JFK entry for wife...question

[AronM]

I'm leaving Wednesday for Sofia again, this time for a church wedding and to accompany my wife back to the USA.   It looks like we'll be landing at JFK...can anyone give me the rundown on what the procedure is for her at immigration?  We did the direct consular filing and I'm wondering how that will make things different for us.  Her biggest concern is being able to work immediately so that she's not sitting around bored to death.  If I remember correctly, she can get permission there...am I right?

thanks to whomever can help.

[Rags]

... in response to JFK entry for wife...question, posted by AronM on May 26, 2002

Congratulations and good luck to the both of you! My wife came in through Seattle last Nov (K1) and got a pretty thorough grilling. It's good that you will be there for moral support. Remember that she can go through the same (US resident) line with you as she is now part of your family. And not to freak you out, but the one time that I went through JFK in 2000 I got the third degree when the agent saw that I was returning from Moscow so be forewarned that it may go a little rough. The other times that I have gone through Seattle and SF ("Welcome to CA, enjoy the cheese") were a walk in the park.

[AronM]

... in response to JFK entry for wife...question, posted by AronM on May 26, 2002

:-)

[keithandkatya]

... in response to JFK entry for wife...question, posted by AronM on May 26, 2002

Ok-- so after posting my general post... I decided to dig out my wife's passport and info so perhaps I could help you more...  my wife came into JFK and they stamped her i94 card.. remember she came in on a Fiancee visa... they stamped it in red that she was allowed to work until the end of the fiancee visa(3 months)  .... because you are in a different situation it will probaly be different... but they did not issue her a seperate card in JFK only the red stamp on the back of her cardboard  I 94 card. After we were married we applied for her AOS and got a photo id that said she is allowed to work for one year after the issuance of the card... good luck and a happy marriage!!!
Keith

[tfcrew]

... in response to more precise info, posted by keithandkatya on May 27, 2002

Was it the green card or something else? Also I wondered why only "one year"?
Karl

[keithandkatya]

... in response to Curious...what "photo ID"?, posted by tfcrew on May 27, 2002

Employment Authorization Card... I believe it is called EAD..  not sure what the D stands for...

Keith

[tfcrew]

... in response to Re: Curious...what "photo ID"?, posted by keithandkatya on May 28, 2002

"D" document ?
Here in Dallas INS (discussed times ago) everything is done in a lump AOS...w/one fee.
Our "unconditional" filing comes up in Oct...90 days prior to expiration Jan 22 03.
Keep posting
Karl

[keithandkatya]

... in response to JFK entry for wife...question, posted by AronM on May 26, 2002

Hi...  My wife came through JFK  7 months ago... by herself.. and I believe she had her passport stamped with some type of stamp that allowed a temporary work permit but dont quote me... anyway since you will be married when she arrives you can do what we did and put in your paperwork for her work permit card... a photo id.. at your INS office... check out the websites for the exact info needed... Doc Steens... alvina... perhaps someone can provide you with the info on the board.. also get your social security card paperwork started... How is her english??? is advanced enough for employment??? if not then your local area should have english lessons... as far as her getting bored... get her introduced to some people from her native land that live in your area... you will find they have a network you never imagined... at least I never did... I remember telling my wife(then fiance) that there would not be any Ukranians or Russians in my small town... WRONG!!  LOL...   Find out what hobbies she likes... my wife likes art... get her involved in her hobbies when she gets here... gardening is very good for a good mood... books in her native language  check it out on the web... let us know how you are doing... and if I or someone else on here can help we will .... all the best,
Keith

[John F]

... in response to JFK entry for wife...question, posted by AronM on May 26, 2002

Irina and I entered through Atlanta so I can't offer any help as far as JFK is concerned, however, your wife should  get an EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) at the point of entry.  Irina had hers within just minutes after clearing customs.  If they overlook issueing it be sure to ask for it.

I would suggest getting the EAD for anyone, whether your wife plans to work or not because it is the only photo ID documentation she will have until she gets a driver license or green card.

Congratulations and good luck!