[Rok0601]

Hi -

I recently got married to a non-US citizen. As I am a US Citizen, I know in order for my wife to begin working, she needs an EAC (employment auth card).

1) Is it necessary to get one?
2) If so, how do I go about it?

Please advise. Thanks.

-Rakesh

[lawanwadee]

Hi -

I recently got married to a non-US citizen. As I am a US Citizen, I know in order for my wife to begin working, she needs an EAC (employment auth card).

1) Is it necessary to get one?
ํYes.. getting married to US citizen does not make her a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

2) If so, how do I go about it?

Please advise. Thanks.

-Rakesh

First of all, you have to file for adjustment of status or simply known as greencard. To to USCIS Home Page

Down load form I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, and two sets of G-325A (one for you and one for your spouse). Read the instructions on each form and prepare documents accordingly. EAC card should be mailed to the applicant in 90 days. After that your spouse must bring ID and EAC to Social Security Office and apply for SSN.

BTW if your spouse overstayed his/her visa or entered US illegally, it is recommended to have immigration attorney take care of this matter.

[Rok0601]

First of all, you have to file for adjustment of status or simply known as greencard. To to USCIS Home Page

Down load form I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, and two sets of G-325A (one for you and one for your spouse). Read the instructions on each form and prepare documents accordingly. EAC card should be mailed to the applicant in 90 days. After that your spouse must bring ID and EAC to Social Security Office and apply for SSN.

BTW if your spouse overstayed his/her visa or entered US illegally, it is recommended to have immigration attorney take care of this matter.

Currently she is on a visitors visa and has not overstayed her visit... according to the stipulations of her visa type.

Is is of value to get an immigration attorney for the green card process? Does it expedite it any?

[lawanwadee]

Currently she is on a visitors visa and has not overstayed her visit...according to the stipulations of her visa type.

Is is of value to get an immigration attorney for the greencard process? Does it expedite it any?

Not the real expedition, but to have attorney verified your documents guarantees that your application won't be returned because of insufficient evidence or wrong amount of application fees or send it to the wrong place.

The real "issue" in your case is she entered US with tourist visa which may jeopardize the whole situation. From my experience, in the past 2-3 years, it's somewhat risky if you enter US with B-1/B-2 and get married to US citizen within 60 days. If she entered US on fiancee's visa or spouse visa, I would not suggest retaining an attorney.