Just Married! What's next?

[jeffandmariya 0]

Hello everybody!

Me and my fiance just got married on a K1 visa. Now we are working on the AOS forms. I am applying for a green card now and I have a couple questions.

• Do I need a biometric?
  

• I have a Social Security Card from my previous visit. It says that it is valid for work only. Do I need to go to SSOffice and get a new one?
  

Thank you in advance for the responses

[Inky 1,110]

Everyone gets biometrics done when they get the letter of their appointment in the mail.

If you already have your SSN its yours for life you do not get a new one or a different one.

Your SSN is only valid for work with an EAD card or green card. Your SSN will say the same thing on it if you request a new card because your not allowed to work without one of thos documents.

[jeffandmariya 0]

So we just gonna fill the forms and wait to get the letter of the appointment... Any ideas how long it all takes with the AOS and I-765?

These forums are very helpful!

[milimelo 4,481]

Moving to AOS from family based visa.

[Mhayonaise 14]

So we just gonna fill the forms and wait to get the letter of the appointment... Any ideas how long it all takes with the AOS and I-765?

These forums are very helpful!

Basically its 2-5 months waiting game for the greencard (case to case basis). somebody pls correct me if im wrong.

The EAD usually arrived first. 1-2 months.

Goodluck!

[jeffandmariya 0]

Thank you all guys for the responses! You really helped!

[jeffandmariya 0]

I have another question... Is there any dead line? I mean when are we supposed to send the forms?

[Mr&Mrs D. 4]

What you have to do is go to the SSN office and request a new SSN card. The number will never change, but your status in the US has changed with marriage (and immigration) and IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS BEFORE FILING THE NEXT DOCUMENTS! It will deff save you some headaches... Card arrives in mail usually within 2 weeks...

I can't help you on the AOS topic though, but I'm sure a lot of other ppl can!

Congratulations again!

[bigdog 376]

SSS card good with work authorization. When you get GC get SSS card without stamp. You will get biometrics appointment after filing for AOS.

[jleebeane 2]

What you have to do is go to the SSN office and request a new SSN card. The number will never change, but your status in the US has changed with marriage (and immigration) and IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS BEFORE FILING THE NEXT DOCUMENTS! It will deff save you some headaches... Card arrives in mail usually within 2 weeks...

I can't help you on the AOS topic though, but I'm sure a lot of other ppl can!

Congratulations again!

Can you explain why this is correct? My understanding was that she does NOT need to get a new SS card until after gaining permanent resident status. Until she has a green card, the new SS card will have the exact same "valid only with DHS authorization" wording. After her EAD is approved she'll have the authorization to show with the card, but I don't think a new Social Security card at this point would do any good.

Please let me know if I'm incorrect!

[ceadsearc 516]

Until the OP has a green card in hand, she will not be able to obtain a social security card that says anything other than "valid only with work authorization" because she would still need to produce an EAD to be able to work. Thus, there is no point in trying to change the social security card now.

As for how long the process takes, that depends on how quickly your local office is processing AOS applications. The USCIS can show you how backed up (or not backed up) your local office is. The norm is 4-6 months for a green card. The EAD will typically arrive within 2-3 months. If your office is processing things particularly quickly, you may end up getting your green card without ever receiving your EAD.

[emiliya27 3]

I have had obtained SSC years ago when I was in the US. When I arrived this year I did not change my SSC. However, I changed my new name when I got my EAD. The number was the same, and the only thing they altered was my last name. I still have printed "Valid with DHS authorization" though. Do I still need to go to the SSA to order a new card when I get my green card?

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

I have had obtained SSC years ago when I was in the US. When I arrived this year I did not change my SSC. However, I changed my new name when I got my EAD. The number was the same, and the only thing they altered was my last name. I still have printed "Valid with DHS authorization" though. Do I still need to go to the SSA to order a new card when I get my green card?

You can get a new card, but you don't have to. For work and I-9 purposes, all you have to show is your Green Card. Only if you don't want to show your Green Card, you can alternatively show your driver's license and an unrestricted SS card. It's your choice. I did not get a new SS card until I became a U.S. citizen and only then I got a new one because I had changed my name and needed to update my SSA records in order to get a new driver's license in my new name.

The number on you SS card never changes, and normally you would never show it to anybody. I have not shown my SS card to anybody in almost 20 years. All you ever need is the number.

[emiliya27 3]

Thanks for the quick response!

[Mr&Mrs D. 4]

Can you explain why this is correct? My understanding was that she does NOT need to get a new SS card until after gaining permanent resident status. Until she has a green card, the new SS card will have the exact same "valid only with DHS authorization" wording. After her EAD is approved she'll have the authorization to show with the card, but I don't think a new Social Security card at this point would do any good.

Please let me know if I'm incorrect!

Maria has a SSN from last time she was in the USA (from what I understand), so did I. When I got here, I went to the SSC office and presented my passport with the valid visa, my birth certificate, my marriage certificate (since I changed my name)and my old SSC. The dude at the front desk said "Ok, I see that you're waiting for your green card, so I will go ahead and get your SSC processed now." I had no problems at all and the card came in the mail in 6 days.

You have a valid point tho.. Maria is a K3 so it only makes sense for her to wait until she has the CR1 green card in hand.. Maybe I should just stick to "reading" the K1/K3 posts! LOL

My whole point was: don't wait for the US gov to process your SSC (whenever you're ready with everything else), as it takes FOR-EVER! Just got to the SSN administration, much faster and less painful!

Edited October 12, 2011 by Mr&Mrs D.