What do I do next?

[mim219s 0]

Hello all. I have a few questions. I just entered the US on my K1 and I'm wondering what step I should take next. The Customs Border Patrol Officer said everything so fast that I can barely make any sense of it. She did tell me that I have "Employment Authorization" and the I CAN travel outside the US whenever I want. She also mentionned something about having another interview for the AOS. Do I have to make an appointment or is it a walk in process. I really don't even know what I'm trying to say, all I know is that I need . PLEEEEEEASE!

[raymaga 25]

I think you may have gotten some bad information. If you did not enter through JFK airport, you probably did not get an EAD stamp in your passport. You require either the temporary work authorization stamp in your passport, or else you will have to wait until you apply for the EAD with form I-765, along with your AOS application (form I-485).

And you will not be able to travel outside of the U.S. without first applying for, and being approved for, AP (which is form I-131). If you do leave the U.S. without AP, you will be denied entry back into the US and have to apply for a spousal visa, which would be starting all over again at the beginning.

You should read the Guides here on VJ on AOS. You will get all the necessary information there on what you need to do after you are married.

Good luck.

By the way, you should put the foreign country that you came from in your signature.

Edited March 23, 2006 by raymaga

[Babsi 0]

Mh, the frist thing you do is get married...you have 90 days for that...after you get married you have to apply for AOS...there are some example forms on this side that you can download, there is also a bunch of post about what you need to do exactly! Then they will give you an appointment for you biometrics, they take you fingerprints and a picture...after that they will schedule and actual interview...

along with the AOS you can apply for work authorization and advanced parol, which will allow you to legally work and leave the country and come back without having the green card...

I dont know what you port of entry is, I think JFK issues an EAD stamp, which allows you to work for I think 90 days (until you I-94 expires)...

Im almost positiv though that unless you have your green card or the Adveced Parole you are NOT allowed to leave the country!

Edited March 23, 2006 by Babsi

[mim219s 0]

Thank you for your response. I drove through the Detroit, MI entrance and I DO have a stamp on my I-94 which says "EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED". They also told me that if I get married and adjust my status within 90 days that I do not have to apply for an EAD. She also clearly stated and I repeated back to her that it IS OK for me to travel anywhere I wish. I even joked atound and said, "so I can go to china and BACK?" She said yes. I was very surprised.

I think you may have gotten some bad information. If you did not enter through JFK airport, you probably did not get an EAD stamp in your passport. You require either the temporary work authorization stamp in your passport, or else you will have to wait until you apply for the EAD with form I-765, along with your AOS application (form I-485).

And you will not be able to travel outside of the U.S. without first applying for, and being approved for, AP (which is form I-131). If you do leave the U.S. without AP, you will be denied entry back into the US and have to apply for a spousal visa, which would be starting all over again at the beginning.

You should read the Guides here on VJ on AOS. You will get all the necessary information there on what you need to do after you are married.

Good luck.

By the way, you should put the foreign country that you came from in your signature.

[helsbells 0]

the information about being able to travel is INCORRECT if you leave the country you will be denied re-entry. It would be best to apply for an employment authorization when lodging your paperwork as it is very unlikely you will be processed in 90 days (unless you are very fortunate).

Just FYI even though you have an employment authorization you need a SSN before being able to work.

Good Luck!

[Jasman0717 9]

You better make sure about things if you plan on leaving the U.S. The K-1 is a one entry visa so if you leave without AOS you will have to start all over again. Other than that I wish you the best of luck and welcome to America.

[Autumnal 25]

Like the rest, will confirm: you cannot leave the US and re-enter on a K1 visa freely. The information you received was erroneous. To the contrary, you need to file the I-131 (AP -> advanced parole) in order to move back and forth between the US and other countries freely. The AP goes hand in hand with your AOS package, more or less.

The typical procedure:

1. Get married.

2. File for AOS, AP, EAD (work permit - your call).

3. Do biometrics.

4. Get AP/EAD.

5. File for SSN.

6. Free to travel and work.

You must have that AP if you want to re-enter the US after leaving. It's crucial you know this if you mean to travel outside the US!