A Month and a Half in the US

[merryme 0]

Hi! I arrived in the US July 8 and I can say I am doing well. Well, apart from being homesick, well enough.

San Francisco was my port of entry. The immigration process was uneventful. Just a few questions like what is the name of your husband, where does he live, where will you live, when and where is the wedding scheduled. It was more of a chit chat than anything else. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. So for those who are coming here soon, don't fret. Relax and just be yourselves.

My husband and I got married on July 25. It was a very simple but intimate wedding. My husband asked the Deputy Commissioner of Marriages/Officiator if we can get a copy of our marriage certificate immediately. She answered that they only do that for military personnel who are going out on assignments. My husband asked if she can make an exception in our case, a request from "one city and county employee to another". And voila! Barely 30 minutes after the ceremony, we had our marriage certificate!

I know this may sound unusual but before we went on our honeymoon, as per my request, my husband took me to the Social Security Office to get my SS #. I did my homework (thanks to Visa Journey peeps) so I already knew what I had to bring. A week after, my SS card was mailed to me.

The following day, we were at DMV to apply for a driver's license. I took the written test and passed it. We're allowed 6 mistakes out of 46 or so questions. I was given a temporary license which expires the same time my K1 visa expires. The practical driving test was scheduled two weeks after. I found it odd though that I could drive already without even passing the actual driving test, which I flunked the first time. I told my husband, "What do you expect? I am a Manila driver!" Take two after a week and I nailed it!

Third day of our marriage, we were at the Health Services Office. My husband enrolled me as his dependent on health insurance. Now, I felt safe to travel. So off we went to our honeymoon.

When we got back, it was back to "business" and we were at the bank to open a joint bank account. I read that having one would help in the application for adjustment of status. Then I started collating the documents needed for the AOS. Again, thanks to the Visa Journey peeps (special mention to Hank, whose links guided me through all these), I was able to file it on Aug. 12. I got the E-notification that my application has been accepted on Aug. 19.

Meantime, while waiting for my EAD, I have volunteered to do administrative work for a healthcare facility. I searched the internet for one that is close to where I live and I found one that is just a 5-minute drive from home. I am hoping that this will give me leverage for when I apply for a real job in the (hopefully, near) future.

Again, I thank everyone here on VJ for your great help. God bless your good hearts.

And for those like me who are still in the "struggling" process, just keep on going. Persevere and focus. Things will come.

[KHnTX 4]

Always good to hear when people are having a positive experience.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Just a bit of advice. Homesickness can rune a marriage very quickly. You married him not your family or friends. With Technology today you should have no problems keeping in touch but don't let it tempt you. It can be the devil. Keep yourself busy. Talk and communicate with your husband about your feelings. Direct yourself to his happiness and he will surely return the favor.

[Hank_ 9,171]

Now ya tell me! Here my wife went and got her driver's license, a job so she is keeping busy working and I am.................

... HOME ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Hank.... Study the graph closely. Your wife already knows how you can get into Mischief.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Greenbaum

[Hank_ 9,171]

That graph is off, that mischief sections is MUCH larger in reality!!

Edited August 24, 2014 by Hank_

[Luthias&Lee 1]

Congratulations

[merryme 0]

Thanks, everyone! I am sorry for not replying to this earlier. I have been using my phone to check if I got any responses but I didn't see any. After two weeks from writing my post, I thought it was deleted because it was quite lengthy. After 4 months, I decide to check on my computer and saw your comments.

Thanks, again. I have updated my timeline and would like to share my experience with the Nebraska processing center. Should I do it here or should I start another thread?

Again, thanks for all your help! My best to everyone!

[merryme 0]

Now ya tell me! Here my wife went and got her driver's license, a job so she is keeping busy working and I am.................

... HOME ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!

That's cute! Lol! Good thing is, your wife got her own life and you don't have to worry about her not being able to adjust or being homesick.