Working in the US

[sHoustonc]

Can anyone tell me if we need to do anything more for my fiance to work.  She arrived last week and on her I-94 card, there is a stamp that says "Employment Authorized".  I assume she can now work. Is there anything else we need to do, or can she just apply for a job?

Thanks

[sHoustonc]

... in response to Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 6, 2003

Thanks for the feedback. She arrived about a week ago, and had "Employment Authorized" on her I-94 card. I guess she got lucky there.  

On Friday we went to the SS Admin to apply for a SS card. They said they had to confirm everything with the INS and the card "should" be mailed to her in 6-8 weeks.  Normally this process takes 2 weeks.

I realize we will have to change the name on the SS card after we get married, but wanted to get things moving.  Before we met, she worked in London and Paris, so the settling in is going pretty quick and smoothly.

[RfB]

... in response to Re: went to SS office, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 8, 2003

We got the SSA number early also,, but had to wait until she got the green card until she could change it to her married name. Even with the INS work card, and marrage license, they wouldn't accept anything less.

[tfcrew]

... in response to Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 6, 2003

"Work Authorization" isn't usually stamped on all passports automatically.
We had to wait for our AOS here.
Yes, you need a SS# from the SS office.
On a personal note, I advise waiting until after marriage to get card and work.
Here's why...
1) There is a "settle down" or adjustment period involved here.
2) The name will change, and you'll have to re-do the card anyway.
What's the hurry?
Good luck and be happy...

Karl

[Robert D]

... in response to Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 6, 2003

I thought folks on a fiance visa could not work?

[SteveM]

... in response to Re: Working in the US, posted by Robert D on Feb 7, 2003

Actually, you can work on a fiance visa.  Not all SS offices know this, however.  There is a memo clarifying this situation that is usually on file at the offices, however.  The reference is on Doc Steen's site.

The trick is that the authorization expires once you get married, and you have to file for an employment authorization card or cards (good for one year each) to cover an time until you adjust status.  At some INS offices, you can get it the same day.  If you live in Maryland, you have to mail the application to Vermont, and (at least in 1991) wait a couple of months for them to issue it.  They are not allowed to take longer than 90 days, however.

So, if your fiance wants/needs to work right away, it will be better to find a job before you get married.

[Rags]

... in response to Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 6, 2003

She needs to take her passport and I-94 to your local SS office and get a card issued (I think). It should take about two weeks to get her card if they don't lose it like they did my wife's ("oh no, we sent it out in the mail the same day"...right). I would suggest that you tell them to hold it at the office and you will come by and pick it up just to be safe.

[sHoustonc]

... in response to Re: Working in the US, posted by Rags on Feb 6, 2003

When you say SS office, do you mean social security office to get a SSN?  I think I can do that at the airport?

[Rags]

... in response to Re: Re: Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 7, 2003

Yeah I did mean the Social Security Office. I've never heard of getting a SS card at the airport and with the hassles we have had, (no card mailed for my wife and then they "lost" the paperwork for her daughter) I would go to the local office and have them hold the card for you to pick up.

I'm not sure what happens when her K-1 runs out and you go to process the AOS (they take her I-94). I think that you need file for permission to work then and get a "permit".

[Travis]

... in response to Re: Re: Working in the US, posted by sHoustonc on Feb 7, 2003

There is a Social Security office on 290 between Mangum and Dacoma. She doesn't need this for her work permit, but she will need it for a state ID card. The work permit is obtained from the INS office.