Immigration Forum / USA Marriage Base / April 2006

She is legally allowed to come and visit you in the USA while waiting
for the K-3 to process.  She can't come join you there yet, with the
intention of staying beyond her visit time allowed.  She might be
required to show strong ties to Canada before they will let her in to
visit you, though.

She can apply for her EAD after she arrives in the USA on her K-3 visa.
Once she has her EAD, she can then apply for her SS number.  Since
EAD's are taking about the full 90 days now, I'd plan on about 4 months
after arrival to get both the EAD and the SSN, if you file for the EAD
right away.

I'm not sure if you are trying to DCF in Canada, or are truly wanting to
go the I-130/I-129F method.  If you're talking about DCF (where you file
the I-130 directly to the embassy in Canada), then what she'll receive
is an Immigrant Visa, not a K-3.  With the immigrant visa, she will be a
permanent resident upon entry to the USA, and her green card and SS card
should come in the mail within a few weeks after entry.  No need for EAD
in this case.  She will be work authorized from Day 1, and can get a
letter from the SS office that she can show her employer, stating that
she's applied for the card already.  I have a feeling THIS is the route
you are talking about, not the K-3....since you mentioned filing
directly in Vancouver.

Please clarify.

Best Wishes,
Rene