K1 Visa, fiance arrived in the US

[JohnCAL 2]

My fiance is here. According to the Visajourney Flowchart. She needs to apply for a SS #. Can we get married before getting the SS#. I plan to take her to the SS office tomorrow. If a SS# is not needed, we will try to get marry too.

Like most Vietnamese, my fiance will not change her name. So after getting married, she will apply for a work permit (EAD)?

Thanks,

John

[WandY 430]

Can get SSN whenever you want - it has nothing to do with getting married. Can get married anytime within the 90 days under K-1. And then you file AOS for green card.

[A'n'L 735]

The SSN is very useful, so go get that as soon as possible.

Then, after you're married, she needs to file for adjustment of status (AOS, I-485). She should also file concurrently for EAD and advance parol (travel document).

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

You can get the SSN before or after marriage. You do not need an SSN to get married. Whether you are married first or not, you may want to apply for the SSN in the maiden name anyway. You can avoid delays that way by applying for it in the name that matches the name on the K-1 visa. You will apply for AOS and the EAD/AP in married name. Once you get the EAD/Ap or green card, you can return to the SSA and get the name changed on the SS card.

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 are listed here > http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

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.

And here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/551080-immunizations-ds-3025-or-i-693/

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

[Loki_Go 126]

I suggest getting the SSN first so you can work on getting a joint bank account, maybe a driver's license, etc while you're waiting for your AOS/green card. It's incredibly useful. I needed one for a library card.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Follow the Flowchart as you already mentioned. The sequence of events was formulated based upon the experience of numerous folks that have successfully completed their visa journey before you.

[zeta054 111]

Marry first then apply for a SSN # then get her a State ID at DMV

[MASH 172]

I say get the SSN# first as it's useful to have, as most documents for AOS will ask for American SSN# and you get bank accts an all other stuff in the US with it that way if you get AOS interview u can prove commingling bills etc

[JohnCAL 2]

Many thanks!!! I will apply for a SSN for her first and get marry the next day.