k1 visa with Alien number

[Ntepe23 0]

Hello everyone. My fiancee just arrived in the states. Her interview at by the customs was brief and short. However, an Alien number was written in her passport. I would to know she can start applying/looking for a job while waiting for all documents ? is the alien number a work permit ?

 

thank you in advance

[geowrian 22,338]

Technically she can apply for a work permit (EAD), but that takes 90+ days to process and is only valid until her I-94 expires. Her I-94 stamp (from entering on a K-1 visa) expires in 90 days. See an issue?

 

Entering on a K-1 has a few disadvantages compared to a spousal visa. The inability to work for several months is one of them. What you will need to do is marry, file for AOS, and include the EAD (I-765) with it. I'd suggest requesting AP (I-131) as well so she can leave the US. Both are free with AOS. The AOS will take 10+ months to process, but the EAD & AP will only take roughly 90 days. After she gets the EAD, then she can work.

 

Edit: Yes, she can look for work. But she cannot work prior to getting the EAD.

Edited March 6, 2017 by geowrian

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

Although not related directly to the work situation (EAD), just want to add that the statement  "AOS will take 10+ months to process" may or may not be true. As a K1 you have a good chance of being waived for interview already at the first processing stage (National Benefits Center, NBC). We were just waived and approved and filed in mid-ish November.

Edited March 6, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[geowrian 22,338]

7 minutes ago, Suss&Camm said:

Although not related directly to the work situation (EAD), just want to add that the statement  "AOS will take 10+ months to process" may or may not be true. As a K1 you have a good chance of being waived for interview already at the first processing stage (National Benefits Center, NBC). We were just waived and approved and filed in mid-ish November.

Wow, you were processed quickly! That's great. But yeah, I just ran some more recent numbers and 7 months seems be closer to the average now. The 10 month estimate is outdated now.