@Wuozopo. Thanks for this explanation!
That is exactly what I was wondering. Many people around me have told me the opposite, that I can file her as a dependent.
I believe that like you said, YES the USCIS makes it clear, she is absolutely dependent on me upon arrival and for a while before she can work.
She is most unhappy about that because she values her independence and work. (One reason I love her).
It looks like processing times are around 14-16 months for work authorization(am i seeing that wrong?). That will drive her crazy! I don't dare even tell her ATM haha.
But as an actual tax "dependent", NO. So filing, you recommend file MFJ, and that would help me out a bit in deductions?
I read somewhere that we should get married ASAP and she should apply for her SSN immediately, but you are saying "don't worry about actual marriage or the last name. Just apply ASAP. Get the number and change the name later".
Thanks for your help