After getting K1 and entering USA?

[Clifford27 11]

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if anyone has an updated list of things that need to happen once the K1 is issued and I enter into the US.

Want to make sure I have a list of what we need to do once I enter.

Thanks

[falcngrl 3]

Some of it depends on where you're moving to

[NikLR 13,231]

get SSN

get married

file AOS

additionally:

file for EI

If you worked in 2015 you'll need to do taxes in Canada as well on paper. (I know. I know... )

[Clifford27 11]

get SSN

get married

file AOS

additionally:

file for EI

If you worked in 2015 you'll need to do taxes in Canada as well on paper. (I know. I know... )

What do I need to apply for my SSN? Is this something that can be done online or do I need to book an appointment at a government office? Is there a cost associated with this?

Filing for the AOS what documents will I need to complete this? I am guessing the marriage certificate is the big one part? And what is the cost associated with this?

And at what point can I start talking to companies about work and interviewing? Want to make sure I don't start this to early.

Now as for the EI I will be on it starting January 1st in Canada, once I leave because of my visa I am notifying them that I am leaving because of Marriage and moving to the US. Can I reopen once I am in the US with my AOS?

I won't be leaving till end of January so I am hoping that I can get all of my income tax stuff filed before I leave.

Thanks for the help.

Oh and I will be living in California once this is said and done. As I know someone above posted it depends on where I am going to be living

[NikLR 13,231]

What do I need to apply for my SSN? Is this something that can be done online or do I need to book an appointment at a government office? Is there a cost associated with this?

Filing for the AOS what documents will I need to complete this? I am guessing the marriage certificate is the big one part? And what is the cost associated with this?

And at what point can I start talking to companies about work and interviewing? Want to make sure I don't start this to early.

Now as for the EI I will be on it starting January 1st in Canada, once I leave because of my visa I am notifying them that I am leaving because of Marriage and moving to the US. Can I reopen once I am in the US with my AOS?

I won't be leaving till end of January so I am hoping that I can get all of my income tax stuff filed before I leave.

Thanks for the help.

Oh and I will be living in California once this is said and done. As I know someone above posted it depends on where I am going to be living

1) You need to go to an SSA office. There is no cost. It's just like getting a SIN.

2) Have you read the AOS guides? It's $1070

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1aos

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1faq.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

Relevant forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/7-adjustment-of-status-green-card-from-family-based-visas/

3) They will keep it open until you provide them with your EAD - Employment Authorization Document. Only after your EAD is received can you get any benefits. Before the EAD (which is filed with the AOS) you are ineligible to work, even though you'll have an SSN. Because of that you are ineligible to get EI until such a time as you are ready, willing, and able to work.

One thing to note about California. You will need to get your driver's license there after getting your EAD. But California does not exchange your Canadian license so you need to get a learners permit etc...

[Clifford27 11]

1) You need to go to an SSA office. There is no cost. It's just like getting a SIN.

2) Have you read the AOS guides? It's $1070

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1aos

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1faq.htm

http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

Relevant forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/7-adjustment-of-status-green-card-from-family-based-visas/

3) They will keep it open until you provide them with your EAD - Employment Authorization Document. Only after your EAD is received can you get any benefits. Before the EAD (which is filed with the AOS) you are ineligible to work, even though you'll have an SSN. Because of that you are ineligible to get EI until such a time as you are ready, willing, and able to work.

One thing to note about California. You will need to get your driver's license there after getting your EAD. But California does not exchange your Canadian license so you need to get a learners permit etc...

OMG $1070 ?

That's close to what we have paid already just to get to the interview stage, with government fees, and medical fees.

I didn't realize it was that much more out of pocket after you are approved at the interview for the K1

[NikLR 13,231]

Oh yes. That's why many of us choose to the CR1 path. Granted, spending a week in Montreal wasn't exactly cheap either.

But you need that green card.

[Clifford27 11]

Oh yes. That's why many of us choose to the CR1 path. Granted, spending a week in Montreal wasn't exactly cheap either.

But you need that green card.

What is the CR1 path? Guessing we are to far along now to change course.

Have to figure by the end of this we will have spent $3000+ on this whole process

Edited December 30, 2015 by Clifford27

[NikLR 13,231]

It is the spousal visa. So you have to be married first. The interviews are only done in Montreal however.

[Clifford27 11]

It is the spousal visa. So you have to be married first. The interviews are only done in Montreal however.

What was the cost difference going that route?

And why did you spend a week in Montreal? Turned it into a vacation?

[NikLR 13,231]

For visa costs the CR1 is cheaper, but either way you have the medical, moving, police certificate costs etc... The nice part is getting the green card upon entry to be honest. No adjustment of status. You can work or travel right away. I couldn't have done the K1 path simply because of the travel restrictions.

[Clifford27 11]

For visa costs the CR1 is cheaper, but either way you have the medical, moving, police certificate costs etc... The nice part is getting the green card upon entry to be honest. No adjustment of status. You can work or travel right away. I couldn't have done the K1 path simply because of the travel restrictions.

My biggest issue is going to be waiting to work while all this happens. It's going to be a huge pain for me.

It's not like o can tell companies that I know when it will be done also so they can plan for it.

What other fees are we looking at beyond the $1070?

Edited December 30, 2015 by Clifford27

[NikLR 13,231]

My biggest issue is going to be waiting to work while all this happens. It's going to be a huge pain for me.

It's not like o can tell companies that I know when it will be done also so they can plan for it.

What other fees are we looking at beyond the $1070?

That should be it. Your medical should be good. The EAD and AP are free to file with the AOS. Whatever it costs to get a driver's license in your county is likely the other costs you'd endure.

Not being able to work is a huge deal for some of us. Generally it only takes 60-90 days to get the EAD provided your AOS doesn't get an RFE. However you can request it to be expedited due to a job offer as well.

[Clifford27 11]

That should be it. Your medical should be good. The EAD and AP are free to file with the AOS. Whatever it costs to get a driver's license in your county is likely the other costs you'd endure.

Not being able to work is a huge deal for some of us. Generally it only takes 60-90 days to get the EAD provided your AOS doesn't get an RFE. However you can request it to be expedited due to a job offer as well.

For the AOS that can all be done close to where we are living correct? It's not like the K1 process and having to be in Montreal.

Just hoping that it's not a huge ordeal that needs travel and staying over night for stuff.

Being in California can it be done in San Jose or San Fran?

[NikLR 13,231]

The adjustment of status is mostly just the paperwork to the USCIS. You may be called in for an interview but that's at a local office. Read the guides.