What does your fiance do while you are at work before work permit?

[S + E 1]

I am the beneficiary. I have three advanced degrees including a masters from the US and very much look forward to getting EAD and being able to start working ... this is not ideal but I think there are a lot of things one can do, though some may depend heavily on having a car. I am now waiting for my AOS to go through and every single day I am as busy as if I had a job

Studying: english or other subjects (possibly even online), research US job market and prep resume, LinkedIn, cover letters, research employers in the area, reach out to employers and start to network (I meet with people from my target company for informal chat/coffee)

Wedding stuff: plan wedding, honeymoon, vacations, trips and any related stuff, start preparing AOS papers ahead of time (and possibly paperwork to have your marriage recognized in her country), research houses/cars if you are in a situation you might soon move or need a second car

Household: cooking, baking, cleaning (lol), decorating your home

USA: learn about the US, as a country but also in terms of paperwork/administrative things - what she needs for driving license and getting SSN/changing name to married name, research your health insurance coverage and doctors in your area (if that's relevant for your case)

Being active: explore your neighborhood (possible even on foot), go for a run or to a gym if possible, taking classes might be another way to make friends, she can also watch good exercise classes on youtube (for example pilates) and do her work out at home

Socialize: call her family over skype, meet/talk with your family/friends, if it's an option consider getting a pet (we got a puppy), start a blog, connect with other nationals from her country in the area, volunteer (this might be possible after she has SSN/EAD, not sure about details)
Other: obvious stuff like reading, watching TV/netflix ... and I also sell stuff on Ebay .... or find / re-discover (old) HOBBY! (I love fashion so I draw, sew and knit)

[Umka36 781]

I took some days off when my wife first got to the US to show her around. She also got enrolled in ESL classes, and met a few friends there. Luckily at the time, I was only a 5 minutes drive from work so I ate lunch with her every day. During the weekends we did things together, like hiking/watching movies/exercise/etc. My wife likes walking, so she is always outside (weather permitting) and meeting new people. She actually met a wife of an old HS classmate of mine during one of her walks.

[D.Ba 85]

S + E. You're selling stuff on ebay? Without your work permit? Did you check if that's ok?

[S + E 1]

Yes I did. Your Paypal is linked to your SSN (which you provide). If you sell a lot of stuff and exceed certain thresholds per calendar year then of course you need to file taxes for it. They will issue you 1099-K that you will include on your return. Ebay does not provide 1099 so you should verify how to report it with your accountant for smaller amounts.

I sold a few random things from out apartment that we decided we don't need anymore. So not making business out of it or profit but it's nice not to have to throw things out. I am in a process of redecorating our place so some things I take to Goodwill but if I find something that's new and might find a new home I list it.

[MrMonk 0]

WOW! That is a lot of info. Thanks to all of you. Hopefully this benefits others as well.

I am sure there will still be plenty of boring time for her but this should help us transition smoother.

[Roy&Chanel 109]

I skyped with my parents when my hubby's at work, or play some online mmo games