OK, Have the Visa, We are in the US, will get Married soon (within 90 Days)....

[He HATO]

NOW WHAT?!?!?!

We have the Visa, We have taken the Long Haul from Ukraine to the US...We will be getting married soon!  Once we are married, what are the steps after that?  Where do we go from here?  Any advice is good, links to good info is better.

Thanks!

[Vaughn]

Before the wedding, ASAP, visit your local Social Security office with her
visa and the I-94(?) stamp inside. Apply for her card - and get a receipt
(in the form of a letter acknowledging her application for the card), signed
(or stamped) by the head honcho there.

Visit your local DMV - find out what she needs to qualify for a Learner's Permit
if she needs one - or even wants to learn to drive a motor vehicle.

Her English - good or marginal? Check out local ESL classes. Ones offered at
community colleges often are free of charge.

How long does your county take to issue your marriage license? Find out, you'll need one.

After marriage, you'll apply for AOS - Adjustment of Status. This is the process
by which she applies for the Green Card.

Congratulations - now the real fun begins!

[He HATO]

Vaughn, you are the man!!!  Exactly what I needed to know!  Thanks so much!  So far, things are great!  No complaints, I think I have found a wonderful, sane woman!  We will go to the Social Security Office on Monday, and then will check into the Marriage License thing too, along with taking a visit to the School for her young lad. 

If anyone else has suggestions, please feel free to respond too!

Thanks!

[Vaughn]

.... along with taking a visit to the School for her young lad.

Young lad ?? Oh, you have much more to do now....  first, if you are
covered by a group health policy, call its adminstrator - warn them that you are
about to add two dependents. Usually they can be added to that policy immediately
after the wedding day.

Yeah - school. If you have not already, find out if his shot records satisfy your local
school district requirements. My stepdaughter had to get a 3-part series for Hepatitus
over a period of weeks. Of course, ask to meet the ESL department chair...

My advice - if feasible, marry before year's end - makes quite a nice difference when
you file taxes in April.

[He HATO]

I have already visited the school, and talked with the ESL teacher and the Principal there.  We plan to go together on Monday.  I have also researched ESL classes for her, those begin in January.  Her english is..Moderate?  Hard to Quantify, as I am discovering each day that she knows more than I thought .  I will ask the school about shots and the like too.  Already called the Health Insurance folks... I can add them as soon as the marriage takes place at no additional cost   And we plan on marrying before years end, for sure. Although it will just be for the 'legal purposes' only, as we want to have a ceremony and stuff in May/June.

[Vaughn]

Sounds like you have a good plan in place. Nice work dude.

In the longer run, think "joint responsibility" - this will make your future
applications carry more clout. Joint banking, joint ownership, designated
beneficiary on 401K/IRA/life insurance...stuff like that. Filing a 1040 jointly
is another smart thing to do. Some folks will have their new spouse's name
added to one or more utility bills as well. Occasionally my wife was asked
for proof of residence - these usually fulfill that proof ~

Whatever happens - keep copies of everything, and organize them. We
got into the habit of carrying nearly everything just in case.

Save vacation days if possible for the unexpected.

Credit. It was awfully hard for my wife to establish any at all. She was
rejected on several store apps due to lack of history. One day a piece
of junk mail arrived in the form of a limited Visa card, offered to her by
a major bank fi she'd secure the card with $100. We jumped on that,
and soon she was charging small items, groceries, etc and paying off
the balance in full monthly. Soon the deposit was returned and the limit
increased - and future credit was no longer an issue.

We also found out from a "Smokie" pal that in our state, learners can
drive legally in school parking lots and grounds without a permit during
hours after school and weekends - so we got a head start on practice
before the permit could be issued.

[He HATO]

We have been 'Dating' for over three years, it will be a total of 4 years since we have known each other in may, only a year difference between us in age (I am a year and 9 days older than her) so none of that stuff to worry about here.  She is a Nurse, I am a firefighter EMT so we understand medical stuff together, although of course it differs.  She took 3 years of English while in Ukraine, of course she is still learning, but we have pretty much put away the books when talking to each other, although there are times that we have to use them.  I plan on seeing my financial Planner this week too, so we can get a head start on all of that stuff and so that she can get a look at finances here first hand, and so that she can feel that she plays a part and can know what is going on.  So, for the most part we are doing good.  If you, or anyone has any other suggestions, let me know!

[remiel6]

Not sure I can offer advice, but I can say Congratulations  My fiance should be here by christmas. (Here's crossing my fingers and toes). It sounds like everything is going well for you and I wish you continued luck.

[UTRO]

NOW WHAT?!?!?!

We have the Visa, We have taken the Long Haul from Ukraine to the US...We will be getting married soon!  Once we are married, what are the steps after that?   Where do we go from here?  Any advice is good, links to good info is better.

Thanks!

Hmmmmmmm? Have a 'memorable' Honeymoon night?!? 

Congrats!

[Sailor291]

I guess I will add my two cents worth.  Been married to my Ukrainian bride for over 10 years, all I can say is, fasten your seat belt, its going to be a bumpy ride.  But, well worth it at least for me.  I have a 18 year old step daugher that means the world to me, my wife is the most loving, compasionate woman I could hope to find. 
We go back to Ukraine basically every other year, I love it over there, the people, my wifes family, every body.
I wish you well.

[Turboguy]

Vaughn did a really great job of going over everything for you and I can't add a thing.   It sounds like you are going to cover all the bases so this comment isn't for you as much as for anyone else that might read this in the future.

It is really important not to put off the social security number.    It takes about two weeks after they arrive for her to be in the system.   If you don't apply for a social security number before the expiration of her K-1 then she will not be allowed to get one until after your AOS.   Usually you should apply about 2 weeks after she arrives. 

[Rutherford]

This is not true ,  she can get one  afetr she gets her EAC card  as long as you 2 are married .
If you get a SSN before you are married , her  last name on the card  will  not be her married name , it's better  to wait    .
There isn't much  she can do with it anyway .

It has taken my wife  6 weeks to receive her EAC ( employment authorization card  )  which will allow her to work .
We used Visa Journey  . com
http://visajourney.com/forums/index.php?act=home
for  everything ,  check out the forum  for any and all questions you may have  concerning the application process for "Adjustment of Status"  also referred to as a "Green Card ".
All the gov. form are there and can be filled out on your computer  .
It's a little over whelming at first ,  but then ,  after a short while it all comes together
Good luck

[Rutherford]

Odd , everything was quoted  , did something wrong , oh well .

[ConnerVT]

Excellent job by Vaughn.  As one with a RW bride and stepson, I'll just embellish a few of his points:

How long does your county take to issue your marriage license? Find out, you'll need one.

Actually, it won't hurt to get several copies of your marriage license.  Your wife may find need for a copy to take care of any legal things back in the FSU, and an apostilled official copy of the license will be needed.  An apostille is obtained by your state's Secretary of State (they certify that the Notary Public is official).

Young lad ?? Oh, you have much more to do now....  first, if you are covered by a group health policy, call its administrator - warn them that you are about to add two dependents. Usually they can be added to that policy immediately after the wedding day.

Most plans (by Federal law?) require the change to the plan happen within 30 days of the life changing event (marriage, birth of child, etc.)

Whatever happens - keep copies of everything, and organize them. We got into the habit of carrying nearly everything just in case.

Two words: Accordian File.  Put all of your USCIS papers in it, and copies of stuff you think will be useful.  Bring it with you to USCIS interviews, appointments, etc.

Credit. It was awfully hard for my wife to establish any at all. She was rejected on several store apps due to lack of history. One day a piece of junk mail arrived in the form of a limited Visa card, offered to her by a major bank fi she'd secure the card with $100. We jumped on that, and soon she was charging small items, groceries, etc and paying off the balance in full monthly. Soon the deposit was returned and the limit increased - and future credit was no longer an issue.

Starting a credit history on your own can be difficult.  As a married person, it is *MUCH* easier.  First, it is usually easy to add your wife to one of your existing credit cards.  Also, my wife and I co-borrowed when we bought our cars (the one we bought for her, and then when we traded my old one in for a new car).  At one point, my wife had a better FICO credit score than I did (and mine is pretty darn good!), as most of the outstanding revolving credit debt was on accounts that she didn't have her name on.

[ConnerVT]

It is really important not to put off the social security number.    It takes about two weeks after they arrive for her to be in the system.   If you don't apply for a social security number before the expiration of her K-1 then she will not be allowed to get one until after your AOS.   Usually you should apply about 2 weeks after she arrives. 

Actually, she would be able to apply once she receives her EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card, which she (should) get within 90 days.

Unfortunately, a minor child won't get the work authorization stamp on their I-95, and won't be able to apply for a SSN until after receiving AOS.  This will make tax time a bit more complicated, but He HATO has enough to worry about now...   

[Turboguy]

Yes Conner, sorry for my mistake but you are correct.   The EAD card usually comes through faster than the AOS and with it she can apply for the SS #.   Something else that may slip by someone applying for AOS.   You can send in the application for EAD and AP  (Employment and Travel) when you apply for AOS.   EAD and AP usually have a heafty fee but they are FREE if sent along with the AOS.   Don't wait and do them all at once.

Now as far as the Credit card thingy that is a little stickier.   Yes, you can add her name as an additional user to a credit card you have in your name and that is a breeze.  It is YOUR credit card and she has no responsibility for it and it won't help her build credit.  Most every credit card application I have seen asks about citizenship and states that credit cards are only available to US citizens.   

I agree about the marriage certificate.   You will need them.  They are easy to get and inexpensive.  Get a few extras.

[JR]

NOW WHAT?!?!?!

Have Fun!!!

[GQBlues]

Congratulations!

The only advice left for me to tell you since everyone else had given you the rest of the props is...first things first...after the wedding - a nice honeymoon traditionally follows 

Best wishes!

[ConnerVT]

Yes Conner, sorry for my mistake but you are correct.   The EAD card usually comes through faster than the AOS and with it she can apply for the SS #.   Something else that may slip by someone applying for AOS.   You can send in the application for EAD and AP  (Employment and Travel) when you apply for AOS.   EAD and AP usually have a heafty fee but they are FREE if sent along with the AOS.   Don't wait and do them all at once.

I believe the standard AOS package these days is a bundle of all three (AOS, EAD, and AP).  I don't think you can file just the AOS anymore.

Now as far as the Credit card thingy that is a little stickier.   Yes, you can add her name as an additional user to a credit card you have in your name and that is a breeze.  It is YOUR credit card and she has no responsibility for it and it won't help her build credit.  Most every credit card application I have seen asks about citizenship and states that credit cards are only available to US citizens.

   

I added my wife to a Chase card I have shortly after we were married.  It shows up on her credit reports.  Also, my wife works in a major department store, and they regularly open credit cards for Canadian residents.  Last I knew, we had't made canada an official state yet.  (But we are working on it!)   

I agree about the marriage certificate.   You will need them.  They are easy to get and inexpensive.  Get a few extras.

And get one or two apostilled.  Also not expensive, and good to have on hand to save time when it is needed.

[Mars]

Been married to my Ukrainian bride for over 10 years, all I can say is, fasten your seat belt, its going to be a bumpy ride. 

Why don't you start a new thread in the married section, and tell us about the bumpy parts?

Thanks

[GQBlues]

I added my wife to a Chase card I have shortly after we were married.  It shows up on her credit reports. 

Same with us. I first added my wife to my Amex and Gas card accounts and they took in her SSN. I deliberately made charges on those particulars cards as soon as they arrived and paid them off every month for the next 3 months (quarter)...afterwards I had her apply cards at department stores as by then her credit was already established. They started her with a whopping $100.00 credit limit, then repeated the charge/payoff etc...by year's end, she had a WAMU (Chase) card solely in her name with $3,000.00 limit.

[SMS60]

I dont think getting credit cards to establish credit is something to work towards and cheer about. I think it would be the opposite. I cant see myself cheering over being in debt up to my ****. Sheeeeesh.

It could eventually put your life in the crapper.

Stick with debit cards if you have to use plastic.

[Turboguy]

Having a good credit record can be a wonderful thing.  Too many American's run up a lot of debt on credit cards and pay a fortune in late fees and interest because of it and that is a bad thing.   If someone has no self control then they might be better off without credit cards but having credit cards and paying the balance in full every month can really help your credit rating and when the time comes to buy a house or something like that good credit means a lower interest rate and that you will be approved.  Debit cards won't do much for you there.   I pay mine off every month and almost always have.  If I get to the point where I can't I may rip them up myself.   Not using credit cards and limiting yourself to debit cards does not strike me as a good plan.

[groovlstk]

I dont think getting credit cards to establish credit is something to work towards and cheer about. I think it would be the opposite. I cant see myself cheering over being in debt up to my ****. Sheeeeesh.

It could eventually put your life in the crapper.

Stick with debit cards if you have to use plastic.

I hope anyone married more than a year or so knows their partner's spending habits. My wife and I share most of our accounts but I will be relieved when she finally has her own credit history. It has nothing to do with running up debts and everything to do with knowing she's not going to have to learn this stuff in a matter of months if God tells me tomorrow to hang up my jock.

[GQBlues]

...and I will add another very important factor to what TG and Groov stated above...

Not sure if many people are aware of this but 'prospective employers' do in fact check people's credit history for professional or high positional hire. So all things considered, it is vital for more than one reason to have, and maintain, a great credit history.