K-1 Green card timescales

[Dan & Elsie 1]

Hi All,

Quick question - when I enter the US under my K-1 visa and get married, at what point can I start applying for work and at what point can I actually work? Do I have to wait for AOS or green card to come through before I can take interviews? And if so, what are the timescales for this?

Thanks,

Dan

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Once you apply for aos it's about 90 days or so to get your ead and ap, I would not interview without it myself as timing can sometimes be tricky.

[Dan & Elsie 1]

OK that's what I thought. But in the VJ guide it says:

6.11)...What should we do during the time we are waiting for the Adjustment of Status interview?
A..Begin building your new life in the United States. Your EAD, Social Security number and passport (until you get a drivers license for identification) give you the means to get nearly anything you want, except a cup of coffee and the right to vote. Get to really know your new wife or husband. Get a job. Set up a joint checking account. Go exploring. Get a library card. Meet the relatives. Make new friends. Start up a new business. Try to shake off old ways of thinking about "how things are done", because things are going to be different.

So does that mean that you get the EAD and social security ahead of AOS being approved?

[p-ana 933]

Yes.

You can get a ss card as soon as you get here. The ead usually comes before the i485 is approved. It takes around 90 days though, sometimes less, sometimes more. You can only start working once you have the ead AND Ssn.

[Dan & Elsie 1]

OK thanks

So other than the timing, is it legal and OK to apply and interview for jobs while waiting for the EAD as long as I inform the employer that I am expecting approval within 90 days?

[p-ana 933]

OK thanks

So other than the timing, is it legal and OK to apply and interview for jobs while waiting for the EAD as long as I inform the employer that I am expecting approval within 90 days?

Yes. You can apply and interview. If you talk to them and they really like you, they might wait for your card to arrive. Just keep in mind it can take more than 90 days.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

OK thanks

So other than the timing, is it legal and OK to apply and interview for jobs while waiting for the EAD as long as I inform the employer that I am expecting approval within 90 days?

You can look for work, apply and even interview. You just cannot begin to work until you have the EAD. You can also request an expedite of your EAD based on having a job offer, if you get one.

http://www.visajourn...on-a-job-offer/

http://www.visajourn...with-job-offer/

http://www.visajourn...d-on-job-offer/

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to Fam.-based AOS Forum~

~Inquiry about AOS-associated processes~