What can my wife do while we wait for AOS?

[arowana 0]

Curious what she can do while we wait for AOS approval? No SSN yet.

 

But curious if she can apply for driver's license, open bank account, etc. Or do we need to wait for the SSN to enable all these rights?

[OldUser 5,867]

2 minutes ago, arowana said:

Curious what she can do while we wait for AOS approval? No SSN yet.

 

But curious if she can apply for driver's license, open bank account, etc. Or do we need to wait for the SSN to enable all these rights?

Not much without EAD. Does she have one?

[arowana 0]

We applied for the I-765 along with the I-485, so I guess it's just a waiting game now?

[OldUser 5,867]

1 minute ago, arowana said:

We applied for the I-765 along with the I-485, so I guess it's just a waiting game now?

Yes. Unfortunately this is a drawback of AOS compared to CR-1

[Scandi 4,101]

Is there a reason she doesn't have a SSN? 

[powerpuff 6,441]

*** Thread moved from AOS K1 process forum to Moving to the US & Your new life  in America forum where similar questions are discussed ***
 

DL depends on the state. For example NY and CA would allow her to get a DL while waiting for AOS. You’ll need to research in your state’s DMV website. Banks also vary in what they allow; I’ve read that Bank of America is the most lenient.

[Vickys_Mom 221]

Find her something to do.  A hobby.  English immersion classes.  Volunteer work.  Some other people in your area that are from her country or have recently been through the immigration process.  You don't want her going stir-crazy while she waits for everything else to happen.

 

Regards,

Vicky's Mom

[smilingstone 86]

You could have applied for the SSN as soon as you got married. 

[Crazy Cat 41,047]

23 minutes ago, smilingstone said:

You could have applied for the SSN as soon as you got married. 

Appears to be a K-1 case.  The K-1 entrant could have (and should have) filed for SSN BEFORE marriage.  That is the VJ recommended process. 

[Scandi 4,101]

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Appears to be a K-1 case.  The K-1 entrant could have (and should have) filed for SSN BEFORE marriage.  That is the VJ recommended process. 

Totally, the best advise. While some have luck doing it after marriage, many don't. So definitely the best course of action to focus on applying for a SSN as soon as you land in the US, you only have a limited time to do so. After that you have no choice but to wait for the EAD which can take many, many months. 

[jackiegringa 419]

11 hours ago, arowana said:

But curious if she can apply for driver's license, open bank account,

About bank accounts: depends if your local bank employee is familiar with the process of opening a bank account using only a passport as ID.

 

I was lucky and was able to do it on a visa, but it clear to me that other branches had no idea how to deal with it. So you may try but it's not a guarantee.

Edited July 2 by jackiegringa

[mam521 1,964]

2 hours ago, jackiegringa said:

About bank accounts: depends if your local bank employee is familiar with the process of opening a bank account using only a passport as ID.

Some smaller credit unions are also willing to open accounts without a SSN.  

[TexasRafael 121]

If she has an ITIN you can add her to your bank accounts....until the SS arrives.