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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline
Posted

Hi,

 

I've recently moved to the US from the UK on a K1 visa. I'm having a hard time setting up a bank account.

 

I have tried twice to set up an account now and have been denied both times.

 

I've tried setting up an account with Chase bank as it's where my now wife holds an account. The issue I'm having is with proof of address. I've already got my SSN and thought the letter this came with would be good enough to prove my address, but no! I need to have green card status for this to work (apparently).

 

I've been told the one way is to get a utility bill in my name. Me and my wife currently rent a room in an apartment but don't pay the utilities so no hope of adding my name to them. Of course I cannot have utilities of my own out here without a bank account. I thought about paying for an expensive phone contract but as im new to the country and cannot work yet I really dont have much use for a phone.

 

Any advice or similar stories out there!?

 

Thank you.

Posted

Do you have your name on the lease? Did you file for EAD? Any official communication with USCIS may help to establish the proof of address. Depending on your state you can apply for ID or DL without having to prove the address (of course, the ID or DL would then be sent to whatever address you state). Once you receive EAD you can find a job and get your bank account through employment. Good luck.

03/04/2016 AOS (EB2-NIW concurrent with I-485) mailed to Lewisville TX Lockbox
03/07/2016 AOS delivered to USCIS and signed
03/12/2016 Case received by Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
03/14/2016 Text notification received for I-140/I-485/I-765/I-131.
04/08/2016 Biometrics notice received for 04/21
04/13/2016 Biometrics early walk-in completed.
04/15/2016 EAD/AP combo card received in mail.

 

Long wait begins...

 

11/04/2016 I-140/485 cases transferred from Nebraska to TCS
12/01/2016 Prepared package for EAD/AP renewal (expires 04/09/2017)
12/23/2016 USCIS suddenly changes several forms, invalidating my EAD/AP renewal package (not yet sent)
12/27/2016 USCIS suddenly reforms the entire NIW criteria system, replacing a 20 years old one. Uncharted waters. 
01/07/2017 (Saturday!) EAD/AP renewal package with new forms received in Phoenix "reception desk"
01/17/2017 EAD/AP renewal case accepted; text/email with receipt numbers was received
01/30/2017 Law firm finally confirms that USCIS has suspended processing all EB2-NIW cases due to new criteria. 
02/23/2017 USCIS slowly starts adjudicating NIW cases again.
04/21/2017 Extended EAD/AP received in mail. Valid for 2 years. 
05/06/2017 Received a massive RFE on I-140 NIW case.
07/20/2017 RFE response received by USCIS (a very long response with 30 pages of docs)
09/14/2017 I-140 NIW approved!!! 
11/28/2017 RFE for new medical issued (plus another request re Supp J for employment which is clearly issued in error)
12/04/2017 RFE received in mail
12/07/2017 repeated medical exam for I-485
12/08/2017 Attorney receives documents for responding to I-485 RFE
12/21/2017 Response to RFE received by USCIS 
02/09/2018 I-485 approval (text, email) :)
02/08/2018 I-485 approval notice issued (the "welcome letter") - I'm LPR now
02/16/2018 Green card received
 
11/14/2022 Filed N-400 online; receipt and biometrics reuse form received online
03/07/2023 N-400 Interview scheduled 
04/xx/2023 N-400 approved, same-day Oath ceremony completed. I'm a US citizen.
05/xx/2023 US passport in hand

 

Posted (edited)

Dude- I know its not ideal but go to Wells Fargo. I was able to set up an account there BEFORE I even moved to the US on my K1- easy as. They just asked for 2 forms of ID- I presented my passport and overseas credit card and they told me to bring in my SSN when I get it- I did not need to provide ANY proof of address. Simple...I like you had tried other banks and was get frustrated (Capital One).

 

Wells Fargo for sure :)

Edited by kiwihurricane15
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
Posted

Back when, I got Mrs. T-B. on my account (not at Chase).

I took our marriage certificate to my bank branch.

She didn't even have an SSN yet.

The branch managerette said, "I'm not totally sure, but let me see what HQ says."

It turned out to be OK.  They kept the marriage certificate (= justifies ordering multiple copies).

I'd been with the bank for many years, which might have helped.

 

Sounds to me that you should identify someone in authority at your wife's branch, then approach with "we need your help and ingenuity -- how can we get this done?"

 

Otherwise, shop around for a different bank.  In my intermittent dealings with Chase, I'm finding that they're increasingly inflexible about many things.

 

Later, you can open a combined account with your wife, for ROC purposes if nothing else. 

Or, as the above poster says, try Wells Fargo!

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

Posted

There should be absolutely no reason that you can't obtain a joint account with your spouse. It would be very beneficial to do so. Are you trying to have your name added to the current account or open your separate account? I would try a joint account first. But either way there is nothing to prevent you. Our bank did not require his SSN or his name on a bill. Our marriage certificate and his passport was sufficient. In my experience Chase is rather... well.. obtuse in dealing with. There are plenty of banks out there that would be more than willing to serve you. If Chase doesn't want your business, it's their loss, and they don't deserve you.

Our Journey Timeline  - Immigration and the Health Exchange Price of Love in the UK Thinking of Returning to UK?

 

First met: 12/31/04 - Engaged: 9/24/09
Filed I-129F: 10/4/14 - Packet received: 10/7/14
NOA 1 email + ARN assigned: 10/10/14 (hard copy 10/17/14)
Touched on website (fixed?): 12/9/14 - Poked USCIS: 4/1/15
NOA 2 email: 5/4/15 (hard copy 5/11/15)
Sent to NVC: 5/8/15 - NVC received + #'s assigned: 5/15/15 (estimated)
NVC sent: 5/19/15 - London received/ready: 5/26/15
Packet 3: 5/28/15 - Medical: 6/16/15
Poked London 7/1/15 - Packet 4: 7/2/15
Interview: 7/30/15 - Approved!
AP + Issued 8/3/15 - Visa in hand (depot): 8/6/15
POE: 8/27/15

Wedding: 9/30/15

Filed I-485, I-131, I-765: 11/7/15

Packet received: 11/9/15

NOA 1 txt/email: 11/15/15 - NOA 1 hardcopy: 11/19/15

Bio: 12/9/15

EAD + AP approved: 1/25/16 - EAD received: 2/1/16

RFE for USCIS inability to read vax instructions: 5/21/16 (no e-notification & not sent from local office!)

RFE response sent: 6/7/16 - RFE response received 6/9/16

AOS approved/card in production: 6/13/16  

NOA 2 hardcopy + card sent 6/17/16

Green Card received: 6/18/16

USCIS 120 day reminder notice: 2/22/18

Filed I-751: 5/2/18 - Packet received: 5/4/18

NOA 1:  5/29/18 (12 mo ext) 8/13/18 (18 mo ext)  - Bio: 6/27/18

Transferred: Potomac Service Center 3/26/19

Approved/New Card Produced status: 4/25/19 - NOA2 hardcopy 4/29/19

10yr Green Card Received: 5/2/19 with error >_<

N400 : 7/16/23 - Oath : 10/19/23

 

 

 

Posted
10 hours ago, kiwihurricane15 said:

Dude- I know its not ideal but go to Wells Fargo. I was able to set up an account there BEFORE I even moved to the US on my K1- easy as. They just asked for 2 forms of ID- I presented my passport and overseas credit card and they told me to bring in my SSN when I get it- I did not need to provide ANY proof of address. Simple...I like you had tried other banks and was get frustrated (Capital One).

 

Wells Fargo for sure :)

That's what we did for my wife when she came on a K1 visa. Wells Fargo is not great at all but it is certainly better than nothing.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline
Posted

Thanks for the replies you guys!!

 

To answer a few points..

 

We first tried to get me added to my wife's account but were told I needed 'proof of address' which I didn't have. We then got my SSN and returned to the bank to see if the letter it was sent with would suffice.. It did not.. Apparently they are more comfortable with a document from a utility company than one from the US government!? So I fear they wont take our USCIS receipt for EAD either!! Perhaps it will be different when we get the marriage certificate?

 

As for my driving licence. I hold a UK license but do not have an american one yet. I can't seem to find out when is the best time to apply for one. I've seen all sorts of stories when it comes to getting a license. Some say you can't get one pre-EAD or even pre-GC, others say you can but will need to renew the license once you get EAD. Can anyone advise me on this? 

 

I think I will follow your advice and try a different bank for my own account in the meantime.

 

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: England
Timeline
Posted (edited)

We added my husband (then fiancé) to my Wells Fargo account before he even applied for a SSN.  All they needed was two proofs of identification (Passport and Visa or UK drivers license).  It was a really simple process.  Try going there and see if they will get you started. 

Edited by Ashley Scott

:wub:"Waiting is a sign of true love and patience.  Anyone can say "I love you", but not everyone can wait and prove it's true" :wub:

 

12/21/16 - I-129f packet sent to Texas

12/23/16 - I-129f packet received

1/5/17- NOA1 receipt date

1/10/17 - NOA1 Hardcopy received

Posted
9 minutes ago, Matt&Savannah said:

Thanks for the replies you guys!!

 

To answer a few points..

 

We first tried to get me added to my wife's account but were told I needed 'proof of address' which I didn't have. We then got my SSN and returned to the bank to see if the letter it was sent with would suffice.. It did not.. Apparently they are more comfortable with a document from a utility company than one from the US government!? So I fear they wont take our USCIS receipt for EAD either!! Perhaps it will be different when we get the marriage certificate?

 

As for my driving licence. I hold a UK license but do not have an american one yet. I can't seem to find out when is the best time to apply for one. I've seen all sorts of stories when it comes to getting a license. Some say you can't get one pre-EAD or even pre-GC, others say you can but will need to renew the license once you get EAD. Can anyone advise me on this? 

 

I think I will follow your advice and try a different bank for my own account in the meantime.

 

In general, (at least in my state) you can skip most of the new driver stuff (you know.. hours of training and classes) if you have a valid foreign license, an EAD, and as long as you take the two tests. The license you get is valid for as long as the EAD, but once the GC arrives you can go back in to update it and get a full one. This varies from state to state. Our DMV did require a name on a piece of mail, so having joint name on bank statement would be helpful.

 

In some places you can get a temporary license with a still valid I-94 + the K1, but it is only valid for as long as the I-94 is, making it not very useful.

 

 

Our Journey Timeline  - Immigration and the Health Exchange Price of Love in the UK Thinking of Returning to UK?

 

First met: 12/31/04 - Engaged: 9/24/09
Filed I-129F: 10/4/14 - Packet received: 10/7/14
NOA 1 email + ARN assigned: 10/10/14 (hard copy 10/17/14)
Touched on website (fixed?): 12/9/14 - Poked USCIS: 4/1/15
NOA 2 email: 5/4/15 (hard copy 5/11/15)
Sent to NVC: 5/8/15 - NVC received + #'s assigned: 5/15/15 (estimated)
NVC sent: 5/19/15 - London received/ready: 5/26/15
Packet 3: 5/28/15 - Medical: 6/16/15
Poked London 7/1/15 - Packet 4: 7/2/15
Interview: 7/30/15 - Approved!
AP + Issued 8/3/15 - Visa in hand (depot): 8/6/15
POE: 8/27/15

Wedding: 9/30/15

Filed I-485, I-131, I-765: 11/7/15

Packet received: 11/9/15

NOA 1 txt/email: 11/15/15 - NOA 1 hardcopy: 11/19/15

Bio: 12/9/15

EAD + AP approved: 1/25/16 - EAD received: 2/1/16

RFE for USCIS inability to read vax instructions: 5/21/16 (no e-notification & not sent from local office!)

RFE response sent: 6/7/16 - RFE response received 6/9/16

AOS approved/card in production: 6/13/16  

NOA 2 hardcopy + card sent 6/17/16

Green Card received: 6/18/16

USCIS 120 day reminder notice: 2/22/18

Filed I-751: 5/2/18 - Packet received: 5/4/18

NOA 1:  5/29/18 (12 mo ext) 8/13/18 (18 mo ext)  - Bio: 6/27/18

Transferred: Potomac Service Center 3/26/19

Approved/New Card Produced status: 4/25/19 - NOA2 hardcopy 4/29/19

10yr Green Card Received: 5/2/19 with error >_<

N400 : 7/16/23 - Oath : 10/19/23

 

 

 

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ukraine
Timeline
Posted

@Matt&Savannah try a credit Union instead. They follow the same regulations as banks when openning an account and usually more flexible with nonsence, like this you are going through.  Even the postal office here in Alabama from all places had a hard time accepting my Social security envelope with my address to apply for a passport. But, this is ALA-BUBBA...don't get anymore backwoods 

8/7/2017                    NOA-1

3/1/2018                    NOA-2

3/15/2018                  NVC case received

3/22/2018                  NVC case assigned

3/23/2018                  Consulate ready

4/11/2018                  Medical

4/17/2018                  Visa Approved

4/24/2018                  Visa on hand

5/23/2018                  Point of Entry ATL

5/24/2018                  Marriage license, officiant and certificate / applied for SS#

5/31/2018                  AOS/AP/EAD

6/7/2018                    email notification of NOA-1

6/11/2018                  NOA-1 hard copies for AOS/EAD/AP

6/27/2018                  Biometrics for AOS/EAD

7/7/2018                    ready to be scheduled for interview

7/11/2018                  We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time (email from USCIS)

8/22/2018                  We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time (same email again)

9/5/2018                     We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time (this is getting boring!!!)

10/3/2018                  We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time (this is insanity, 4th time while some got GC)

10/17/2018                After 136 days of wait in HELL, finally EAD in production

10/21/2018                Card was mailed to me, and yes it said so on a Sunday night, while Vj-ing

10/22/2018                Card was picked up by the USPS

10/24/2018                EAD in hand. F%^&& finally

12/28/2018                Interview has been scheduled. Waiting for notification with date by snail mail

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline
Posted
1 hour ago, yuna628 said:

In general, (at least in my state) you can skip most of the new driver stuff (you know.. hours of training and classes) if you have a valid foreign license, an EAD, and as long as you take the two tests. The license you get is valid for as long as the EAD, but once the GC arrives you can go back in to update it and get a full one. This varies from state to state. Our DMV did require a name on a piece of mail, so having joint name on bank statement would be helpful.

 

In some places you can get a temporary license with a still valid I-94 + the K1, but it is only valid for as long as the I-94 is, making it not very useful.

 

 

Great so I'd probably be better off waiting for my EAD before I get my license then!

Posted

i had the same issue with bank of america! 

it's a bit ridiculous. have to check if we have a wells fargo somewhere close-by and i'll get it there too

N-400: 12/05/2023 (confirmed fingerprints are re-used)

Interview scheduled for: 05/09/2024

 

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Sweden
Timeline
Posted

Wells Fargo. They have a bad rep currently, but overall, are not that bad. I've banked with them since high school and have never had any problems. I've already been able to have my fiancé's name (the beneficiary) added to things, and he isn't even here yet. Our plan is to have him added as a co/joint owner of my established accounts, which we can do without him even having his SSN yet. He'll get his own checks and debit card and everything.

 

As for the general issue of proof of address - I know you said there are no utility bills to add your name to, but is there not a lease or contract of some kind for where you are staying that you can be added to? That's what I've done already - I currently rent a house and added my fiancé's name to the lease at the beginning of this month, since he'll be moving in this month, and we'll add him to my current utility bills too. But the lease/contract should be considered proof of address. I'm sure this isn't the first time someone's been in this situation - some rental complexes/properties include utilities in the rent price, so renters don't have a separate utility bill in every case.

Håll ut, y'all.

 

               K1 Process                                                                                AOS Process

July 2015 - met online thanks to Zak Bagans                                                            May 25, 2018 - South Carolina marriage license issued

June 2016 - first in-person meeting                                                                             May 26, 2018 - legally married

August 2016 - stateside visit                                                                                        June 7, 2018 - applied for Social Security Number [manual verification required]

February-April 2017 - stateside visit                                                                           June 18, 2018 - SSN/card received in the mail

April 4, 2017 - got engaged                                                                                          June 30, 2018 - submitted I-485 (AOS)/I-765 (EAD)/I-131 (AP) together

June 5, 2017 - submitted I129F                                                                                   July 9, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP electronic NOA1 received

June 12, 2017 - received NOA1                                                                                   July 13, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP hard copy NOA1 received (dated July 6, 2018)

December 1, 2017 - received NOA2                                                                            July 25, 2018 - Biometrics appointment (Charlotte, NC)

January 17, 2018 - NVC received case                                                                      August 1, 2018 - case status updated to "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview"

January 18, 2018 - received NVC case number by phone                                      August 11, 2018 - case status updated to "I-485 Interview Scheduled"

January 24, 2018 - packet received via email                                                           August 16, 2018 - AOS Interview Scheduled letter received

February 15, 2018 - medical appointment                                                                 August 28, 2018 - visited civil surgeon (Winston-Salem, NC) to complete I-693

February-March 2018 - trip to Gothenburg                                                                                                [beneficiary had to get one remaining vaccination stateside]

February 22, 2018 - interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm                            September 18, 2018 - I-485/AOS Interview in Greer, SC

                                    [passed, pending receipt of medical papers]                           September 18, 2018 - case status updated to "Card Has Been Issued/Mailed"

February 27, 2018 - medical papers received by Embassy                                     September 25, 2018 - Green Card received in the mail

March 5, 2018 - visa received in the mail with passport                                          October 6, 2018 - traditional wedding with family & friends

May 16, 2018 - POE in Charlotte, NC

 

 

Up next.... Removal of Conditions!

 
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