I-765 and I-485 - times of approval

[Juanpa & Ari 8]

Hello everybody

 

Me and my fiancée were thinking about the time frame of the I-765 and the I-485. We haven't been approved yet in our K1 but we want to start saving up to start our family as soon as we get approved and married, and to do so we both need to work. 

My question is: when you apply for AOS and add the I-765 form (like applying for both at the same time), how long is it taking now to be approved? Will the work authorization be approved before or will we have to wait until the I-485 is approved as well?

 

I checked that we should send the application for AOS to Dallas, TX but I don't know if the work authorization would be approved faster than the I-485 or how that works. 
Also, what do you need to get a driver's license? Since the city isn't too walkable (or public transport friendly) it's a big concern about going to work without being able to drive. 

 

Thanks in advance

 

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

I think it's around 8 months right now to get the work permit but who knows when and in which direction this is going to change. The reason to file for a work permit is that you can work before getting the greencard. If your local field office is super fast you might get the greencard before the work permit. But this is all unpredictable at this point without knowing when you'll even get your visa.

 

What you need for the drivers license is state law and differs depending where you live. Check out your states dmv homepage or let your fiance call and ask them what is needed.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Here are some stats to help you:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/aosstats.php?cfl=

 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/eadstats.php?cfl=

[JeffAtl 16]

Just to expand on this a little, should you hire a lawyer for all this paperwork?  What is the correct order of filing it? When do you file for a SS#? What if she has an international Driver's license? Does she still need to go to the dmv here? So many questions...

[Juanpa & Ari 8]

1 hour ago, JeffAtl said:

Just to expand on this a little, should you hire a lawyer for all this paperwork?  What is the correct order of filing it? When do you file for a SS#? What if she has an international Driver's license? Does she still need to go to the dmv here? So many questions...

For real! It is so confusing and information isn't clear because everything is a big IF. If you have this and that you can do this BUT only IF you have this conditions and so on. Just have to sit down and read and try to not make mistakes at all. 

[Chancy 6,241]

On 6/10/2021 at 9:58 PM, JeffAtl said:

should you hire a lawyer for all this paperwork?

 

It's up to you.  If you're willing to spend time and effort to research the process, have confidence in your ability to follow form instructions, and have a straightforward case (e.g. intending immigrant is not in removal proceedings), you can complete the AOS process without a lawyer.  There's an "AOS from K1" sub-forum here on VJ that's full of people who got their EAD and/or GC without professional help.

 

On 6/10/2021 at 9:58 PM, JeffAtl said:

What is the correct order of filing it?

 

I-765 is optional but highly recommended to be filed with the I-485 package.  Same with the I-131.

 

On 6/10/2021 at 9:58 PM, JeffAtl said:

When do you file for a SS#?

 

For K1, I strongly recommend applying for SSN within a few days of US entry.  That's because K1 visa holders are eligible to apply until day 76 of their arrival, but the processing at SSA or verification with DHS could take time.  If the immigrant does not get SSN during that period, they can apply for SSN by selecting that option on the I-765 form.

 

On 6/10/2021 at 9:58 PM, JeffAtl said:

What if she has an international Driver's license? Does she still need to go to the dmv here?

 

An international DL would only be valid for a few months after arrival in the US, so she would need to apply for a state DL eventually.

 

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Adjustment of Status from K Visas forum.