Should I obtain a Social Security Card for my Fiancé?

Yes! As soon as your Fiancé arrives, go and register them  for a social security number. It will take a couple weeks for her card to arrive, but there are so many American forms and processes that require a Social Security Number! You will find yourself glad you got this done early. Apply within the first 10 days of arrival if possible. If your fiancé’s  K-1 Visa is close to expiration (married or not) they will not get a card.

In fact, they can’t get a SSN unless they have either a work permission card or an adjustment of status. Both of these processes take several months to complete, and during that time your fiancé/spouse will not be able to work legally, apply for a bank account or file taxes. Once married you will also need her SSN for any work related benefits your company provides such as medical, dental and life insurance plans.

 

 

What should I know about her getting a drivers license?

If your fiancé knows how to drive and has a license from their home country, get her driving license after obtaining a Social Security Number. This will be easier while their K-1 is still valid. Even if your Fiancé marries you, their K-1 will expire in 90 days. Nothing can be done to extend that date, and applying for their adjustment is not automatic. For this reason, many government and authority offices do not recognize the proof that you applied for status (I-797) as a valid document. Your fiancé can drive on an International license for a period of 3-6 months usually, but many insurance companies do not recognize International licenses. This puts you and your fiancé at risk should an accident occur. A local license cures this issue and helps her establish residency in the state. It is also looked at by employers as a way to establish a background check for a potential employee, again this can work for your and her benefit.

 

  How Can I help my Fiancée Adjust to life in the U.S.?

There are many things you can do and should anticipate doing after your Fiancée arrives. Imagine you are in their situation: You have left everything and everyone you know behind and now have to start over making friends and adjusting to life in a foreign country. For example: the appliances work differently, TV programs are all in English and the Radio only plays American music.  It will take some time for your Fiancée to adjust to so many new things at once but you can help.

A survey of 100 American husbands who married Russian women revealed that access to TV and Radio in their home language made a big impact on their wives ability to assimilate into American Culture. We have partnered with the most popular provider of set top box services (so programs can be watch on the TV not on the computer). Click here for more information and a listing of available channels in your desired language.

Another way to help your Fiancé adjust to life in the US is by helping her make friends who speak the same language as her. Language groups are very popular throughout the world. You can find local speakers of almost any language, many who may be in the same situation as you, by searching sites such as MeetUp.com This can be a great resource for making for making friends and meeting others.