Arriving soon in Denver! What should I do first?

[MK108 17]

So, K-1 visa approved and flights booked. YAY!! Can't wait to see my dearest..

Arriving in Denver on 27th June. Going to take a much needed breather with soon-to-be-hubby for a few days and then want to get hitched asap.

Any ideas what the processes are like in Denver?

What do I do first, get SSN and then get married? or get married and then get SSN? Getting married in court, FYI.

Any advice on how and when to file for Driver's License would also be much appreciated.

Just a note: I am not changing my last name. Even so, if you have any info about name changing process please reply, might be useful for someone else reading this topic.

Also, for AOS, how soon can I file after getting married?

Thanks in advance.

~K

Edited June 19, 2014 by MK108

[steve n songsang 45]

went to S.S. office one day after point of entry with application, copy of I-95 and passport,she was in system....no problems....rec`d card about a week later. You can file AOS as soon as you receive certified marriage certificate if medical is complete(correct I-3025)and you of course have the rest of the necessary documents for the AOS package.

[mcuzin1985 13]

So, K-1 visa approved and flights booked. YAY!! Can't wait to see my dearest..

Arriving in Denver on 27th June. Going to take a much needed breather with soon-to-be-hubby for a few days and then want to get hitched asap.

Any ideas what the processes are like in Denver?

What do I do first, get SSN and then get married? or get married and then get SSN? Getting married in court, FYI.

Any advice on how and when to file for Driver's License would also be much appreciated.

Just a note: I am not changing my last name. Even so, if you have any info about name changing process please reply, might be useful for someone else reading this topic.

Also, for AOS, how soon can I file after getting married?

Thanks in advance.

~K

Since you are changing your last name, to save you an extra trip to the dreadful SS office, I would recommend getting married and taking the certificate they give you at the court house, so that you can get the social security card in your married name.

As far as filing for AOS, once you get married and have the document the court house gives you, I would mail the AOS out to USCIS.

As far as the DL, every state is different but most likely you will NOT be able to get one until you get your EAD card. But just for example, if you have an international D/L the state of TX lets you drive with that DL for up to 1 year.

Good luck and PM if you have any other questions.

[MK108 17]

went to S.S. office one day after point of entry with application, copy of I-95 and passport,she was in system....no problems....rec`d card about a week later. You can file AOS as soon as you receive certified marriage certificate if medical is complete(correct I-3025)and you of course have the rest of the necessary documents for the AOS package.

Wow...thanks for quick reply. Definitely getting SSN first then.

And yea...forgot about the medical. I need to get the remaining shots. Much fun that is :/

So I guess gathering the required documents and completing the medical might take some time. AOS will have to wait until then.

Hmm.. any idea where I can check where I can get the next round of shots? The first phase of medical was completed on May 2nd in Kathmandu.

~K

[MK108 17]

Since you are changing your last name, to save you an extra trip to the dreadful SS office, I would recommend getting married and taking the certificate they give you at the court house, so that you can get the social security card in your married name.

As far as filing for AOS, once you get married and have the document the court house gives you, I would mail the AOS out to USCIS.

As far as the DL, every state is different but most likely you will NOT be able to get one until you get your EAD card. But just for example, if you have an international D/L the state of TX lets you drive with that DL for up to 1 year.

Good luck and PM if you have any other questions.

Exactly the kind of mess I want to avoid. That's why NOT changing my name. Sorry, I guess I needed to highlight the NOT part. I can't seem to edit the first post anymore somehow Nevertheless, an awesome tip for anyone who is changing their name. thanks for the speedy reply btw.

Thanks for the other tips as well. DL, I guess I've to wait for it then. Driver's permit? any chance?

~K

[mcuzin1985 13]

Wow...thanks for quick reply. Definitely getting SSN first then.

And yea...forgot about the medical. I need to get the remaining shots. Much fun that is :/

So I guess gathering the required documents and completing the medical might take some time. AOS will have to wait until then.

Hmm.. any idea where I can check where I can get the next round of shots? The first phase of medical was completed on May 2nd in Kathmandu.

~K

This is what I am going to recommend. If you know exactly what shots you need, I would get them at a local health clinic for a fraction of the cost. Then go to this website to have those shots transcribed onto a I-693. The process is very quick, but as many people will tell you, its going to be a nightmare because they will want to give you a physical in which you dont need one because you had your physical in Kathmandu less than 1 year ago.

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.summary&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV&OfficeLocator.statecode=CO

Hope this answers your questions. Hopefully someone else can chime in on a good doctor to visit in Denver that knows the K1 procedures.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Wow...thanks for quick reply. Definitely getting SSN first then.

And yea...forgot about the medical. I need to get the remaining shots. Much fun that is :/

So I guess gathering the required documents and completing the medical might take some time. AOS will have to wait until then.

Hmm.. any idea where I can check where I can get the next round of shots? The first phase of medical was completed on May 2nd in Kathmandu.

~K

You only need one in a series for AOS, so if you had at least one shot for the AOS required vaccinations, then you get them whenever you can at the local health department or your own family doctor. See this post about the DS-3025 and whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon for the I-693 > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/428381-i-693-report-of-medical-examination-and-vaccination-report/?p=6206232

[mjswede 0]

We got married on June 5 and we went to the Social Security office in Aurora on June 17th. We were at the Social Security office for 1 hour and 45 minutes before our number was called. We filled out the form for the social security card online. We showed my husbands passport and a copy of the I94. I did not change my name.

You can apply for a social security card before or after marriage. It is recommended you wait 2 weeks after arrival before applying for a social security card.

[FlyingPhoenix 4]

Any advice on how and when to file for Driver's License would also be much appreciated.

In most states, you will need a Social Security Number in order to apply for a driver's license. Bring all required identification with you, which may include your passport, foreign driver's license, birth certificate or permanent resident card, and proof of your legal immigration status. (In the case of K1 visa you may not necessarily need the conditional GC to drive but you will need to be married, maybe ask at the DMV whether they will accept the visa in your passport with the marriage certificate to show you are allowed to stay legally in the USA because it takes a while for the AOS to be finalised)

The DMV will also want to confirm that you are an in-state resident, so bring proof of residence such as a utility bill or lease in your name (or husbands name) showing your current address.There are some general requirements in order to obtain a driver's license, including a written test, vision test and driving test. Each state will have its own requirements and procedures.

Prepare for your written test by picking up a copy of your state's driver's guide at the DMV office. You can usually get these at no charge, and many states post their guidebooks on their DMV websites. The guidebook will teach you about traffic safety and the rules of the road. The written exam will be based on the contents of this handbook, so make sure you're well prepared.

If you've never driven before, you'll need to learn new driving skills to pass the road test. You can either take lessons from a very patient friend/family member/husband just make sure they have the right auto insurance to cover you in case of an accident), or you can take formal lessons from a driving school in your area. Even if you've been driving for a while, it might be a good idea to take a refresher course to familiarize yourself with the new traffic laws.

You can usually walk into a DMV office without an appointment and take your written test that day. But most offices suspend testing for the day about an hour before closing so if your schedule's flexible, try to avoid the busy times at the DMV. These are typically lunch time, Saturdays, late afternoons and the first day after a holiday.

Bring your required documentation with you and be prepared to pay a fee to cover the cost of taking the test. Once your application is complete, you'll be directed to an area to take your exam. When you finish the exam, you will be told immediately whether or not you have passed. If you didn't pass, you'll need to successfully pass the exam before you can take the road test. There may be a restriction on how soon you can attempt the exam and/or how many times you can take the test.

If you pass the exam, you will schedule an appointment for a road test. You may be asked to take a vision test at the same time as your written exam, or during your driving test appointment. For the driving test, you will need to provide a vehicle in good working condition as well as proof of liability insurance. During the test, only you and the examiner are allowed in the car.

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you if you passed or failed. If you passed, you will be given information about receiving your official driver's license. If you fail, there will likely be restrictions on when you can take the test again.

Hope that helps, congrats on your approval I got mine yesterday

[2ndMessiah 184]

First thing you should do is just breathe. Slowly in and out.

Take a day to enjoy being with your loved one. Go site seeing. Go to a theme park (Yes, the first full day in the US I went to a theme park and nearly got heat stroke).

Enjoy your wedding. Go on a honeymoon.

Follow the good advice in all the previous posts.The next few months will be chaos. Rushing to get things and again more waiting.

Congrats and good luck.

[MK108 17]

@mcuzin1985: Yes! I do. From the medical I got done in Kathmandu, I have a vaccination sheet with the shots I received and that are marked still as of yet incomplete "due to insufficient time". So all I need to do is get the additional shots if the time interval required between the shots is covered. Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely try and get the shots at a different location than the ones listed.

I just found a location on the link you sent me that is 15 mins walking distance. Perfect.

This is what I am going to recommend. If you know exactly what shots you need, I would get them at a local health clinic for a fraction of the cost. Then go to this website to have those shots transcribed onto a I-693. The process is very quick, but as many people will tell you, its going to be a nightmare because they will want to give you a physical in which you dont need one because you had your physical in Kathmandu less than 1 year ago.

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.summary&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV&OfficeLocator.statecode=CO

Hope this answers your questions. Hopefully someone else can chime in on a good doctor to visit in Denver that knows the K1 procedures.

@KayDeeCee: Awesome link. Thanks. Cleared up a lot of my queries.

You only need one in a series for AOS, so if you had at least one shot for the AOS required vaccinations, then you get them whenever you can at the local health department or your own family doctor. See this post about the DS-3025 and whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon for the I-693 > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/428381-i-693-report-of-medical-examination-and-vaccination-report/?p=6206232

[MK108 17]

@mjswede: Thanks for the tip. Do you have a link to where I can fill out the form online? I searched but in vain.

We got married on June 5 and we went to the Social Security office in Aurora on June 17th. We were at the Social Security office for 1 hour and 45 minutes before our number was called. We filled out the form for the social security card online. We showed my husbands passport and a copy of the I94. I did not change my name.

You can apply for a social security card before or after marriage. It is recommended you wait 2 weeks after arrival before applying for a social security card.

@FlyingPhoenix: o.O Mind blown. Thanks a ton. Wow...amazing tips here..

To-be-husband, not that patient, but promised to take me driving practice. Things we do for love. I will be starting from basic driving lessons.

Congratulations to you too on your approval.

In most states, you will need a Social Security Number in order to apply for a driver's license. Bring all required identification with you, which may include your passport, foreign driver's license, birth certificate or permanent resident card, and proof of your legal immigration status. (In the case of K1 visa you may not necessarily need the conditional GC to drive but you will need to be married, maybe ask at the DMV whether they will accept the visa in your passport with the marriage certificate to show you are allowed to stay legally in the USA because it takes a while for the AOS to be finalised)

The DMV will also want to confirm that you are an in-state resident, so bring proof of residence such as a utility bill or lease in your name (or husbands name) showing your current address.There are some general requirements in order to obtain a driver's license, including a written test, vision test and driving test. Each state will have its own requirements and procedures.

Prepare for your written test by picking up a copy of your state's driver's guide at the DMV office. You can usually get these at no charge, and many states post their guidebooks on their DMV websites. The guidebook will teach you about traffic safety and the rules of the road. The written exam will be based on the contents of this handbook, so make sure you're well prepared.

If you've never driven before, you'll need to learn new driving skills to pass the road test. You can either take lessons from a very patient friend/family member/husband just make sure they have the right auto insurance to cover you in case of an accident), or you can take formal lessons from a driving school in your area. Even if you've been driving for a while, it might be a good idea to take a refresher course to familiarize yourself with the new traffic laws.

You can usually walk into a DMV office without an appointment and take your written test that day. But most offices suspend testing for the day about an hour before closing so if your schedule's flexible, try to avoid the busy times at the DMV. These are typically lunch time, Saturdays, late afternoons and the first day after a holiday.

Bring your required documentation with you and be prepared to pay a fee to cover the cost of taking the test. Once your application is complete, you'll be directed to an area to take your exam. When you finish the exam, you will be told immediately whether or not you have passed. If you didn't pass, you'll need to successfully pass the exam before you can take the road test. There may be a restriction on how soon you can attempt the exam and/or how many times you can take the test.

If you pass the exam, you will schedule an appointment for a road test. You may be asked to take a vision test at the same time as your written exam, or during your driving test appointment. For the driving test, you will need to provide a vehicle in good working condition as well as proof of liability insurance. During the test, only you and the examiner are allowed in the car.

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you if you passed or failed. If you passed, you will be given information about receiving your official driver's license. If you fail, there will likely be restrictions on when you can take the test again.

Hope that helps, congrats on your approval I got mine yesterday

@2ndMessiah: LOL...indeed. First few days after I get there, going to play dead (sleeping ). Won't be that hard as a lot would've happened in the past few weeks. [see signature ]

Just trying to divert my mind right now from the thought of leaving my family, my friends, my country and the amazing weather in my city.

Nevertheless, definitely going to apply the wonderful advice I've got here, yours including, Thank you for your wishes. Good luck to to you too.

First thing you should do is just breathe. Slowly in and out.

Take a day to enjoy being with your loved one. Go site seeing. Go to a theme park (Yes, the first full day in the US I went to a theme park and nearly got heat stroke).

Enjoy your wedding. Go on a honeymoon.

Follow the good advice in all the previous posts.The next few months will be chaos. Rushing to get things and again more waiting.

Congrats and good luck.

[MK108 17]

Forgot to add earlier, love your signature.

[mjswede 0]

This is the link for the form for the social security card http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

If all the of the vaccines were completed overseas you most likely do not need another medical. Please see http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/101202-faqs-forms-i-693-and-ds-3025/

[san diego 407]

To make things most effective (I think I did it very effectively):

1) The next day go to social security office to get social security

2) Set wedding date (the sooner the better)

3) On the 2nd day I bought her a car and set Driver's license exam. This is crucial if you want her to drive before AOS. You have about 2 weeks window to do so otherwise they will not allow DL at DMV.

4) Apply for AOS