ScarletWitch6x

Usually, once you apply for the SSN they really are just waiting for the physical card to be sent to you - as they do not print these at local SS offices. I think most people had issues at the SS office after getting married because local clerks think that by getting married you 'VOID' your visa...when in reality the visa is valid for 90 days from entry (somewhat regardless of date of marriage). I think most people had issues when the non-USC spouse was the one changing their name upon marriage, as it raises a few eyebrows. We are planning to get my fiance's SSN after marriage, as we really have no choice with him flying in so close to our planned wedding date, as well as the holidays. He won't be changing his name so hopefully there are no issues. This is all based on things I have read on here though! Might be different experiences by state.

Calling out for people who use US date format - this is effective December 2, 2024!

My fiance took two passports to his interview but I don't think they asked for his old one. He didn't have any from before that. We really only had his previous one because he had to recently renew his - and we wanted to ensure that he had the passport tied to the proof of relationship we have (I-94 + travel accommodations). The UK embassy asked for none of it

I have no clue about that tbh - but that is the card he has! He's not planning to use/need the debit card. He really just needed it to transfer money between our US and UK accounts.

We did copies of everything except my divorce decree - that I got a 2nd certified copy from the court (cost $2) and sent it over with him when he left to head back to the UK on his last visit. I saw a review that said they were given a 221g for not having the certified copy of the divorce decree.

This was the plan! Let me ask what his card looks like and I will let you know!

I think mental health concerns are reviewed on a case by case basis - they may want a letter that says "you are not a risk to self of others" but if your summary shows that you are not a risk then it does the same thing. I think that timeframe has an impact as well. Regardless - the doctors are there to use their judgment as well as metrics to determine eligibility. @smilingstone glad it went alright!

My fiance is the one who attended his interview and then had to call visa medicals to remind them to send the medical to the embassy. Did you end up attending your medical? They should still see you for your interview and issue a 221g if needed.

How are you planning to transfer funds over? I know my fiance is planning to use Wise (sp?) and he got a debit card that goes with it. I know for wedding expenses he and I have sent money back and forth through Paypal as well. That would help you avoid fees while helping cover expenses.

I actually secured our K1 passport photos in a ziploc bag stapled to a letter size piece of paper at the back of the packet.. That way they weren't stapled (and they didn't have to mess with the staples) and less likelihood of them falling out and getting lost.

I second this. Every embassy is different. NOA2's are form letters though and should have the A-number for everyone.

Ahh - fair point. Thank you for the correction!

PIP required longer-term residency (10 years w/ proof) and for the marriages to have been in place prior to the start of the program. Unless they had a crystal ball they would not have had the foresight to get married prior to the deadline. I understand it is somewhat of a moot point but wanted to call it out. They also had to pay a fee to file (which they will now presumably forfeit). Not denying that they entered illegally or overstayed - but this post caught my eye and wanted to add some information.

For proof of address: Is your fiance planning to add you to car insurance? There's a proof of address there I already added my fiance to one utility and will be adding/transferring another to him. Once you have your SSN you can be added to your USC fiance's credit card as an authorized user (please make sure this is the best option for you before pursuing it). Credit card statements will come with both names on and depending on the statement layout can be used for proof of address. Once married is your fiance adding you to their health insurance? They should mail you your medical card - proof of address! Some states will allow you to have the USC spouse execute an affidavit swearing that you live at the address with them, this can help you get a state-issued ID or driver's license. Then you have more proof of address. I would contact your state's BMV for guidance as its so much easier that trying to piece together policy by yourself. As someone else mentioned - the letter SSA sends you with your SSC is proof of address as well. If your non-US bank allows you to use a foreign (US) address, them generating a statement with that address is now proof of address. *please please please make sure you will not be penalized for this. Some banks will allow this and others will not. In the US banks are governed by federal regulations but depending on their risk profile may have stricter rules around non-citizens opening accounts. I would recommend calling the bank your fiance uses and starting there. They can tell you what you may need in order to open an account there. That way you have a checklist to work off of when you go in. Smaller banks typically have stricter policies as they are low-risk. Bigger banks may be more well-versed in immigration matters and will be willing to take (what they see) as a risk as they will understand your documentation. Not a hard and fast rule but something to keep in mind. Some smaller credit unions are willing to be more helpful than big banks because they don't always have the corporate overhead that chains do.