Help! How soon can I fill the form to apply for a job in the U.S in the K1 Visa process?

[LauraAlvarMarti 0]

Hello.

I was wondering, how soon can I fill the form to be able to apply for a job in the states? My fiancé is there and he is working, but I want to work too, as soon as possible so I can earn money for the household!

Thank you!!!

[Ash.1101 1,756]

You can not work until you have approved EAD. You can apply for it when you enter on K-1 but the processing time is about 90 days just to recieve it, so there's no point of applying when you enter the country. Even if it is approved, since you applied for it while on K-1, it's expiration date would be the same day your I-94 expires.


General rule of thumb is to not expect to work until 90 days AFTER you file for AOS (the next step after marriage). When you file for AOS you should also file for EAD and AP, EAD and AP are usually approved within 90 days of being filed.

Overall:

You CAN apply for EAD while on K-1 if you want, but the average processing time is about 90 days. It will also expire when your I-94 expires which is 90 days after entering the country. There is a good chance that if you do get the EAD it'll expire before you can secure a job.

You SHOULD apply for EAD when you file for AOS. After you get married, your next step is to do your Adjustment of Status, when you do this you'll also file for EAD and AP if you want too. Your EAD and AP should be approved within 90 days of filing your AOS package.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Ash.1101

[TBoneTX 46,151]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the AOS/Family-Based main forum -- topic involves the post-K-1 phase. ***

[bstand 4]

You can not work until you have approved EAD. You can apply for it when you enter on K-1 but the processing time is about 90 days just to recieve it, so there's no point of applying when you enter the country. Even if it is approved, since you applied for it while on K-1, it's expiration date would be the same day your I-94 expires.

General rule of thumb is to not expect to work until 90 days AFTER you file for AOS (the next step after marriage). When you file for AOS you should also file for EAD and AP, EAD and AP are usually approved within 90 days of being filed.

Overall:

You CAN apply for EAD while on K-1 if you want, but the average processing time is about 90 days. It will also expire when your I-94 expires which is 90 days after entering the country. There is a good chance that if you do get the EAD it'll expire before you can secure a job.

You SHOULD apply for EAD when you file for AOS. After you get married, your next step is to do your Adjustment of Status, when you do this you'll also file for EAD and AP if you want too. Your EAD and AP should be approved within 90 days of filing your AOS package.

I second this. You need an EAD first before you can apply for jobs. EAD is a temporary work permit that last for a year while you wait for your green card. You can only apply for AOS, EAD & AP AFTER you get married within the 90 days of your i-94 expiration. EAD & AP takes 2-3 months from the day you submit your AOS package. Once you get your EAD you'll have to apply for your SSN which takes about 2 wks to receive OR you can apply for it before your i-94 expires within the 90 days period but better to do it after you get married so you can start using your husband's surname for everything you apply for and you don't need to change it later on. But even then, you'll need to get your EAD first before you can work.

[military-wife 9]

they are both right. It takes at least 90 days to get the EAD. Don't apply for a job if you do not have a EAD, they will not hire you without proof that you can legally work.

I sent my AOS form in August and I am still waiting on my EAD. It's been over 60 days now...

[LauraAlvarMarti 0]

Thank you for answering! That was really helpful!!