Entered the US on K-1 yesterday - LONG
Jun 13th 2003, 2:25 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 267
Entered the US on K-1 yesterday - LONG
Hello All,
As I feel it is a duty to share my experiences as so many of you have to help me get to this point.
I've already submitted my info to the k1poelist.com site.
I used Toronto Pearson International Airport as my POE and everything went quite smoothly. Waited in the queue with everyone else travelling to the US on flights and then told the Inspector that I was travelling on my K-1. He asked whether or not I've entered the US on the K-1 before... then went to a colleague's booth, came back, slid the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) through his machine and escorted me back to Secondary Inspection where they had 4 offices and Inspectors at each. I was told to fill out this white card (I-94). Then told to wait to be called... It was about a 15 minute wait from when I got to Secondary Inspection to when I was called.
Got into the Inspector's office... she asked why I was going to the US, and I told her I was getting married. She then reiterated numerous times that I have 90 days to get married and then to adjust status and that I should not leave the US before getting married or before obtaining "Advanced Permission to re-enter the US" (AP I'm assuming). She was kind enough to write it on my SARS questionaire saying that my future wife would file I-130 and the Advanced Permission is a section on I-131... I'll figure that stuff out after August 2.
She then sent me on my way after stamping my passport with K-1 Class, stapling the Departure Record of the I-94 into my passport and wrote "MULTIPLE ENTRY" on the bottom. Not quite sure what that means...
I asked her about work authorization... she said I could apply when I landed, and she said that I could start working "right away"... with the proper documents of course.
I wanted to ask her about my car and bringing it in at a later time, she said to ask the Inspectors as I approached airport security... I asked them and they said you should've asked the people in Immigration... I thought to myself, how lucky I was to get through the border with no problems and I'll deal with the car at a future date.
After that I went through the regular airport security stuff and that was it... on to the Dash 8 - 100 in a windy, rainy day... But made it in one piece.
Now... questions...
I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into their system? Do you think I could go today?
Should I apply for the 90 EAD as it probably takes longer to get and I would've started to adjust status by the time I go and get it. As I live in Maryland, I would have to file AOS, AP and EAD through VSC right? SSN can be done at the local office I presume...
Good Luck to All...
Ian
As I feel it is a duty to share my experiences as so many of you have to help me get to this point.
I've already submitted my info to the k1poelist.com site.
I used Toronto Pearson International Airport as my POE and everything went quite smoothly. Waited in the queue with everyone else travelling to the US on flights and then told the Inspector that I was travelling on my K-1. He asked whether or not I've entered the US on the K-1 before... then went to a colleague's booth, came back, slid the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) through his machine and escorted me back to Secondary Inspection where they had 4 offices and Inspectors at each. I was told to fill out this white card (I-94). Then told to wait to be called... It was about a 15 minute wait from when I got to Secondary Inspection to when I was called.
Got into the Inspector's office... she asked why I was going to the US, and I told her I was getting married. She then reiterated numerous times that I have 90 days to get married and then to adjust status and that I should not leave the US before getting married or before obtaining "Advanced Permission to re-enter the US" (AP I'm assuming). She was kind enough to write it on my SARS questionaire saying that my future wife would file I-130 and the Advanced Permission is a section on I-131... I'll figure that stuff out after August 2.
She then sent me on my way after stamping my passport with K-1 Class, stapling the Departure Record of the I-94 into my passport and wrote "MULTIPLE ENTRY" on the bottom. Not quite sure what that means...
I asked her about work authorization... she said I could apply when I landed, and she said that I could start working "right away"... with the proper documents of course.
I wanted to ask her about my car and bringing it in at a later time, she said to ask the Inspectors as I approached airport security... I asked them and they said you should've asked the people in Immigration... I thought to myself, how lucky I was to get through the border with no problems and I'll deal with the car at a future date.
After that I went through the regular airport security stuff and that was it... on to the Dash 8 - 100 in a windy, rainy day... But made it in one piece.
Now... questions...
I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into their system? Do you think I could go today?
Should I apply for the 90 EAD as it probably takes longer to get and I would've started to adjust status by the time I go and get it. As I live in Maryland, I would have to file AOS, AP and EAD through VSC right? SSN can be done at the local office I presume...
Good Luck to All...
Ian
Jun 13th 2003, 2:30 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
genci
apply now for ssn don't wait til AOS as i have read nightmare experiences for people who did
check out http://www.kamya.com/ssn/
and take a copy of EM-00154 with you to the ss office
my fiance arrived May 24, applied for ssn May 29, was not in the SAVE system yet so they said it would take 4-8 weeks for verification. however on June 10 they sent us a letter saying he should have the card within 2 weeks.
check out http://www.kamya.com/ssn/
and take a copy of EM-00154 with you to the ss office
my fiance arrived May 24, applied for ssn May 29, was not in the SAVE system yet so they said it would take 4-8 weeks for verification. however on June 10 they sent us a letter saying he should have the card within 2 weeks.
Jun 13th 2003, 2:39 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 267
Re: genci
Originally posted by grouchy
apply now for ssn don't wait til AOS as i have read nightmare experiences for people who did
check out http://www.kamya.com/ssn/
and take a copy of EM-00154 with you to the ss office
my fiance arrived May 24, applied for ssn May 29, was not in the SAVE system yet so they said it would take 4-8 weeks for verification. however on June 10 they sent us a letter saying he should have the card within 2 weeks.
apply now for ssn don't wait til AOS as i have read nightmare experiences for people who did
check out http://www.kamya.com/ssn/
and take a copy of EM-00154 with you to the ss office
my fiance arrived May 24, applied for ssn May 29, was not in the SAVE system yet so they said it would take 4-8 weeks for verification. however on June 10 they sent us a letter saying he should have the card within 2 weeks.
So even if they don't find you in their SAVE system, you can still leave your application pending with them and then they'll let you know when it goes through? maybe I'll make a trip there today... Thanks!
Gotta check their site for info I need to take with me...
Jun 13th 2003, 2:53 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
better
to go armed with information as some workers are more informed than others as to entitlement of K1's to work
you will need passport, I-94 (they will make copy) and fill out a copy of application which you can download from their website.
Good luck
you will need passport, I-94 (they will make copy) and fill out a copy of application which you can download from their website.
Good luck
Jun 13th 2003, 3:00 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Entered the US on K-1 yesterday - LONG
Hi Ian - Congrats on using the K-1. Feels nice, huh? FYI, when you file
to adjust status, you do not have to file an I-130 because you came in
on a K-1. The agent in Toronto was wrong about that. Shocking, huh? ;-)
Many people on this list have reported that their name is in the SSA
system within about 10 days of their entry; I recommend you wait about
that long, but not much longer. When you do go in, if you are not in
the system, you could either withdraw your application and come back a
few days/week later and try again, or let the application go through and
then go back to your SSA office to ask them to re-check the status.
Others recently have been successful with that approach. Under no
circumstances should you wait to apply for more than 75 days after your
entry. At that point, SS no longer considers you eligible, and you will
have to wait to get an an SS# until after you either AOS or get an EAD.
FWIW, we applied on the second day after my husband arrived, and he was,
of course, not in the system. About a week later, we called and the
office checked again, and there he was. He had his number the next day
and his card (with the "not valid for work without INS auth" legend)
about a week later. Welcome to the USA! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
>
> I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply
> for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into
> their system? Do you think I could go today?
to adjust status, you do not have to file an I-130 because you came in
on a K-1. The agent in Toronto was wrong about that. Shocking, huh? ;-)
Many people on this list have reported that their name is in the SSA
system within about 10 days of their entry; I recommend you wait about
that long, but not much longer. When you do go in, if you are not in
the system, you could either withdraw your application and come back a
few days/week later and try again, or let the application go through and
then go back to your SSA office to ask them to re-check the status.
Others recently have been successful with that approach. Under no
circumstances should you wait to apply for more than 75 days after your
entry. At that point, SS no longer considers you eligible, and you will
have to wait to get an an SS# until after you either AOS or get an EAD.
FWIW, we applied on the second day after my husband arrived, and he was,
of course, not in the system. About a week later, we called and the
office checked again, and there he was. He had his number the next day
and his card (with the "not valid for work without INS auth" legend)
about a week later. Welcome to the USA! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
>
> I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply
> for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into
> their system? Do you think I could go today?
Jun 13th 2003, 3:10 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 536
I suggest if, having applied, you dont hear from them in, say, one month............go pester the SS office and ask them to chack while you are there.
Jun 13th 2003, 3:11 pm
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: now USA =)
Posts: 576
cool =)
I am going to Maryland too, will be in the gaithersburg area as soon as I am approved hehe =)
The very best of luck to you
Lee
I am going to Maryland too, will be in the gaithersburg area as soon as I am approved hehe =)
The very best of luck to you
Lee
Jun 13th 2003, 3:58 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 267
Re: Entered the US on K-1 yesterday - LONG
Originally posted by Kristin
Hi Ian - Congrats on using the K-1. Feels nice, huh? FYI, when you file
to adjust status, you do not have to file an I-130 because you came in
on a K-1. The agent in Toronto was wrong about that. Shocking, huh? ;-)
Many people on this list have reported that their name is in the SSA
system within about 10 days of their entry; I recommend you wait about
that long, but not much longer. When you do go in, if you are not in
the system, you could either withdraw your application and come back a
few days/week later and try again, or let the application go through and
then go back to your SSA office to ask them to re-check the status.
Others recently have been successful with that approach. Under no
circumstances should you wait to apply for more than 75 days after your
entry. At that point, SS no longer considers you eligible, and you will
have to wait to get an an SS# until after you either AOS or get an EAD.
FWIW, we applied on the second day after my husband arrived, and he was,
of course, not in the system. About a week later, we called and the
office checked again, and there he was. He had his number the next day
and his card (with the "not valid for work without INS auth" legend)
about a week later. Welcome to the USA! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
>
> I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply
> for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into
> their system? Do you think I could go today?
Hi Ian - Congrats on using the K-1. Feels nice, huh? FYI, when you file
to adjust status, you do not have to file an I-130 because you came in
on a K-1. The agent in Toronto was wrong about that. Shocking, huh? ;-)
Many people on this list have reported that their name is in the SSA
system within about 10 days of their entry; I recommend you wait about
that long, but not much longer. When you do go in, if you are not in
the system, you could either withdraw your application and come back a
few days/week later and try again, or let the application go through and
then go back to your SSA office to ask them to re-check the status.
Others recently have been successful with that approach. Under no
circumstances should you wait to apply for more than 75 days after your
entry. At that point, SS no longer considers you eligible, and you will
have to wait to get an an SS# until after you either AOS or get an EAD.
FWIW, we applied on the second day after my husband arrived, and he was,
of course, not in the system. About a week later, we called and the
office checked again, and there he was. He had his number the next day
and his card (with the "not valid for work without INS auth" legend)
about a week later. Welcome to the USA! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
>
> I recall reading in the past, that I should now go to the SSA and apply
> for an SSN. How long do you think it will take them to get me into
> their system? Do you think I could go today?
Jun 13th 2003, 4:49 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
if
if you are not in the system, let them start the verification process, but if you really need to work ASAP then go back after a week and see if they will check the SAVE system to see if updated (and another week if necessary). You don't need to withdraw app--just be persistent and keep bugging them.
Jun 13th 2003, 5:59 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Entered the US on K-1 yesterday - LONG
When the requirement to check the SAVE system came into place,
withdrawing the application was a suggested strategy, because it was
assumed that once the written request for verification had been sent
off, there was no way around the wait for it to come back. So, at that
time, the advice was that if you were not in the system, you could ask
to withdraw the application and wait a few days and submit it. But now
it seems that some SSA offices are willing to run the SAVE query even
though the written verification is pending. Although it's no guarantee
that every SSA office will agree to run your name through the computer
again, once they send away for written verification.
If you came in a day or two ago, and you apply today, I don't think
you'll be in the system. So they will have to either 1) hold your
application and re-run you (which is what our office did) or 2) send for
written verification and pend your application until they get that
written verification. Or you can withdraw your application, wait a week
or so, and go back in. The application is simple, it takes no time,
although you will have to wait in line again. And yes, withdrawing your
application can delay the number, because if you go back and are STILL
not verifiable in the computer system, they will have to send away for
written verification, and that can take weeks or months.
The bottom line is that the choice is yours. These are just
suggestions. You could also do a google search for recent experiences by
others to see what they are experiencing when they have applied.
Also, fyi, they will never give you a number "there and then". You will
have to wait until the next day, as the numbers are not actually issued
by the local offices, they are issued centrally. So if you were in the
system, they would give you a number to call, and your SS# would be
available tomorrow, and your card would come in a week or two, if our
experience is anything to go by. Good luck, and let us know what
happens! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
> What is the benefit of withdrawing your application if you are not in
> the system? Would it not just delay the process further as you would
> have to apply again? My intention was to go to the office (today) and
> apply and they would process it when my info is in the system... Is it
> just "faster" if I was already in the system and they could provide a
> number right there and then??
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
withdrawing the application was a suggested strategy, because it was
assumed that once the written request for verification had been sent
off, there was no way around the wait for it to come back. So, at that
time, the advice was that if you were not in the system, you could ask
to withdraw the application and wait a few days and submit it. But now
it seems that some SSA offices are willing to run the SAVE query even
though the written verification is pending. Although it's no guarantee
that every SSA office will agree to run your name through the computer
again, once they send away for written verification.
If you came in a day or two ago, and you apply today, I don't think
you'll be in the system. So they will have to either 1) hold your
application and re-run you (which is what our office did) or 2) send for
written verification and pend your application until they get that
written verification. Or you can withdraw your application, wait a week
or so, and go back in. The application is simple, it takes no time,
although you will have to wait in line again. And yes, withdrawing your
application can delay the number, because if you go back and are STILL
not verifiable in the computer system, they will have to send away for
written verification, and that can take weeks or months.
The bottom line is that the choice is yours. These are just
suggestions. You could also do a google search for recent experiences by
others to see what they are experiencing when they have applied.
Also, fyi, they will never give you a number "there and then". You will
have to wait until the next day, as the numbers are not actually issued
by the local offices, they are issued centrally. So if you were in the
system, they would give you a number to call, and your SS# would be
available tomorrow, and your card would come in a week or two, if our
experience is anything to go by. Good luck, and let us know what
happens! Kristin
eiloo wrote:
> What is the benefit of withdrawing your application if you are not in
> the system? Would it not just delay the process further as you would
> have to apply again? My intention was to go to the office (today) and
> apply and they would process it when my info is in the system... Is it
> just "faster" if I was already in the system and they could provide a
> number right there and then??
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
