in to the SSA office before they've been in the US for 10 days? If so, I'm not surprised they had trouble confirming their status. The system is unfortunately not fast enough for that. If it's after day 10 of entry, then I believe I Quit has advised people to ask for a manual verification instead. I would have to search for his posts again to understand all that exactly - but all this has been chewed around on these forums for a while now. But it can be done.

'My information' deals with the exact same difficulties that folks are experiencing now. We experienced it when getting hubby's SSN *way back* in 2007. We went in after he got married and our local office balked. How is that different from what folks are seeing now?

We emailed a complaint via the SSAs website (telling them what their own rules are) got a call back from that office apologizing and telling us our application would be processed (in other words - made them do their jobs). Hubby had his SS card less than 2 weeks later.

Edited to add - please tell me where I said I knew everything and you don't? You're the one who made this a current vs. former K1er issue - not me. And for the record, I think 'arguments' of that type are beyond stupid. If a K1 process has changed and I am corrected, then I am happy to admit my mistake and remember it for next time. I'm seeing more and more how that is becoming a dying art these days.

Edited February 8, 2010 by TracyTN

[Tygrys 143]

Yes things HAVE changed in the last SIX years since you've done it.

It's no longer possible to do it the way you did. After you're married you will need to wait till AFTER getting a GC or EAD as they need to "confirm" your status. Some SSA's will allow you to apply but will make you wait a while till they can confirm your status with DHS. Others won't let you apply and tell you to come back.

If you arrive on a K1 then you can go and get one very easily and change it later because otherwise they can't get bank accounts etc (in some states) and it makes the "bonafide" marriage stuff a lot easier if you can start getting on the spouses stuff.

I never once said it was "required" for AOS, I said it was easier to do it BEFORE marriage for bank accounts etc

Simply put - NOT TRUE.

Please refrain from giving incorrect advise in the future.

[Tygrys 143]

That was my second post. The first discussed it better. The second was in reply to someone else's post.

I agree, the SSA needs to get a clue and follow their own rules better, BUT it doesn't change that getting it PRIOR to marriage on a K1 is easier, and safer. Yes changing it means you have to go back in again, but I couldn't apply for a bank account without it (and I mentioned bank accounts in my first post).

There have been several posts in which people have been turned away while waiting for DHS confirmation of their status. Does it tick me off? Yes it does because filing taxes will be interesting with my SSN in my maiden name but I can't change that they turn me away. I can fight it, i can sit there and scream and holler, but it doesn't change them telling me to **** off, not in those words, but that's what they do.

I'm sorry you found my post(s) rude but it doesn't change that your information doesn't deal with the current difficulties, and that getting an SSN prior to marriage is the best option right now. Getting it AFTER marriage has proved for so many to be incredibly difficult and in most cases not possible till they have their GC or EAD (and not being able to get a bank account has ticked off a lot of people).

As a CURRENT K1 I get very frustrated at all the "older" K1's claiming they know it all when they simply don't. I apologise if anyone found my posts rude, mod's feel free to delete if you wish, BUT it doesn't change that the other people are giving false information to CURRENT K1's which will result in a LOT of heartache for anyone relying on their information as gospel.

Is December 2009 current enough for you? Possibly, this happened to you because you talked to some ####... at the SSA office who doesn't know procedures. Yes, you can change the name on your SS card just on the basis of marriage certificate, no need to wait for EAD or GC.