Unsure plans while on K-1 Process

[TeapotGirl 66]

Just to confirm, you grandfather and uncle are 'licensed' (I don't think that's quite the right word though...) to perform marriages?

That's what I know. My aunt said they headed marriage ceremonies in the past and she's the one who suggested our relatives there. I am not sure if my uncle and Grandfather (brother of my grandmother) are in the same religion. My uncle (my father's brother-in-law) is Protestant minister. My grandfathers son is also a lawyer so I am sure they won't put me into something I will be in trouble of.

Edited September 26, 2011 by teapotgurl1983

[belinda63 3,022]

The K-1 is a visa, not a permanent residence card. Once you arrive in the US you have 90 days to marry the petitioner. After you are married you file AOS (adjustment of status) to obtain your green card (permanent residence). You can also file at the same time for an EAD (employment authorization) so you can work while your green card is pending. It normally takes about 90 days after filing AOS/EAD to receive the work authorization, not two years.

Once you arrive on the K-1 visa it is void, it is a one use visa. If you leave the US after arriving and prior to obtaining AP (advance parole) which can be filed for with the AOS, you will be considered to have abandoned your application to adjust status. You will have to obtain a new visa to enter the US.

Keep in mind that when you file to adjust status you must show a legitimate relationship with your spouse such as living in the same residence, joint bills, etc. And you cannot adjust status by marriage to anyone other than the person who petitioned you.

[TeapotGirl 66]

The K-1 is a visa, not a permanent residence card. Once you arrive in the US you have 90 days to marry the petitioner.

I am very clear with this.

so you can work while your green card is pending. It normally takes about 90 days after filing AOS/EAD to receive the work authorization, not two years.

I thought I can't work until I got the GC,

If you leave the US after arriving and prior to obtaining AP (advance parole) which can be filed for with the AOS, you will be considered to have abandoned your application to adjust status. You will have to obtain a new visa to enter the US.

Oh I see..We may just visit to San Fo to beat the homesickness then if I will be homesick.

Keep in mind that when you file to adjust status you must show a legitimate relationship with your spouse such as living in the same residence, joint bills, etc. And you cannot adjust status by marriage to anyone other than the person who petitioned you.

No problem with this. We share almost everything. Thanks for your input. I get the clearer picture now.

Edited September 26, 2011 by teapotgurl1983

[skiptex 225]

I will be very busy for the wedding, I am sure I don't want to work right after I set my feet in the US or even 2 weeks after marriage. I am thinking of like my 5th month there until I get my Green Card.

it does not mean you have to start working right after the wedding.. BUT once you get this processed you will be allowed to work.. when you want or when you find work.. which ever comes first! either way.. good luck in your journey

[TeapotGirl 66]

How about an online job in Odesk or selling stuff on ebay? I dont think I need a work permit for that. Just a thought.

Edited September 26, 2011 by teapotgurl1983

[skiptex 225]

How about an online job in Odesk or selling stuff on ebay and such be considered as a job that I need to get a work permit?

probably not.. but just put the paypal account into your hubby's name, i guess.. other then that.. internet is wide open.. but that income may have to be declared.. somehow..

[* Kristin * 49]

Just so you know... you won't be working two weeks after you get married You will have a bit more time than that.

You will need to wait for your EAD to be processed and approved.

I will be very busy for the wedding, I am sure I don't want to work right after I set my feet in the US or even 2 weeks after marriage. I am thinking of like my 5th month there until I get my Green Card.

[Enigma11561 336]

what Belinda said is spot on. So you have a few months to acclimate yourself to a different lifestyle.

[th and jv 3]

just to share....

back in the phils, i grew up and settled in a nice but busy tourist city.....

buzzling with this and that....

malls here and there.....

all the amenities - you name it - just around the corner....

friends and relatives just a stone throw away.......

when i decided to get married (to my husband now)

i thought about those i will "give up"....

and its so worth it....

if its any consolation to you,

my background back home - worked in the corporate world since graduation.....

and, of course, went with it, the never ending social life.....

right now, i am happily married (7 months) and living up in the mountains .....

where neighbors frequent their houses during summer only....

we are the only permanent resident here.......

at first, i thought like you......"what else to do up here????"

but after a couple of months, i simply adopted the lifestyle here.....

and thought of the many things to do.....

at this moment, i cant seem to know which one of the many things in my mind to prioritize......while living up in the mountains....

im the only known filipina here....

but because my husband is very supportive and caring....

plus nice people (friends and relatives) around ....

they all made me feel so very at home.....

ohhhhh.... i never thought i would love this place and the people around it this soon....

and by the way, to add, we are 150 miles away from the nearest mall/supermarket....

but, anything is possible.....

im sure you will be ok......

lots of things to do and think about once you are here.....

in no time, you will be so busy.....

that you will be looking for free time.....

good luck to you...

and i repeat - you can do it.....

[Brit Abroad 166]

For your adjustment of status (AoS), you will want to fill in three forms - the I-485 (adjust from K1 fiancee to wife), I-765 (Employment Authorisation Document - until resident card supercedes it) and I-131 (Advance Parole aka Travel Document prior to Resident card). As the latter two are free if filed with the former, if there is any likelihood that you will want to work or return to the Phils for any family emergency, it's best to apply for all three at the same time.

Timeline for my process was :- Dec 19 applied for AoS/EAD/AP

Feb 20 received AP

Feb 28 received EAD

April 6 received Green card

Hope this gives you an idea of the timescales, although they may have changed in the last couple of years. Looking at timescales for people who apply in the couple of months before you do will often give a great idea of when to expect your paperwork to go through.

[bigdog 376]

I would not take the chance on a problem just to be impatient. This process is what it is and time and money consuming. You just started and have about 7 months until completion. Slow down, enjoy the ride.

[Joandjo 20]

My fiance can't stand waiting for my visa to be released. He's mailing the application this week everything looks okay, still just finishing things up.

He wants to spend Christmas and even months here in the Philippines until I get my fiancee visa, would that be okay? Does he need to be physically in the US to anticipate any mail or notification from USCIS?

We are planning to get married in San Francisco, CA, because I have relatives there that could help us get married, (my grandfather and uncle can lead the ceremony, he lives in Cleveland, OH), should we anticipate extra paperwork or a little problem if his residence and the wedding venue are on different States?

I still don't know If I will like it in the OH after marriage. I cannot work for 2 years and that's extremely boring for me. OH is very cold and I can't handle coldness and boredom at the same time. Can I move back to the Philippines after marriage and still waiting for adjustment of status?

You can work as soon as you get a Social Security number. Remember once you get here you'll file for a Green card and that will be $1000 as soon as you arrive. You'll have a social security number soon after and you can work then. Only travel outside the U.S. will be limited for 2 years. That is the Green card processing time. But once you marry, file for the green card right away and you can begin working!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can work as soon as you get a Social Security number. Remember once you get here you'll file for a Green card and that will be $1000 as soon as you arrive. You'll have a social security number soon after and you can work then. Only travel outside the U.S. will be limited for 2 years. That is the Green card processing time. But once you marry, file for the green card right away and you can begin working!

All LPRs have travel restrictions. There is no extra restrictions on 2-year GC holders v. 10-year GC holders. The main restriction for both is that they have to reside in the US, so generally they cannot takes trips outside of the US for a year at a time. People with a conditional GC can travel internationally.

She cannot work as soon as she gets her Social Security number; rather, she will also need her EAD to work. A SSN by itself does not give the right to work. In fact, the SS Card she gets will say "not valid without DHS work authorization."

The GC takes about 4 months to process.

There is a lot of misinformation in this thread overall.

Edited September 27, 2011 by Harpa Timsah

[Joandjo 20]

You should apply for an advance furlow. Though travel is limited it is possible to travel in cases of emergency. The main thing to remember is that the cost to apply for a Green card is $1000! Don't get surprised by this.

[skiptex 225]

You should apply for an advance furlow. Though travel is limited it is possible to travel in cases of emergency. The main thing to remember is that the cost to apply for a Green card is $1000! Don't get surprised by this.

and the form that always you to work .. is $300+.. so if i file AOS and Employment papers.. i need to make sure i have about $1,400.. is this true? are there other costs? after marriage, when dealing with paperwork of this type?