Gerry,
Just to clarify a few points for you. She can travel as soon as she gets her green card which usually takes about 45 days after her arrival here. She can also work as soon as she gets the SSN card ( no EAD needed for CR/IR1 visa holders) If you requested her to be issued the SSN card on the DS-230 form the card may or may not be sent automatically(my wife's was not sent automatically) If she does not receive the SSN card within the first 4 weeks she is here, then you can visit the local ssa office. Wait at least 3-4 weeks after her arrival to give her name and data time to be entered into the SAVE system. Her name must be in that system for the SSA to verify her status and eligibility for the SSN card.I waited 4 weeks then applied for my wife's social security card and received the card about 7 days later. The CR/IR visa has many advantages over the K-1 or K-3, because you can work and travel almost immediately after arriving in the US. The removal of conditions will be due within the 90 day window prior to your wife's 2 year anniversary of her ARRIVAL DATE in the USA. That date is stamped in her passport if you forget. The I-751 filing fee is currently $ 505 USD and $ 85 USD for a total of $590 USD whereas the AOS for K-1/K-3 is $985 USD and $85 Biometric fee for a total of $1070 USD. Good Luck and hope your wife likes snow! Regards, Robert