K1 visa. How long approx is a wait for GC???

[trulove 1]

Hey everyone,

My concerned about being unemployed while waiting for my AOS...

How long am I expected to be waiting for this to go through???

I know from everyones responses the the EAD takes just amount the same time as the GC.

Any advice? Anyone in my situation?? I'm still in the early stages of my K1 process and working full time in Canada.

Also is the SSN just like Social Insurance Number in Canada but you can't be employed with it?????

Thanks everyone for your input

[Carlawarla 1]

Hey everyone,

My concerned about being unemployed while waiting for my AOS...

How long am I expected to be waiting for this to go through???

I know from everyones responses the the EAD takes just amount the same time as the GC.

Any advice? Anyone in my situation?? I'm still in the early stages of my K1 process and working full time in Canada.

Also is the SSN just like Social Insurance Number in Canada but you can't be employed with it?????

Thanks everyone for your input

Once you get married in the U.S., you apply for your AOS, filling in the EAD and AP at the same time. EAD's are usually processed in about 60 days, give or take, so that's how long you'll be unemployed. Your GC could take much longer, but you'll be able to work with your EAD. Apply for your SSN, yes, it's like your SIN in Canada, a week or so after you get here in the U.S. Just having that doesn't mean you can be employed until you get your EAD, or GC. I've not heard of an EAD taking as long as a GC to reach a person at all. That's the whole purpose of an EAD, to have you start work if you want before the processing of your GC.

If you're working in Canada now, start saving. Also check out the EI thread at the top of the page. If you qualify for EI, doesn't matter if you're in the U.S. or not, you'll fill in cards etc. You must apply for this upon arrival in the U.S., or within 30 days of leaving your job in Canada anyway. You'll be paid from the arrival of your EAD card, until you find employment, or any number of weeks (25-50, or thereabouts, depending on many factors).

You're thinking ahead, that's a good thing, so start saving money now if it's a huge concern for you.

[Sam and Ben 2]

Hey everyone,

My concerned about being unemployed while waiting for my AOS...

How long am I expected to be waiting for this to go through???

I know from everyones responses the the EAD takes just amount the same time as the GC.

Any advice? Anyone in my situation?? I'm still in the early stages of my K1 process and working full time in Canada.

Also is the SSN just like Social Insurance Number in Canada but you can't be employed with it?????

Thanks everyone for your input

It's not that the EAD takes as long as the GC... it's that the GC for some is only taking barely longer than the EAD. Either way, having the EAD will allow you to work during the interim.

SSN is just like a SIN, yes. However, when you first apply for it after entering the country (a safe bet is about 10-14 days after arriving in the US), it will be stamped with your name and a phrase similar to "Not valid without DHS authorization". Basically means that, without an EAD or GC, you're not able to use the SSN alone to work. The SSN may also be required to be added onto a bank account, your spouse's insurance, etc etc.

You will probably be looking at 2-4 months without work after filing for your AOS. If you wish to shorten that length of time, be sure you have all of your AOS required documents prepared before you get married, so that you may file immediately after your marriage (once your marriage certificate is in hand). Double check that you've crossed every t, etc, so that you don't find yourself with a delaying RFE.

Then the countdown begins!

It's tough, yes... but

Edited March 11, 2010 by Sam and Ben

[trulove 1]

So is the EAD more money? I know when I file my AOS its gonna be $1010.00 . Is that including the cost of EAD and AP???

[Leafgal 3]

No the EAD and AP are included in the same amount of money now to the best of my knowledge.

[Galateia 1]

So is the EAD more money? I know when I file my AOS its gonna be $1010.00 . Is that including the cost of EAD and AP???

Yes, it includes the cost of EAD and AP. Since you'll have to pay anyway, most people file for EAD and AP because it's not extra.

You can see from my timeline for when we filed for AOS and when I got my EAD and GC. 2-4 months is a good guideline.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

So is the EAD more money? I know when I file my AOS its gonna be $1010.00 . Is that including the cost of EAD and AP???

I'm not Canadian but I'll answer this... the fee for EAD and AP are waived if they are applied for at the same time as AOS, or while AOS is processing. So whether you apply for them or not, the fee is still $1010.

Yes, it includes the cost of EAD and AP. Since you'll have to pay anyway, most people file for EAD and AP because it's not extra.

You can see from my timeline for when we filed for AOS and when I got my EAD and GC. 2-4 months is a good guideline.

You're not PAYING for the EAD and AP "anyway"... you're just NOT paying for them as the fee is waived. It's dangerous to use the term "included" because some people think that if they don't apply for them that they can take the price of them OFF the $1010 (I kid you not, it's been asked before).