MelodicBlue40

Finally on September 16th, my fiance will have her interview in Rio. My
question is this...She wants to work here in the U.S. so once she is here, is
she legally allowed to work? Does having the Visa give her permission to
work?? Does she have to get a Social Security card? And for all of those who
are curious about the time frame for our efforts....our original fiance'
petition was received on September 2, 2003. Her interview is September 16, so
from start to now, it's been about 1 year. If anyone has experience with Rio
embassy, please share with us. Thank you- MIchael & Rita

scrubbedexpat099

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/in...showtopic=5918

jeffreyhy

MB,

A K1 visa holder has permission to work during the 90-day stay associated with the visa, and this is enough for her to apply for a Social Security card as long as she applies for it sooner that 2 weeks before the 90-day period ends (i.e. within 76 days of entry).

In order to work an employer needs to see both a SS card and an Employment Authorization Document, either a stamp placed in the passport or a card. So, having permission to work is not sufficient. One also needs a USCIS-issued document that shows that one has permission to work.

Regards, JEff

MelodicBlue40

Thanks Jeff. But how does she get the work authorization? At the airport?
Should she tell them she wants to work?

Thanks again

Bob

You apply for EAD, takes a while, 90 days, through USCIS
As for getting the stamp at the airport, most won't do it from what I gather, though I heard that JFK does...but I don't know how true that is, I didn't get the stamp when I came through Boston.

jeffreyhy

MB,

JFK seems to be the only POE that still put an EAD stamp in the passport, or on the I-94. One may have to ask for it if the particular officer reviewing the paperwork doesn't do it automatically.

If entering through other POEs one can apply to the USCIS for an EAD on the basis of being a K1, but most people find that by the time the EAD arrives they are past the 90 days and the EAD has expired, so they have to apply again on the basis of adjusting status.

Regards, JEff