... in response to Pete E., a question for you..., posted by Ken2 on Sep 30, 2002Ken,
If she comes in on a spousal visa immigration at the airport turns in paper work that starts her green card ,which she gets in the mail in 6 weeks or so.She can get a SS card right away(7-10 days) by going to an SS office and showing her visa stamped in her passport.She is a temporary permanent resident,can work and travel.90 days before she has been here 2 years you can file for her permanent residency.She gets a one year extension while this was being considered.We got our interview 9 months later,last Thursday.It was the only time we ever went to INS and if we had given them enough written documentation we have been married even that would not have been needed.We had an appointment and walked right in,no wait.We were seen in 15 miniutes.We were there for 45 miniutes.She will get her new permanent card in the mail in about 3 months,they are waiting for the file on her son who will automatically get his at the same time.She never has to go back unless she wants to pursue citizenship.That can be started with a form but will envolve future interviews.She can be a citizen in about 2 years from now.A spousal visa is easy,the toughest part is the Embassy in Bogota but even that is not a problem if your paperwork is in order and you know where to go.
Pete
