working after issue of IR1

[ukusa_united 0]

Hi

This is my first post, I was guided here by Dive into America. My American wife and I are going for the IR1 as we have been married and living in the UK 2 1/2 years. She has now had to return to the USA.

After I get the IR1 and its validated at the POE I understand that grants me a 10 year unconditional green card. However am I allowed to WORK as soon as that is stamped.

Thanks

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, the stamp will be I-551 which makes your passport act as a temp green-card, green-card is also a work permit.

You can apply for SSN on the DS-230 form from the consulate, or just wait a few weeks after entry to the USA and apply for the SSN. Employers should accept the I-551 stamp, and are required to get your SSN within a few weeks of heiring you.

[ukusa_united 0]

thanks for that, another thing I forgot to ask - do I need to apply for AOS on an IR1 seeing as it gives me a green card stamp right off? I was told I can apply for citizenship as soon as the IR1 is activated is that right?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

thanks for that, another thing I forgot to ask - do I need to apply for AOS on an IR1 seeing as it gives me a green card stamp right off? I was told I can apply for citizenship as soon as the IR1 is activated is that right?

You do not need to adjust status (AOS) on an IR1, as this will give you permanent residency. You will need to wait three years from the date of your entry to the US (well, technically 90 days before three years) to apply for citizenship.

It's a shame (in more than one way -- obviously you must miss her to bits!) that your wife had to return to the US before you began filing, as her 2 and 1/2 years residency in the UK would have enabled you to do DCF, which speeds up the process considerably.