Working when self-employed

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rdenzel

Registered Users (C)
My wife has always been self-employed, and would like to start working here in the US as soon as possible. Can she start to work for herself after her green card application has been submitted? If not, at what point will she be able to work?

I don't know if the card and numbers are just required for tax tracking purposes and for employers, but since she will be reporting her own income at the end of the year anyway, can she start right away?

She is also a writer and still writes and edits for magazines that are back in her old country. This writing will continue, even after she starts working here. She still pays taxes back there, as well. Can this work continue, even while she's waiting?

Thanks!
 
If you are a US citizen and she is already inside the US after entering legally, she can pursue adjustment of status and will need an employment authorization card to work within the US before her green card is approved, even if self-employed or working for a non-US employer. That card normally takes about 2-3 months to be issued.

But if she is outside the US and/or doesn't want an interruption in her ability to work legally, she needs to remain outside the US during the process and pursue the green card through a US consulate. Then once she enters the US after approval at the consulate, she will be a permanent resident and be legally eligible to work immediately.
 
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Thanks for the quick reply.

Just to clarify, are you saying the green card or the employment authorization card takes 2-3 months?

How long will the adjustment of status take if she applies for that immediately?
 
She entered legally using her guest visa (about 2 months ago) and we got married just three weeks ago.
 
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