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From a legal standpoint advantages/disadvantages of timing of wedding in USA

I expect my fiancee to arrive in the US sometime in April (embassy has our Visa application. We are just waiting for the interview date to arrive). I'm trying to make sure everything is in place at the time of her arrival but am unsure of the legal implications of getting married sooner as opposed to later once she arrives. By legal implications I mean day to day practical things such as the AOS process, getting a green card, our ability to purchase health insurance, obtaining a drivers license, etc. etc.

We are thinking of just having a small civil ceremony upon her arrival to get her married name on all the paperwork with the church wedding (celebration) to happen later when family & friends can all participate.

Any thoughts/experiences anyone can share?

TIA

Don

By DoninLasVegas on Jan 11, 2006, 12:44 in Visa & paperwork.

GregYohn says on Jan 11, 2006, 13:44:

SS Card Get your SS card when she gets here and then she can work immediately. Go to the SS office and then go back the next day to get the number on a printout with their stamp on it so you can show the employer the number without having to get the physical card in the mail. Some States requires a SS card just to get a driver's license.

Greg

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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flaleo says on Jan 11, 2006, 14:50:

If she doesn't need a SS#, (e.g. has a Colombian DL, state allows marriage without SS#, doesn't need to work so soon), wait until after she's changed her name to apply. Changing the name after SS# is assigned has caused some (not all of course) people problems.

Other potential considerations:
Earlier gets her on your health plan. The earlier you AOS, the earlier you can obtain AP. Dependent status for tax filing only counts the year, not the month. If using a prenup it's best to wait 2-4 weeks after completing it. Later allows more time together to learn about each other, this is rarely a bad thing.

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silviat says on Jan 11, 2006, 16:32:

She can't work when she gets her SS#... she has to wait until she reasives her employment authorization. If she is lucky they may give her a temporary one when she enters the country but I've just heard of that happening if you enter through nyc.

The earlier you get married, the earlier everything will happen. If your state doesnt require you a SS# then you can get married right away (we did it 10 days after our arrival and then had the big wedding sort of like what you are planning)

good luck

silvia

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