F-3 questions

[presby]

I'm posting this on behalf of a friend who's in India, regarding her immigration situation:

A. As her husbands parents live in the US, they have been granted an immigration visa under F3 - mother calling married son. This was granted on March4 '13. Valid entry is until May 5'13. However, she's underwent a surgery, which makes it difficult for her to travel. Can her husband travel alone without her and her daughter (a minor)?
If she does manage to travel, when is the earliest that she can return? Do the whole family, that is all three of them have to come back together or can she come back with her daughter?

B. Are there any special circumstances in which her husband may be allowed to travel by himself, and upon availing permanent residency re-apply for us?

C. If they do manage to travel, how long does the SSN take? Do they have to be physically present there to receive it?

D. In case none of them can travel, are there any formalities to be done with the consulate? Can they re apply for immigration or at least a visitor visa? If so, how soon?

Many thanks for any responses she can get.

[aaydrian]

1) Yes the husband can go to the US before the wife and child only because it was the husband who was filed for.

2) She can return to India as soon as she gets her greencard or an I-551 stamp in her passport. The stamp is only valid for one year. Personally I'd wait for the greencard.

3) Once they get there greencard the wife, child or husband can travel individually.

B) The only other option that I know of is the husband entering the US, then petitioning for the wife & daughter throught the F2A category. That takes 3 years.

C) In some states you have to physically go in to apply for an SSN. It can take 2-12 days to get the SSN in the mail.

E) Don't know. Yes. As soon as they want.

What I would do is pay the immigrant fee for the greencard BEFORE leaving India. Then have my family and me go to America by the end of April. By latest the 1st week in May, apply for the SSN then wait for everything to arrive in the mail. After the wife gets her GC she would go back to India. I hope your 'friend' knows that you are only allowed to be out of the country for a Max of 6 months without a reentry permit (this might be an option, do some research on it).

[presby]

Thank you very much for your response. I did send it to my friend immediately, which helped her in her decision-making. Your response is much appreciated!