Wife arrived 5/23

[Davej]

My wife arrived on Monday.  No problems whatsoever, regaurding the plane travel and customs.  However, it was a battle, I can not lie.  My wife and I remained strong through the whole ordeal.  We opted for the K3 route.  Were young, have lots to learn.  I'm 23 my wife is 20.  We got married in Kiev.  Prior to our reuiniting Monday, we were apart for 10 months.  

Things are great, she is blown away by America.  I live outside of Seattle in the Cascade mountains.  She is a mountain lover, which was one of things we had in common prior to marriage, love of the outdoors.  I would recommend men and women looking for 'extra-curricular' activities that the two of you have in common.  Anyways, we have a lot to learn about one anothers cultures, so far it has been fun.  

She did however, forget to ask about SS at US Customs.  What is our best approach to that now?  

Appreciate all info,
thanks guys,
dave

[Ray]

... in response to Wife arrived 5/23, posted by Davej on May 26, 2005

Congratulations Dave.

As a K-3 visa holder, she will need employment authorization (EAD) from CIS before she applies for an SS Number. For the EAD she can file Form I-765 by mail (to the Chicago address). It will cost $175 to file and will probably take 2-3 months to process. After she has the EAD card, she can go to any local SSA office to apply for the Social Security Card.

Some other options would be to file the I-765 along with the Adjustment of Status paperwork or wait for the AOS approval when she is a legal resident.

Ray

[Ryan]

... in response to Wife arrived 5/23, posted by Davej on May 26, 2005

I would apply for a social security card A.S.A.P. you can download the simple form at the SSA website.  Fill it out the best you can and I would take it to the nearest SS ofice together.  They want to see her PassPort-Visa and the I-94 or what ever form you used for her travel.  It will probably be a SS# for work only.

Good luck

[Davej]

... in response to Re: Wife arrived 5/23, posted by Ryan on May 26, 2005

She came on a Green Card, conditioned.  I assume I apply for the I-751 to renew this, the experation date is 05/07, but never too late, is this correct?  Thanks for all the help,

Dave

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Re: Wife arrived 5/23, posted by Davej on Jun 1, 2005

I thought you said K-3???

If she arrived on a CR-1 visa, then she ‘may’ receive her Social Security Card automatically in the mail in a few weeks. If not, she is immediately eligible for an SS Card and she can apply anytime. The I-551 stamp in her passport is her proof of residency and work authorization.

You won’t have to file the I-751 for a couple of years yet. File during the 90-day period before her Green Card expires (Feb 07 to May 07).

Ray