Am I on the right path?

[J/G 85]

Hello VJ Users

 

I need your help to assure me that my fiancé and I are on the right track with our progress. Here's our situation:

 

• ARRIVAL: I arrived in the US (PoE: LAX) on the 14 May 2017. My passport was stamped and I was advised that my K-1 Visa will be expired on 11 August 2017. Welcome to the U.S!

 

• MARRIAGE LICENSE: We applied for our Marriage License at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk on 22 May 2017. I was advised that as soon as my fiancé and I are married we must return the license to the Registrar office and the official Wedding License will be mailed to us within 6-8 weeks. We're planning to get married this weekend ( 27 or 28 May 2017). 

 

QUESTION 1: Assuming that we returned our license to the registrar office in person on Monday 29 May 2017, we should receive our official record approximately on the first week of July, am I correct?

QUESTION 2: Is there anything we can do to expedite the 6-8 weeks waiting period? 

 

• SOCIAL SECURITY: I applied for my social security also on 22 May 2017. The person behind the counter gave me an official receipt acknowledging that I've applied for a SSN. It also stated that prior to issuing a SSN for me they need to verify the document(s) I submitted to show my Alien status with the Federal, State or local office in the U.S. The receipt stated that "This may take up to 4 weeks". But the agent advised me that I will have my SSN in two weeks time (i.e. first week of June). Is this normal??

 

QUESTION 3: The agent at the Social Security Office mentioned something about I have to return to the Social Security Office to re-new my Social Security Card once my visa expired. Neither me or my USC Fiancé comprehend what he was saying. But we believe that SSN is assign to a person for life, correct? and the only time I need to return to the Social Security Office is if my fiancé or myself decided to change our name following our marriage in which case does not apply to us. Can someone advise me on this? 

QUESTION 4: So as of today and until we receive our Marriage Certificate and SSN, I cannot really do anything other than preparing for my AOS and EAD/AP am I correct?  Anything related to Banking, Driving License, utility bills, etc. will require me to submit a SSN so as of now there's not much I can do, correct?

 

I have to say that this whole process seems to be quiet efficient and not as complicated as I thought it would be, and the weird thing is I kept thinking, am I on the right path?? Am I missing something?? 

 

Please advise,

J/G

 

 

I wrote this to hopefully help other Users who might be in similar situation with my Fiancé and I:

1. We traveled together to PoE from Asia. Neither of us has working US mobile number. It was such a kerfuffle to find information on what phone provider should we use, what plan should we register under etc. etc. even our friends who lived in the US all their lives seems to be clueless about this. So armed with confidence, good luck, and jet-lag, we walked into a T-Mobile shop. In 10 minutes we both have a fully functioning mobile phone with a US number (323 Represent!!!!) and a big smile. We spent approx. $135.- for both us. My iPhone 4S and my Fiancé's iPhone 5S are working perfectly (UNLIMITED 4G internet connection, UNLIMITED text nationwide & UNLIMITED phone call nationwide). And we don't have to sign a year or 2 year plan. 
2. My fiancé and I discussed about changing our last name following our marriage. Upon registering our license at the registrar my fiancé decided not to change his last name as he will have to change every official documents (i.e. passport, SSN, Banking, etc. etc.) and I thought well, I don't have any record in the US so might as well start new. So I hyphenated my last name with his and we receive our license that day. We then went to Social Security Office. At this time we were thinking to get married on the 20/21 May 2017. I asked the (VERY INFORMED) lady behind the counter whether I could just use my Marriage license as a proof that I changed my name and just put my married name on my Social Security card. She then advised me that if I am getting married on the weekend might as well apply for the SSN after I got my official wedding license that way I don't have to comeback and change my name later on. She also said, it might not be that easy to pull up my record and change my name later on. So she said apply later. and then she proceed by asking me whether am I aware that changing my last name meaning I have to change EVERY official documents that exist prior to my marriage. It only dawned on me then that I may have created unnecessary drama for myself (i.e. dealing with Indonesian Embassy in LA?? Why don't I just fly home and abandon everything). So we left the office without applying for SSN. At dinner my fiancé and I spoke to a friend who is very knowledgeable about all things government and she advised me to just keep my name as is and get all this process done as quickly as possible. Do not create complications. Her advice was very good, and I dropped the idea of changing my last name. So yesterday (Monday) we went back to the Registrar office and amended the wedding license. Regardless of our last name we just want to finish this whole process as soon as possible and without hassle. 
3. EVERYONE, and I really really mean EVERYONE, my fiancé and I met, spoke to, interacted with since the day we arrived in LAX were extremely kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. EVERY officials in Social Security office, DMV, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office, Banks were exceptionally kind and helpful. This was a GREAT surprise for both of us after living in Asia for a while. I think living outside the U.S. has really put us into perspective on how great this country is and how people are unfailingly kind, thoughtful, polite and helpful. I mean there are some exceptions but compared to many countries my fiancé and I have lived in or traveled to the U.S. is PERFECT!!!!

 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Not entirely sure on the SSN area as we did not have to deal with it since my partner had a SSN already; but for the marriage certififcate, don't wait for them to send you the original back, just ask them to make you certified copies right then and there when you return the license after the marriage. We got 5 copies when we went to hand ours back in to be filed.

[sarahandyunus 133]

Same as ^. When I turned in our signed marriage license, I was able to buy certified copies of the marriage certificate right then and there, at the courthouse. 

[RO_AH 1,661]

I can't answer your questions however I will agree with what you said about T-Mobile. 1. I can text free internationally. 2. I also get free data internationally. 3. If your cell is paid off they will provide an unlock code so that you can unlock your phone and use any international GSM SIM. Unfortunately not all US carriers are GSM like T-Mobile.

[usmsbow 802]

Question 1: Sounds right

 

Question 2: The marriage certificate process varies place to place. LA County has a different process & timeline than elsewhere. For instance, my wife and I got married in Washington, DC. Submitted paperwork, set up time to get married at court house, and received the certificate the same day of our court house ceremony (which was 2 weeks after paperwork and fee were submitted). 

 

Question 3: Yes, you only have to return if you want to change your name. Otherwise you're good to go. 

 

Question 4: yes, that is correct. I don't believe you will be able to get a DL in CA before you get your EAD either. I could be wrong about that though. 

[C-ma'am 684]

**Post moved from K1 Process to Progress Reports.
 

[J/G 85]

23 hours ago, Ben&Zian said:

Not entirely sure on the SSN area as we did not have to deal with it since my partner had a SSN already; but for the marriage certififcate, don't wait for them to send you the original back, just ask them to make you certified copies right then and there when you return the license after the marriage. We got 5 copies when we went to hand ours back in to be filed.

Ben&Zian --

Do we have to pay for this certified copy(ies)? And what do I use this document(s) for? and is "Certified Copy" of the Marriage License is the actual term for me to use when returning our signed license after we get married?

We ordered 3 copies when filing for the Marriage License it was $15 each. This supposed to arrived along with the original Marriage Certificate. Is this the document you referring in your answer?

 

As always, THANK YOU.

J/G 

 

 

 

SarahandYunus, RO_AH, usmsbow -- THANK YOU. 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

1 minute ago, J/G said:

Ben&Zian --

Do we have to pay for this certified copy(ies)? And what do I use this document(s) for? and is "Certified Copy" of the Marriage License is the actual term for me to use when returning our signed license after we get married?

We ordered 3 copies when filing for the Marriage License it was $15 each. This supposed to arrived along with the original Marriage Certificate. Is this the document you referring in your answer?

 

As always, THANK YOU.

J/G 

 

 

 

SarahandYunus, RO_AH, usmsbow -- THANK YOU. 

 

When we went to file the marriage license after the ceremony, I asked them for certified copies of it. They scanned, printed, and crimped them with the state seal and signed them as notary so they are official certified copies and I walked out with them as the county clerk kept the original to file.

 

Each copy cost like $5 I think... but each state and office is going to vary a bit.  They can be used for a multitude of things, ours was for our AOS packet so we could send it off without waiting for the original to return. Some people say they need it to prove the marriage for certain things, so far though the AOS is all I used it for. Didn't need it for adding him to my company's medical insurance and life insurance or anything; but wanted them in case.

[J/G 85]

3 minutes ago, Ben&Zian said:

 

When we went to file the marriage license after the ceremony, I asked them for certified copies of it. They scanned, printed, and crimped them with the state seal and signed them as notary so they are official certified copies and I walked out with them as the county clerk kept the original to file.

 

Each copy cost like $5 I think... but each state and office is going to vary a bit.  They can be used for a multitude of things, ours was for our AOS packet so we could send it off without waiting for the original to return. Some people say they need it to prove the marriage for certain things, so far though the AOS is all I used it for. Didn't need it for adding him to my company's medical insurance and life insurance or anything; but wanted them in case.

 

THANK YOU. So I'm assuming I should just ask for 2-3 copies of this certified document.

Thank you,

J/G

[sarahandyunus 133]

On 5/24/2017 at 1:29 PM, J/G said:

 

THANK YOU. So I'm assuming I should just ask for 2-3 copies of this certified document.

Thank you,

J/G

Yeah I got 3 when I was there, as I knew we'd need one when filing for AOS, and one for changing my name on my SSN in the future, etc. Easier to be prepared than to have to go back. 

[jakartausa 28]

In some parts of California you cannot return the marriage documents to the recorders office by yourself. Only the officiant can do so. This is assuming you got married at a location other than the court house however I'm not even sure this is possible in many parts of CA either. You must wait 3 to 7 weeks in California for your receive your marriage license in the mail after the wedding. 

Edited June 4, 2017 by jakartausa

[J/G 85]

On 6/4/2017 at 2:39 PM, jakartausa said:

In some parts of California you cannot return the marriage documents to the recorders office by yourself. Only the officiant can do so. This is assuming you got married at a location other than the court house however I'm not even sure this is possible in many parts of CA either. You must wait 3 to 7 weeks in California for your receive your marriage license in the mail after the wedding. 

JAKARTAUSA -- Thank you for your advise. 

Our minister, whose also a highly respected judge in CA, thought that he was suppose to mail the license himself. But I assured him that the Registrar office advice us that we're able to bring the license ourselves in person to the office with no hassle. and so we did.

We went to the East Los Angeles office at Cesar Chavez and happen to speak with the lady who issued our license 2 weeks prior. She checked our licenses and notice that there's a little correction on the date of the wedding. Although it's clear that it was '06/04/2017' she said the license might be denied and we might have to refile / resign. However she advised us to drive to the Norwalk Office (20 mins from Cesar Chavez) as they are the one who has the authority wether to accept or deny the license -- in which case the minister need to fill out a form and applicants need to submit a $30 check along with the corrected license.

At the Norwalk office (2nd floor; room 2001 - Marriage Section) we spoke to very kind and helpful lady, she noticed the little alteration, spoke to her manager and just like that the manager said, "OK! No problem!" -- I peed my pants a little bit out of excitement..... The manager made a note and handled the license herself so there will be no misunderstanding in the process. 

However the waiting period in LA county is 6-8 weeks and I am not eligible to apply for expedition, as my visa is still valid after the 8 weeks waiting period. So I guess, waiting it is, hey?

Moral of the story: It worth to take the drive to Norwalk when returning the license. It eliminates waiting period or eliminating the chance of having to be notify my mail many weeks later if/when there's a problem with your license. 

 

 

On 5/24/2017 at 10:21 AM, Ben&Zian said:

 

When we went to file the marriage license after the ceremony, I asked them for certified copies of it. They scanned, printed, and crimped them with the state seal and signed them as notary so they are official certified copies and I walked out with them as the county clerk kept the original to file.

 

Each copy cost like $5 I think... but each state and office is going to vary a bit.  They can be used for a multitude of things, ours was for our AOS packet so we could send it off without waiting for the original to return. Some people say they need it to prove the marriage for certain things, so far though the AOS is all I used it for. Didn't need it for adding him to my company's medical insurance and life insurance or anything; but wanted them in case.

Ben&Zian -- THANK YOU. 

However, after speaking with 2 different officials at 2 different Registrar office both confirm that they're not able to give me / us a certified copy of the license. The local office (East LA) said that they are not authorized to perform such task while the main office (Norwalk) said the cannot do that. 

I have here with me a 'Customer Copy' with no 'State File Number' or 'Local Registration Number' but it was signed by me, my fiancé and the judge who married us. All dated and filled out correctly. Am I able to use this document to apply for AOS, EAD and AP?? 

Otherwise I have to wait, the waiting period in LA county is 6-8 weeks and I am not eligible to apply for expedition as my visa is still valid after the 8 weeks waiting period. 8 weeks waiting period doesnt's sounds like a good plan for us. 

Also to catch you up, I've been assigned a SSN (WOOOOHHHOOOO!!!!) the actual card will arrive within 2 weeks. 

 

Please advise; re: Customer Copy.

 

MANY THANKS

J/G

Edited June 9, 2017 by J/G
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[usmsbow 802]

7 hours ago, J/G said:

 

Ben&Zian -- THANK YOU. 

However, after speaking with 2 different officials at 2 different Registrar office both confirm that they're not able to give me / us a certified copy of the license. The local office (East LA) said that they are not authorized to perform such task while the main office (Norwalk) said the cannot do that. 

I have here with me a 'Customer Copy' with no 'State File Number' or 'Local Registration Number' but it was signed by me, my fiancé and the judge who married us. All dated and filled out correctly. Am I able to use this document to apply for AOS, EAD and AP?? 

Otherwise I have to wait, the waiting period in LA county is 6-8 weeks and I am not eligible to apply for expedition as my visa is still valid after the 8 weeks waiting period. 8 weeks waiting period doesnt's sounds like a good plan for us. 

Also to catch you up, I've been assigned a SSN (WOOOOHHHOOOO!!!!) the actual card will arrive within 2 weeks. 

 

Please advise; re: Customer Copy.

 

MANY THANKS

J/G

 

When my wife applied for AOS, EAD, and AP we actually did not send in a certified copy but a certificate similar to what you describe. We didn't get a RFE. If your customer copy also has a local government seal and looks "official", I'd say go ahead and submit your AOS/EAD/AP application. The worst case scenario would be getting a RFE for not providing a certified copy, but by that point you'd have a certified copy and could take care of that ASAP. Best case is no RFE and you get everything 6+ weeks earlier than had you waited.

 

 

[jakartausa 28]

To be safe I have purchased certified copy of the my wifes birth cert from a place here in LA and Im submitting the certified Marriage cert which should have the appropriate seals on it and all other vital info to make it legal. I want to avoid any chance at RFE.