Arriving in Texas!

[Dodger 0]

Hi All

Im very happy to say Ive arrived in the States, its been a serious journey as you will all know but to finally be with my fiancee.... words cannot describe!! . Just thought id share my experience arriving at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. First off, the immigration officers were really friendly, I got taken to a room and then a few minutes later issued with my K1 and I-94, of course I was really happy, but I then asked the officer if I could please get an EAD, he then told me no, they dont do that at Dallas, only once i apply for AOS I can apply for work status! has this happened to anyone? Im not sure if the officer just wasnt in the mood to help me out??

I then went today and tried applying for my Social Security Number, I was to early and now they have to do a manual search on my records, I believe its better to wait for 2 weeks before applying, however if you have applied early, they say you should go back in 2 weeks and try again!

My next experience was at the DMV, I asked if i could convert my South African Driving Licence for a Texan, they told me first i would need to take a test, but my I-94 is only valid for 3 months, it has to be valid for at least 6!! Do any of you guys know a way around this? I can still drive with my licence, but of course I need a Texas licence at some stage.. Im guessing I could try again after AOS? Please could someone out there help me??

Thanks in advance!

Rodger

[payxibka 10,045]

Hi All

Im very happy to say Ive arrived in the States, its been a serious journey as you will all know but to finally be with my fiancee.... words cannot describe!! . Just thought id share my experience arriving at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. First off, the immigration officers were really friendly, I got taken to a room and then a few minutes later issued with my K1 and I-94, of course I was really happy, but I then asked the officer if I could please get an EAD, he then told me no, they dont do that at Dallas, only once i apply for AOS I can apply for work status! has this happened to anyone? Im not sure if the officer just wasnt in the mood to help me out??

JFK is the only POE that reportedly still does it routinely

[me_4_musa 1]

Just thought id share my experience arriving at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. First off, the immigration officers were really friendly, I got taken to a room and then a few minutes later issued with my K1 and I-94, of course I was really happy, but I then asked the officer if I could please get an EAD, he then told me no, they dont do that at Dallas, only once i apply for AOS I can apply for work status!

My fiance is a long way off in receiving his visa but DFW will also be his POE. Thanks for this info, it's good to know.

Congrads by the way.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Whoa, slow down. You should concentrate on the needs at hand. Preparing to marry. Once you have accomplished that, then you can apply for AOS (Adjustment of Status) and you need to decide if you want to apply for employent authorization or just get your green card first. As long as you can drive on your South African drivers license, then use it. The social security numbers are sometimes a thorny issue depending upon the office personnel. Some issue the SSN without anything and others demand proof of your permanent status.

[edsperfect 25]

Whoa, slow down. You should concentrate on the needs at hand. Preparing to marry. Once you have accomplished that, then you can apply for AOS (Adjustment of Status) and you need to decide if you want to apply for employent authorization or just get your green card first. As long as you can drive on your South African drivers license, then use it. The social security numbers are sometimes a thorny issue depending upon the office personnel. Some issue the SSN without anything and others demand proof of your permanent status.

I thought you need work authorizatio to get the SSN

[LaGreenEyes 0]

Welcome to Dallas-Ft Worth! Let me start by saying I hope you'll like it here, it's a great place to live! My husband of almost 1 year loves it.

DFW does not issue EAD's upon arrival, that has to be done through your AOS process. You can either apply for an interim EAD or wait for your green card once you all get married. The social security office in north Arlington was pretty good about my husband's SSN. We went about 3 weeks after he arrived and never heard anything. We waited the 30 days and went back, and were processed on the spot. He did not yet have his Green Card it was not a big deal. The Texas DMV website has information regarding foreign driver's licenses. Most countries are valid for at least a year in Texas.

If you need any info/advice about the local area PM me!