During Work Authorization wait....

[Kris & Liezl 3]

Hi,

We are doing the K-1 visa. I understand that my fiancee will not be able to work for some months after arrival - until she gets her Work Authorization. How long does that take, on average, by the way?

My question is this: My fiancee eager to work when she is here. She is a (degreed) Preschool Teacher in the Philippines, and is her family's breadwinner, as she is the only one with a Degree. During the time she is waiting for authorization to work, can she still attend classes to obtain her TEXAS Teaching Certificate? The program I'm researching for her actually requires some "practice teaching" as part of the course requirements. Is that considered "working"? Or would that be considered as "study" since it is part of a Certification Program? I just don't want her to be sitting home alone for however many months while I am working.

Thanks

[Nik+Heather 121]

The EAD takes about 2 months to arrive once you apply for it. Of course, that happens after you get married, so a big part of the wait between entry and EAD is under your control. If you wait 3 months to get married, or wait months to file after you get married, you're just adding time. If you get married soon after arrival, and have your AOS ready to go as soon as you get the certified copy of the marriage certificate, then you can really cut down on her down time.

As far as I know, taking classes is kosher, but the practice teaching (even if unpaid) sounds really grey to me - you're not allowed to do unpaid internships etc either - it's not always about if she gets paid or not. How long are the classes before the practice teaching begins?

Edited October 6, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[marriedtomrg 141]

Have you started the K1 process?

If not...would you guys consider pursuing the CR1 process instead? At the end of the process, when she lands she would be eligible for a green card immediately, and she can spend the first few months trying to get her credentials evaluated and accepted for teaching rather than losing time waiting for EAD...she basically hits the ground running.

There would be other benefits too...depending on the state she will qualify for local student rates (you pay full price otherwise), she'd be eligible for financial aid (if money was an object), she can apply for a driver's license, there'd be no question about her eligibility to accept paid or unpaid internship...it would just open so many doors for her.

I looked into going to back to school initially, but there were many limitations due to my temporary status, even though I applied for an EAD and SSN in advance of our adjustment of status application. In the end, I have to wait for my green card to gain any significant ground, if I want to pursue a different degree. (Or in your fiancee's case, resume a teaching career).

She may find this helpful: http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/sbeconline/certinfo/becometeacher.asp?width=1280&height=1024

At least in preparation for what she is planning to do after she moves to the US.

Hi,

We are doing the K-1 visa. I understand that my fiancee will not be able to work for some months after arrival - until she gets her Work Authorization. How long does that take, on average, by the way?

My question is this: My fiancee eager to work when she is here. She is a (degreed) Preschool Teacher in the Philippines, and is her family's breadwinner, as she is the only one with a Degree. During the time she is waiting for authorization to work, can she still attend classes to obtain her TEXAS Teaching Certificate? The program I'm researching for her actually requires some "practice teaching" as part of the course requirements. Is that considered "working"? Or would that be considered as "study" since it is part of a Certification Program? I just don't want her to be sitting home alone for however many months while I am working.

Thanks

[Kris & Liezl 3]

Have you started the K1 process?

If not...would you guys consider pursuing the CR1 process instead? At the end of the process, when she lands she would be eligible for a green card immediately, and she can spend the first few months trying to get her credentials evaluated and accepted for teaching rather than losing time waiting for EAD...she basically hits the ground running.

No, we haven't filed any forms yet, but the reason I am going with a K1 Visa is because we are not currently married. I think the CR1 is for if you are already married. With my finances and present work situation, the K1 is the only one that fits.

If employment authorization only takes a few months, maybe she will be able to handle that... I think we'll just try to get her into the Certificate program since she already has a degree - she sent me her transcripts to try to get evaluated, but I haven't had time. I believe the "practice teaching" portion comes in toward the end of that.