Im looking into the K1 visa. I know after sending the initial form it can take up to 6 months to process and receive an interview date.

Im more interested in the timescale of things after that, such as social security, green card etc. If I get married how long will it be or am I able to live and work there immediately. I don't want my partner to have to support me for a year? Any help would be great. Thanks

Please avail yourself of site resources. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Adjust...-3_Spouse_Visa

Whether you want her to or not, it might well come to pass. I supported my husband for over 8 months and there are quite a few foreign spouses here on the forum that are living just like that. Having an education, a career, references from foreign employers does not mean you will be successful in finding ready employment in your field.

One of the many reasons we give to couples to save their money while they are working for just that eventuality. It will also be costing you over $1,000 to file for adjustment of status after your marriage.

Thanks. So I need an EAD. How long do they take to process. I have seen some people say it takes up to 90 days???

I see. I have had a lot of interest from employers already, just wary of giving me a working visa while im still in the UK, so Im confident. I have already saved tho.

Up to 90 days from the time you apply. You apply at the same time you file AOS. You can't file AOS until after you get married. You can't get married until you arrive in the USA on the K-1 visa.

How's that for a backward timeline? lol

Rene

After you arrive in the USA on your K-1, you should wait at least 10 days before applying for your SS card. Reason is that SS checks your status against a database from DHS. It takes about 10 days for your status to get updated in that database, so SS can verify that you are here legally. After you apply for the SS card, it takes about 2 weeks to get the card in the mail, but you can usually go back in person again to ask for the SS number...but you won't have the card to show until it comes in the mail.

How long it takes to get your green card depends on how fast you get married and file AOS. Also depends on the backlog at your local office. Right now I've seen reports of folks getting AOS completed in about 3 months, but of course by the time you get here and it's your turn, who knows? Figure around 6 months to be safe....maybe less, maybe more.

Not "if" you get married. If you enter on a K-1 visa, you MUST get married within 90 days of your entry. Once you are married, you must file your adjustment of status (AOS) in order to be legally able to stay in the USA until a decision is made on your AOS. If it's approved, you receive your green card and can legally stay in the USA to live and work. In the meantime, while waiting for your AOS, you can apply for an EAD so you can work.

Depending on how fast you get a job (not a good market right now), you might end up not working for a year. It's something to be prepared for, just in case.

Rene

Thanks Rene, you're very knowledgable and helpful on these subjects! Great advice. Im getting really excited to do all of this. I know its probably scary and daunting to some people, but I just cant wait to be with her.

You have the right attitude about it all, for sure. Very good!

Rene

Isn't she though? She's a godsend and she has the patience of a saint.

I aspire to be as helpful as Rene... but I'm usually only about 40% as successful. The other 60% gets me in troub... well, lost in translation!

Ian

It wont let me give you karma, says i have to spread the love...so unfair!