Marriage in VA, Filed in CA, Living in CA

[FastTrack 3]

Hi,

My Fiancee and I flew from London on November 29th... We flew into Washington DC and are staying in Virginia with my mother for christmas and are having our wedding here in Virginia on January 6th. We plan to drive back to California (where we will live, and where I originally filed) a few days after.

My questions are as follows:

1. Do we need to get her social security # first?

2. Will there be any complications getting married here in Virginia civil ceremony although we will be living in California and filing paperwork there for AOS?

3. After wedding, is there anything I could do from here in VA to get the ball rolling on AOS while we are travelling home? (making AOS appointment/mailing marriage certificate etc....)

4. Is there anything else that anyone feels would be important to know or prepare in our situation?

Thanks in advance for all of your insight... I am hoping this site is as helpful in the AOS stage as it was for the process leading to consulate interview in London.... I am sure it is!

We have been taking a short break since bringing her into the US to hang with my family etc... Everything is going so great, but it's time to get back in the "ZONE" and keep up with the process... She is anxious to work and We would like to get the clock ticking for the 60-90 day countdown for work permit.

[Ryan H 3,812]

2. Will there be any complications getting married here in Virginia civil ceremony although we will be living in California and filing paperwork there for AOS?

No

3. After wedding, is there anything I could do from here in VA to get the ball rolling on AOS while we are travelling home? (making AOS appointment/mailing marriage certificate etc....)

If you have filled out the necessary form (I-485) before returning to CA, you can mail it along with the required documentation to the appropriate intake facility on the form instructions.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Hi,

My Fiancee and I flew from London on November 29th... We flew into Washington DC and are staying in Virginia with my mother for christmas and are having our wedding here in Virginia on January 6th. We plan to drive back to California (where we will live, and where I originally filed) a few days after.

My questions are as follows:

1. Do we need to get her social security # first?

Not necessarily, however, you should check the marriage license requirements for the county in the commonwealth where you will be married. Some may require a SS# for both parties, some don't.

2. Will there be any complications getting married here in Virginia civil ceremony although we will be living in California and filing paperwork there for AOS?

Doubtful. Before you leave VA, try to get certified copies of the marriage certificate from the county clerk. Otherwise, you'll have to wait to have copies mailed to you.

3. After wedding, is there anything I could do from here in VA to get the ball rolling on AOS while we are travelling home? (making AOS appointment/mailing marriage certificate etc....)

See above. Get certified copies before you leave the state. You can't make an AOS appointment, you have to file the AOS package with the various supporting evidence. Be sure to file the paperwork for the EAD and Advance Parole, too.

4. Is there anything else that anyone feels would be important to know or prepare in our situation?

Be sure to read through the AOS for K-1 VJ guide. Also, the awesome Nich-Nick has a great AOS checklist.

Good luck!

Edited December 13, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[VanessaTony 3,567]

My questions are as follows:

1. Do we need to get her social security # first? Not normally no but it is often much easier to get the SSN before the marriage because the SSA sometimes confuses themselves

2. Will there be any complications getting married here in Virginia civil ceremony although we will be living in California and filing paperwork there for AOS? No. The only problem will be if you ever need certified copies you'll have to go to (or contact) Virginia. So get a few extra copies just in case.

3. After wedding, is there anything I could do from here in VA to get the ball rolling on AOS while we are travelling home? (making AOS appointment/mailing marriage certificate etc....) Complete the forms basically. I wouldn't send anything until you've actually moved.

4. Is there anything else that anyone feels would be important to know or prepare in our situation? Here is my AOS thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/ which has the document check list as well as explanations and helpful links. Please remember the fee is currently $1070, I am unable to edit the OP.

Answers in red above.

[ceadsearc 516]

Not much to speed it up, but in VA (or at least in Arlington County, can't speak to elsewhere but I imagine the law is the same) you can get certified copied of your marriage certificate the same day, so make sure to get several copies before you leave. Mailing it will take a LOT longer.