Sitting duck

[Nathalie Yen Hong 0]

Hi,

I entered the country on a marriage/k1 visa August last year, got married a week later, but made a dreadful decision to only file for AOS, EAD and AP early this year because we couldn't afford the almost $800 fee in total before that. Now I'm reading that EAD wasn't even a real necessity, and that many skip that. Oh, I wish I knew better! I so regret it all, but my only console is that it's done.

My husband's been working long hours to keep it going, and I've been sitting at home for almost 5 months now. I had no idea getting a SSN within the 3 month period that the I-94 is only valid for was going to be one of the most crucial things! Now that my I-94 has expired, we are married, my AOS and relevant documents have been filed, there is just nothing I can do besides sit at home - or is there? I can't get my driver's permit to start learning driving since that requires a SSN - which of course requires the EAD, find a job since that requires an approved EAD (which I recently found out took an average of 3 months - is that true?). We thought we'd get a break with our tax returns last month, but we found out last week that I need a SSN or a ITIN to do it jointly. It's all a waiting game, isn't it? Now I'm just hoping my AP would be approved before June - in time for my sister's wedding in Singapore. Begging for babysitting positions helped me sometimes in the past, but I wonder if you guys know about anything else I can do to make it all better/faster?

Sorry I'm whining guys. If there's anyone out there sharing/shared the same situation too, I promise to lend a good listening ear. =)

Sincerely,

Nathalie

[diadromous mermaid 36]

Hi,

I entered the country on a marriage/k1 visa August last year, got married a week later, but made a dreadful decision to only file for AOS, EAD and AP early this year because we couldn't afford the almost $800 fee in total before that. Now I'm reading that EAD wasn't even a real necessity, and that many skip that. Oh, I wish I knew better! I so regret it all, but my only console is that it's done.

My husband's been working long hours to keep it going, and I've been sitting at home for almost 5 months now. I had no idea getting a SSN within the 3 month period that the I-94 is only valid for was going to be one of the most crucial things! Now that my I-94 has expired, we are married, my AOS and relevant documents have been filed, there is just nothing I can do besides sit at home - or is there? I can't get my driver's permit to start learning driving since that requires a SSN - which of course requires the EAD, find a job since that requires an approved EAD (which I recently found out took an average of 3 months - is that true?). We thought we'd get a break with our tax returns last month, but we found out last week that I need a SSN or a ITIN to do it jointly. It's all a waiting game, isn't it? Now I'm just hoping my AP would be approved before June - in time for my sister's wedding in Singapore. Begging for babysitting positions helped me sometimes in the past, but I wonder if you guys know about anything else I can do to make it all better/faster?

Sorry I'm whining guys. If there's anyone out there sharing/shared the same situation too, I promise to lend a good listening ear. =)

Sincerely,

Nathalie

Working, even if "under the table" such as babysitting, is not permitted at this point. Rather than look at it as time wasted, why not do something to better your employment options once the employment authorisation arrives? Work on a dynamic resumé, cover letter, make some contacts within your area, getting to know companies and informing potential employers that you'll soon be in the market for a position, might all be good ideas.

[onesassygirl 0]

Are there non-profit organizations in your area willing to take volunteers? Surely some won't require an SSN... just explain your situation. I myself was planning on doing that, but I don't have my driver's license yet (need EAD or GC) and the transit system where I live is no good at all.

[WVM 0]

You can file for a extension on your taxes as long as you pay what is due. That might give you enough time to get a social security number. The second option would be to file your taxes and then send in an amended return with you and your social security number on it. You might want to ask a CPA if these would work.

[JASONandDAA 0]

[bichon82 0]

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Edited February 2, 2008 by bichon82

[Texanadian 10]

As far as I know, anybody can get an ITIN.

I know what you mean about long days. I've been here since August last year as well.

Too bad about not getting the SSN earlier. I did that 2 weeks after getting here so that I could open up a US bank account.

[Liebi 0]

As far as I know, anybody can get an ITIN.

I know what you mean about long days. I've been here since August last year as well.

Too bad about not getting the SSN earlier. I did that 2 weeks after getting here so that I could open up a US bank account.

Yeah, you can apply for an ITIN with IRS. Problem is, that very often they refuse to issue one as soon as they realize that the applicant has pending AOS status and will be issued EAD and GC in a couple of months and can get a SSN with it. It's illegal to have both, ITIN and SSN. Try the extension.

Just hang in there Nathalie and don't beat yourself up about not applying for SSN while your I-94 was still valid. It doesn't work out for everybody: I did it and they gave me quite a hard time so in the end I just went back there and got my SSN with my EAD.

You need a SSN and an official document from USCIS (EAD, GC) to get the driver license thing going, but you sure can do a lot of other things: I got my bank account without a SSN (lots of the large banks do that just like that, Wells Fargo for example) and like stated above, go out there, try to make contacts. Google the net for nonprofit organizations. They always look for volunteers and it's always good to get to know people that might be able to help you with your job search later on. Plus you can mention it in your resume!

I had my EAD in less than 3 months (although I received a RFE) and I have read alot of posts, that right now people are getting them even faster. Good luck to you!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You didn't make a mistake applying for the EAD and AP along with the AOS. Sometime the AOS takes a long time to be processed. The EAD and AP are usually processed within 3 months so when you get your EAD you can get your SSN and then apply for your driver's license, employment, whatever. The AP will allow you to fly home to attend the wedding and then return to the US without a problem. While it is possible you will get your AOS before June, I wouldn't count on it, and if that is the case, you will be glad that you applied for the EAD and AP. My AOS took so long that I actually had to renew my EAD and my AP - twice. Besides - there is no difference in cost whether you filed EAD and AP or not, so you might just as well as you paid for them regardless.

[Marilyn. 340]

i just wanted to mention that this thread is from a year ago...

[Liebi 0]

i just wanted to mention that this thread is from a year ago...

Ooops...

[Lona.C. 16]

i just wanted to mention that this thread is from a year ago...

and I was just about to post a replie too , but lets just hope she aint borred anymore now , lol