How long do you have to file for adjustment of status after you're married?

[Lynxwarden 28]

Hey all! Just for those following this thread as I can see some back and forth turning a little tense, my fiance/soon to be husband and I have had a long discussion about this since my posting. We have no intention of putting things off or waiting - in fact as soon as we're married, we'll be filing for the AOS at the quickest date possible, before we move. Since our move to another state is coming up and we'll be staying with his parents for a bit till we can find a place, we'll be using that address when we do file for it.

 

He's already saved up the majority of the money needed for the filing (next pay coming during his upcoming holiday will be going towards it), so thankfully money wont be an issue when it comes to being able to pay for the AOS filing. When I came into the country, the border agent told me I have till August 16th to get married and then thats it, outskies to put it lightly. And since there's no clear time frame that specifically states when we need to file it by (meaning mentioning when to file for AOS specifically, not just the marriage), we're gonna aim for ASAP.

[Ash.1101 1,756]

12 hours ago, JFH said:

Which is why the cost of AOS should be factored into the initial budget of the visa. If I had a dollar for every post I’ve read on here where the poster can’t afford/didn’t prepare for the cost of AOS....I’d retire tomorrow.

Shoot, it's becoming common of people saying that they didn't even know what AOS was. I don't know what other sites are available, but there's more coming in saying they did the K-1 visa but that they have joined VJ because they wanted to learn more about the AOS process.

Also those who think the wait times they saw 2 years ago still apply today and are shocked that it takes 6 months for EAD and not less than 90 days.

I don't know if current politics are causing people to rush visas because they're afraid they won't be able to get them in the future, and that's what's causing this reoccurring common theme for AOS or if it just happens to be a trend right now.

[Ash.1101 1,756]

5 minutes ago, Lynxwarden said:

Hey all! Just for those following this thread as I can see some back and forth turning a little tense, my fiance/soon to be husband and I have had a long discussion about this since my posting. We have no intention of putting things off or waiting - in fact as soon as we're married, we'll be filing for the AOS at the quickest date possible, before we move. Since our move to another state is coming up and we'll be staying with his parents for a bit till we can find a place, we'll be using that address when we do file for it.

 

He's already saved up the majority of the money needed for the filing (next pay coming during his upcoming holiday will be going towards it), so thankfully money wont be an issue when it comes to being able to pay for the AOS filing. When I came into the country, the border agent told me I have till August 16th to get married and then thats it, outskies to put it lightly. And since there's no clear time frame that specifically states when we need to file it by (meaning mentioning when to file for AOS specifically, not just the marriage), we're gonna aim for ASAP.

Correct. Technically there is no required time frame on paper. That's the problem/issue. USCIS tells you to get married in 90 days but doesn't mention that you're only legal within the US for those 90 days. Once those 90 days are up, the only way you can have allowed stay is by having an AOS application accepted by USCIS. Any gap inbetween means you're subject to deportation.

USCIS tends to not explain much, they expect the visa holder to figure out how it all works kind of a "your immigration, your problem".


With that said, if you don't want ANY issues what so ever, file as early in as possible. 

Edited May 30, 2019 by Ash.

[Lynxwarden 28]

2 minutes ago, Ash. said:

Correct. Technically there is no required time frame. That's the problem/issue. USCIS tells you to get married in 90 days but doesn't mention that you're only legal within the US for those 90 days. Once those 90 days are up, the only way you can have allowed stay is by having an AOS application accepted by USCIS.

USCIS tends to not explain much, they expect the visa holder to figure out how it all works kind of a "your immigration, your problem".


With that said, if you don't want ANY issues what so ever, file as early in as possible. 

That's pretty much it - the wording can screw a lot of folks over, and we've both worked HARD to get here, so we don't want to waste any time. Luckily neither of us are fussed about ceremonies or having a fancy wedding - throwing a shindig can wait, paperwork is more important to us than that stuff (especially since neither of us like big social gatherings). Getting the marriage sorted next week during his holiday is the big thing, then after that we're looking into the AOS.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

On ‎5‎/‎30‎/‎2019 at 7:59 AM, Lynxwarden said:

Hey all! Just for those following this thread as I can see some back and forth turning a little tense, my fiance/soon to be husband and I have had a long discussion about this since my posting. We have no intention of putting things off or waiting - in fact as soon as we're married, we'll be filing for the AOS at the quickest date possible, before we move. Since our move to another state is coming up and we'll be staying with his parents for a bit till we can find a place, we'll be using that address when we do file for it.

 

He's already saved up the majority of the money needed for the filing (next pay coming during his upcoming holiday will be going towards it), so thankfully money wont be an issue when it comes to being able to pay for the AOS filing. When I came into the country, the border agent told me I have till August 16th to get married and then thats it, outskies to put it lightly. And since there's no clear time frame that specifically states when we need to file it by (meaning mentioning when to file for AOS specifically, not just the marriage), we're gonna aim for ASAP.

Maybe you have already done your research or maybe not. I will offer these links and information in the hopes they will help you. Good luck.

http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

 

http://www.uscis.gov...justment-status

 

http://www.uscis.gov/i-131

 

http://www.uscis.gov/i-765

 

Print out your I-94 info > https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Follow this guide for getting the SSN > http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Follow this guide for AOS > http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

The fees are listed here > http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

 

The fees for the I-765 (EAD-work authorization) and I-131(AP-advance parole for travel) are waived when filed with a pending I-485, so include both of those too. It takes about 60-90 days to receive the EAD/AP combo card, which will allow you to work (along with an SSN) and re-enter the US when traveling abroad while waiting for the green card approval.

 

You need all the supporting documents for each form as well, so read the instructions for each one. You can also search here on VJ for what to include with each form if you get stumped. There are also example forms here on VJ you can look at when filling out the forms. They can be helpful.

 

And here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/551080-immunizations-ds-3025-or-i-693/

 

https://yaztalksalot.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/adjustment-of-status-from-k1-visa/

Edited May 31, 2019 by Greenbaum

[Shiran 1,134]

On 5/30/2019 at 5:09 AM, Lynxwarden said:

That's pretty much it - the wording can screw a lot of folks over, and we've both worked HARD to get here, so we don't want to waste any time. Luckily neither of us are fussed about ceremonies or having a fancy wedding - throwing a shindig can wait, paperwork is more important to us than that stuff (especially since neither of us like big social gatherings). Getting the marriage sorted next week during his holiday is the big thing, then after that we're looking into the AOS.

Do not forget to apply for SSN if you haven't already. Do it as soon as possible, and before the marriage, if you are changing your last name. 

[Lynxwarden 28]

5 minutes ago, Shiran said:

Do not forget to apply for SSN if you haven't already. Do it as soon as possible, and before the marriage, if you are changing your last name. 

What is SSN? I'm not aware of what this is, sorry

[Lynxwarden 28]

3 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

Print out your I-94 info > https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Follow this guide for getting the SSN > http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Follow this guide for AOS > http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

The fees are listed here > http://www.uscis.gov/i-485

 

The fees for the I-765 (EAD-work authorization) and I-131(AP-advance parole for travel) are waived when filed with a pending I-485, so include both of those too. It takes about 60-90 days to receive the EAD/AP combo card, which will allow you to work (along with an SSN) and re-enter the US when traveling abroad while waiting for the green card approval.

 

You need all the supporting documents for each form as well, so read the instructions for each one. You can also search here on VJ for what to include with each form if you get stumped. There are also example forms here on VJ you can look at when filling out the forms. They can be helpful.

 

And here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/551080-immunizations-ds-3025-or-i-693/

 

https://yaztalksalot.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/adjustment-of-status-from-k1-visa/

This is all super helpful info, thank you! I'm trying to put pressure on my partner to really get onto this. We're sorting out the marriage this week, but I think both of us were unaware of needing to apply for an SSN (I assume that stands for Social Security Number? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)

[Greenbaum 12,259]

10 minutes ago, Lynxwarden said:

This is all super helpful info, thank you! I'm trying to put pressure on my partner to really get onto this. We're sorting out the marriage this week, but I think both of us were unaware of needing to apply for an SSN (I assume that stands for Social Security Number? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)

You're right abt SSN and the meaning. 

Edited June 1, 2019 by Greenbaum

[Lynxwarden 28]

15 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

You're right abt SSN and the meaning.

With some research, I came across this very recent article. According to this, it says I should apply for an SSN AFTER the marriage and the AOS filing. 

 

How reliable is this info, given the recent article update? (Also again thanks for the masterlist of info and links)

Edited June 1, 2019 by Lynxwarden

[Ontarkie 14,409]

~~Moved to AOS Family K1/K3, from K1 Progress Reports - As the OP is starting the next part.~~

[geowrian 22,338]

20 minutes ago, Lynxwarden said:

With some research, I came across this very recent article. According to this, it says I should apply for an SSN AFTER the marriage and the AOS filing. 

 

How reliable is this info, given the recent article update? (Also again thanks for the masterlist of info and links)

I have no idea why they suggest not getting one beforehand. Yes, some SSA workers don't know the rules so it can be a hassle in some cases. Usually not, but it does happen. But is that a good reason to hold off until after filing for AOS...? I just don't get their reasoning.

 

Edit: An SSN is not required for many things, but does make some stuff easier (insurance, joint accounts, credit cards, etc.). It may or may not be required for a driver's license or state ID too. This varies by state.

Edited June 1, 2019 by geowrian

[Greenbaum 12,259]

27 minutes ago, Lynxwarden said:

With some research, I came across this very recent article. According to this, it says I should apply for an SSN AFTER the marriage and the AOS filing. 

 

How reliable is this info, given the recent article update? (Also again thanks for the masterlist of info and links)

Here is some information that I have put together as a guide which I have personally used for my wife's card after she arrived and my 2 K2s. It does work. You may encounter push back from SS workers but stick to the script in the link. Some do not have a problem others deviate from the instructions and fall short of their goal.

 

Simple Instructions on how to apply for and receive a Social Security Card/Number
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHOBLEkvkVlUEnW-F9FK8idDTV1bm_D3/view?usp=sharing
Sub-forum for the discussion of Social Security Numbers on VJ
https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/156-social-security-numbers/
 

 

Edited June 1, 2019 by Greenbaum

[Shiran 1,134]

51 minutes ago, Lynxwarden said:

With some research, I came across this very recent article. According to this, it says I should apply for an SSN AFTER the marriage and the AOS filing. 

 

How reliable is this info, given the recent article update? (Also again thanks for the masterlist of info and links)

From the article that you linked 

Quote

While you can technically request a SSN upon your entry to the United States as a K-1 visa holder, it’s common to discover that government employees working in your local Social Security Office are not aware that K-1 visa holders are authorized to request one.

This is incorrect  or at best partially incorrect assumption trying to paint SSA employees as incompetent. While I would not be surprised to find out that some SSAA workers might not be aware of K-1 visa, the correct answer should be to ask for supervisor, and explain. We had NO issues with applying for SSN, though we did have to wait nearly 5 weeks to get it. We applied literally 2nd business day after POE. SSN is the most important thing you can do to jump start your life in US, as it will allow you to open bank accounts, be added to medical insurance, possibly get State ID/Driver Licence etc. Delaying it until after EAD/GC means being in limbo for that much longer. And... I don't understand why you would want to? There is no fee, there is no extensive paper work (one page form) It will take some times as SSA offices are often busy, but that about it.

 

By the way, when applying while putting in address for any official government docs please make sure to put "In Care Of" and then put name of your fiance/husband as postal carriers might not deliver official mail if your name is not on the mailbox. That goes for social security cards. 

[Lynxwarden 28]

5 minutes ago, Shiran said:

By the way, when applying while putting in address for any official government docs please make sure to put "In Care Of" and then put name of your fiance/husband as postal carriers might not deliver official mail if your name is not on the mailbox. That goes for social security cards. 

Bless you! That's handy to know. I don't want to delay anything (and honestly I wish I KNEW about this... better late than never I guess, not ideal but ugh, what can you do when instructions are vague 😡).How much is the cost for a SSN? Or at least how much is it to file, assuming there is a fee?