Made it to the USA! Now the steps get confusing...

[Rayann 1]

I entered the US with my K1 visa yesterday. I have been checking the guides and have some confusion about the next steps...

Do you need to get a SSN before filing the adjustment of status package?

Does the I-765 allow you to work WHILE your status is being adjusted?

Any tips are so welcome! Thank you!

Rayann

[JohnR! 5,495]

The next step is to get married within 90 days. Once you have the certified copy of your marriage you can apply for AOS. As part of AOS you can file for EAD/AP. Once you receive your EAD you will be able to accept employment, not before. The EAD allows you to accept employment while your status is being adjusted.

In regards to the SSN, give them two weeks to get you in their system and you should have no issues applying for one.

Good luck!

Edited August 25, 2014 by JohnR!

[sweet cakes 326]

Agreed with JohnR's post, except for the SSN part. With the online I-94, a k1 doesn't need to wait for 2 weeks to apply for SSN.

[Al422 221]

Don't wait too long on the SS #. If you wait more than 71 days you will be denied. So go between Day 14 and Day 71. Bring your birth certificate, your passport and visa and your I-94 record of arrival, and you will be good to go.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Agreed with JohnR's post, except for the SSN part. With the online I-94, a k1 doesn't need to wait for 2 weeks to apply for SSN.

I stand corrected. Thanks!!

[Pitaya 2,577]

Congratulations and welcome!

Review the K1 Flowchart, you are currently at step #15: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Become acquainted with the Family-based AOS Forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/7-adjustment-of-status-green-card-from-family-based-visas/

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[sweet cakes 326]

Just to add, you don't need SSN for you AOS, but getting your SSN soon gives a whole lot of benefits like opening a bank account, etc. It's also faster to get your SS card using the I-94 than using the EAD card or GC.

All the best!

[Jo Së 200]

I entered the US with my K1 visa yesterday. I have been checking the guides and have some confusion about the next steps... Congrats. Like prior posts said, first thing to do is get married within 90 days.

Do you need to get a SSN before filing the adjustment of status package? You do not have to get it prior to AOS, however you can apply for it after entering the US before or after you get married, however, if you are changing your name I would suggest you wait till you have your marriage certificate, otherwise you would have to re-apply to get in your married name

Does the I-765 allow you to work WHILE your status is being adjusted? Once you receive your EAD you can work while you wait for your GC, usually takes about 90 days to receive from the date you apply.

Any tips are so welcome! Thank you!

Rayann

Edited August 25, 2014 by Jose&Eli

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Print out your I-94 info > https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Follow this guide for getting the SSN > http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Follow this guide for AOS > http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

The fees for the I-765(EAD-work authorization) and I-131(AP-advance parole for travel) are waived when filed with a pending I-485, so include both of those too. It takes about 60-90 days to receive the EAD/AP combo card, which will allow you to work(along with an SSN) and re-enter the US when traveling abroad while waiting for the green card approval.

You need all the supporting documents for each form as well, so read the instructions for each one. You can also search here on VJ for what to include with each form if you get stumped. There are also example forms here on VJ you can look at when filling out the forms. They can be helpful.

Oh, and here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/428381-i-693-report-of-medical-examination-and-vaccination-report/?p=6206232

~ Moved from K-1 Process to AOS from Family Based Visas - topic is AOS, not K-1 ~

[Rayann 1]

Thanks for your help everyone! I am confused about this part...

Agreed with JohnR's post, except for the SSN part. With the online I-94, a k1 doesn't need to wait for 2 weeks to apply for SSN.

I have a paper 1-94 inside my passport and also located it online... Does this mean I can go in and get my SSN right away?

My other question is qhen I can start working... is the SSN enough or do I have to wait for the EAD?

Thanks!

[sweet cakes 326]

Thanks for your help everyone! I am confused about this part...

I have a paper 1-94 inside my passport and also located it online... Does this mean I can go in and get my SSN right away?

My other question is qhen I can start working... is the SSN enough or do I have to wait for the EAD?

Thanks!

Yes, you can go apply for your SSN now. Check the SSN guide as linked by KayDeeCee above for more info.

In my experience, I just brought my Passport, I-94 and a filled-out SS-5. Some folks mentioned that they were asked for their birth certificate too, so bring that as well just in case.

As mentioned in the earlier responses, you need to actually have your EAD card in hand before you have the legal authorization to work. You can definitely start looking for jobs and getting interviewed, but you can only officially start reporting for work when you receive the EAD card [or Green card, whichever comes first].