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Medical Benefits for Fiance(e) Upon Arrival in U.S.

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
Timeline

Initial discussions with my company's HR folks indicate that my fiancee cannot be included in my group medical/dental coverage and would not be considered a domestic partner -- even though the intent of the entire I-129F process is to arrange for immigration to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. Further, by completing the required I-134 Affidavit of Support form the U.S.-based partner is in fact required to certify support.

I'm hoping that there are VJers who have encountered this challenge and can offer some advice and insight. How did you provide medical insurance for your fiance(e) prior to marriage?

OUR TIMELINE

06/01/07 ----- Hired US Immigration Law Thailand to Prepare Documentation, Guide Through Process

06/26/07 ----- I-129F Mailed to Texas (to California for processing)

07/02/07 ----- I-129F NOA1 (per website; never received hard copy)

11/20/07 ----- I-129F NOA2 (per website; awaiting hard copy)

11/26/07 ----- Received NOA2 hard copy

12/04/07 ----- Called NVC; nothing received from USCIS and case number not yet assigned

12/12/07 ----- CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED AND FILE MAILED TO BANGKOK EMBASSY!

12/15/07 ----- Package received @ Bangkok Embassy

12/18/07 ----- Medical, Police Background

12/22/07 ----- Packet to BKK Embassy

12/26/07 ----- Packet received by BKK Embassy; estimate 3-4 weeks until interview date is scheduled

12/27/07 ----- Packet 4 mailed by Embassy; interview scheduled!!! :-)

01/31/08 ----- SUCCESSFUL Interview: Bangkok Embassy

02/04/08 ----- Pick up Visa

02/05/08 ----- Arrive in U.S.!!!

04/05/08 ----- MARRIED - VIVA LAS VEGAS!

04/29/08 ----- Green Card / Permanent Residence Packet Arrives @ Chicago USCIS

05/05/08 ----- NOA Date

05/22/08 ----- Biometrics Appointment

04/21/09 ----- GREEN CARD ISSUED!

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Peru
Timeline
Initial discussions with my company's HR folks indicate that my fiancee cannot be included in my group medical/dental coverage and would not be considered a domestic partner -- even though the intent of the entire I-129F process is to arrange for immigration to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. Further, by completing the required I-134 Affidavit of Support form the U.S.-based partner is in fact required to certify support.

I'm hoping that there are VJers who have encountered this challenge and can offer some advice and insight. How did you provide medical insurance for your fiance(e) prior to marriage?

I didn't...he had his own medical through his employer (yeah, we didn't go the K-1 route), but no dental, and we had to be married for them to cover him. (Though my employer would have covered him if he were the same sex as me ... )

With some companies and their policies, it's hard to get a K-1 fiance covered. Worst comes to worst, get married ASAP and get an SSN (since a lot of companies want/need this info again, based on their policies) so she can be added.

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

not with a bang but a whimper

[ts eliot]

aos timeline:

married: jan 5, 2007

noa 1: march 2nd, 2007

interview @ tampa, fl office: april 26, 2007

green card received: may 5, 2007

removal of conditions timeline:

03/26/2009 - received in VSC

07/20/2009 - card production ordered!

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When my fiancee was here to visit (B-2), I got her medical insurance through IMG Global and was satisfied with cost and service. Fortunately, she didn't have to use it, so I can't testify to how good the coverage actually is. I'm planning to purchase from IMG global again for the time frame before marriage.

Good luck!

Love timeline:

??? 2003 -------> Started chatting regularly, became good friends

Nov 2004 -------> Fell in love

Jan 2006 -------> Met (in person) for first time

Apr 2008 -------> Wedding

Jun 2008 -------> Closed on house together

K-1 timeline:

Jun 11, 2007 -------> I-129f sent

Mar 20, 2008 -------> Visa in hand

AoS/EAD/AP timeline:

Apr 26, 2008 -------> Wedding

Apr 28, 2008 -------> Filed (forms mailed)

Apr 30, 2008 -------> Forms received by USCIS

May 06, 2008 -------> Cashed check posted to account

May 10, 2008 -------> NOA1 received for EAD, AP, and AoS

May 10, 2008 -------> Biometrics appt date received

May 28, 2008 -------> Biometrics for EAD & AoS

Jun 11, 2008 -------> AoS case transferred to CSC

Jul 05, 2008 -------> AP Approval

Jul 09, 2008 -------> EAD approval

Jul 14, 2008 -------> EAD and AP received

Jul 17, 2008 -------> AoS approved (card production ordered)

Now for my obnoxious signature Meez©:

0605_10033471973.gif

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Peru
Timeline
When my fiancee was here to visit (B-2), I got her medical insurance through IMG Global and was satisfied with cost and service. Fortunately, she didn't have to use it, so I can't testify to how good the coverage actually is. I'm planning to purchase from IMG global again for the time frame before marriage.

Good luck!

Was that traveler's insurance?

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

not with a bang but a whimper

[ts eliot]

aos timeline:

married: jan 5, 2007

noa 1: march 2nd, 2007

interview @ tampa, fl office: april 26, 2007

green card received: may 5, 2007

removal of conditions timeline:

03/26/2009 - received in VSC

07/20/2009 - card production ordered!

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Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

Love timeline:

??? 2003 -------> Started chatting regularly, became good friends

Nov 2004 -------> Fell in love

Jan 2006 -------> Met (in person) for first time

Apr 2008 -------> Wedding

Jun 2008 -------> Closed on house together

K-1 timeline:

Jun 11, 2007 -------> I-129f sent

Mar 20, 2008 -------> Visa in hand

AoS/EAD/AP timeline:

Apr 26, 2008 -------> Wedding

Apr 28, 2008 -------> Filed (forms mailed)

Apr 30, 2008 -------> Forms received by USCIS

May 06, 2008 -------> Cashed check posted to account

May 10, 2008 -------> NOA1 received for EAD, AP, and AoS

May 10, 2008 -------> Biometrics appt date received

May 28, 2008 -------> Biometrics for EAD & AoS

Jun 11, 2008 -------> AoS case transferred to CSC

Jul 05, 2008 -------> AP Approval

Jul 09, 2008 -------> EAD approval

Jul 14, 2008 -------> EAD and AP received

Jul 17, 2008 -------> AoS approved (card production ordered)

Now for my obnoxious signature Meez©:

0605_10033471973.gif

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Filed: Other Country: China
Timeline
Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

This is worth checking out too. You join the organization but don't have to have the hobby.

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=6

Facts are cheap...knowing how to use them is precious...
Understanding the big picture is priceless. Anonymous

Google Who is Pushbrk?

A Warning to Green Card Holders About Voting

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/606646-a-warning-to-green-card-holders-about-voting/

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: England
Timeline
Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

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I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

Love timeline:

??? 2003 -------> Started chatting regularly, became good friends

Nov 2004 -------> Fell in love

Jan 2006 -------> Met (in person) for first time

Apr 2008 -------> Wedding

Jun 2008 -------> Closed on house together

K-1 timeline:

Jun 11, 2007 -------> I-129f sent

Mar 20, 2008 -------> Visa in hand

AoS/EAD/AP timeline:

Apr 26, 2008 -------> Wedding

Apr 28, 2008 -------> Filed (forms mailed)

Apr 30, 2008 -------> Forms received by USCIS

May 06, 2008 -------> Cashed check posted to account

May 10, 2008 -------> NOA1 received for EAD, AP, and AoS

May 10, 2008 -------> Biometrics appt date received

May 28, 2008 -------> Biometrics for EAD & AoS

Jun 11, 2008 -------> AoS case transferred to CSC

Jul 05, 2008 -------> AP Approval

Jul 09, 2008 -------> EAD approval

Jul 14, 2008 -------> EAD and AP received

Jul 17, 2008 -------> AoS approved (card production ordered)

Now for my obnoxious signature Meez©:

0605_10033471973.gif

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Peru
Timeline
Was that traveler's insurance?

Yep. The coverage isn't nearly as good as what my employer will provide, but enough to give me an "### is covered" peace of mind.

I wouldn't recomend traveler's insurance as they contain specific clauses which indicate that if you are immigrating you are not covered through the travel policy. You need to find a short term immigrant's insurance. Google it, its out there!

That's why I was asking ... I heard about people obtaining traveler's ins. and having issues since they were actually immigrating.

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

not with a bang but a whimper

[ts eliot]

aos timeline:

married: jan 5, 2007

noa 1: march 2nd, 2007

interview @ tampa, fl office: april 26, 2007

green card received: may 5, 2007

removal of conditions timeline:

03/26/2009 - received in VSC

07/20/2009 - card production ordered!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

Just an update: To be sure, I called IMG and their Patriot America plan will cover the visitor, regardless of whether he/she is immigrating or not.

Love timeline:

??? 2003 -------> Started chatting regularly, became good friends

Nov 2004 -------> Fell in love

Jan 2006 -------> Met (in person) for first time

Apr 2008 -------> Wedding

Jun 2008 -------> Closed on house together

K-1 timeline:

Jun 11, 2007 -------> I-129f sent

Mar 20, 2008 -------> Visa in hand

AoS/EAD/AP timeline:

Apr 26, 2008 -------> Wedding

Apr 28, 2008 -------> Filed (forms mailed)

Apr 30, 2008 -------> Forms received by USCIS

May 06, 2008 -------> Cashed check posted to account

May 10, 2008 -------> NOA1 received for EAD, AP, and AoS

May 10, 2008 -------> Biometrics appt date received

May 28, 2008 -------> Biometrics for EAD & AoS

Jun 11, 2008 -------> AoS case transferred to CSC

Jul 05, 2008 -------> AP Approval

Jul 09, 2008 -------> EAD approval

Jul 14, 2008 -------> EAD and AP received

Jul 17, 2008 -------> AoS approved (card production ordered)

Now for my obnoxious signature Meez©:

0605_10033471973.gif

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Share on other sites

We didn't get him anything, just prayed that he didnt get hurt for the 1 month he was here before the wedding. He got added the day after the weddign though :)

Timeline

AOS

Mailed AOS, EAD and AP Sept 11 '07

Recieved NOA1's for all Sept 23 or 24 '07

Bio appt. Oct. 24 '07

EAD/AP approved Nov 26 '07

Got the AP Dec. 3 '07

AOS interview Feb 7th (5 days after the 1 year anniversary of our K1 NOA1!

Stuck in FBI name checks...

Got the GC July '08

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
Timeline
I've seen IMG advertised online, claiming that it will provide coverage for this specific scenario ("the ad said something like, 'want to get coverage before you're married?' on a page about K-1 visas).

Before I purchase again, I will definitely call to make sure, though! Thanks for the heads-up... Something worth looking into..

Just an update: To be sure, I called IMG and their Patriot America plan will cover the visitor, regardless of whether he/she is immigrating or not.

Excellent - exactly what I had hoped to hear. This will at least give us coverage until the "event" in April -- help fend off any potential disaster. I figure if I have insurance we won't need it, but if we don't...

Thanks for doing the research and sharing the info. That's what makes VJ such an asset.

Happy New Year.

OUR TIMELINE

06/01/07 ----- Hired US Immigration Law Thailand to Prepare Documentation, Guide Through Process

06/26/07 ----- I-129F Mailed to Texas (to California for processing)

07/02/07 ----- I-129F NOA1 (per website; never received hard copy)

11/20/07 ----- I-129F NOA2 (per website; awaiting hard copy)

11/26/07 ----- Received NOA2 hard copy

12/04/07 ----- Called NVC; nothing received from USCIS and case number not yet assigned

12/12/07 ----- CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED AND FILE MAILED TO BANGKOK EMBASSY!

12/15/07 ----- Package received @ Bangkok Embassy

12/18/07 ----- Medical, Police Background

12/22/07 ----- Packet to BKK Embassy

12/26/07 ----- Packet received by BKK Embassy; estimate 3-4 weeks until interview date is scheduled

12/27/07 ----- Packet 4 mailed by Embassy; interview scheduled!!! :-)

01/31/08 ----- SUCCESSFUL Interview: Bangkok Embassy

02/04/08 ----- Pick up Visa

02/05/08 ----- Arrive in U.S.!!!

04/05/08 ----- MARRIED - VIVA LAS VEGAS!

04/29/08 ----- Green Card / Permanent Residence Packet Arrives @ Chicago USCIS

05/05/08 ----- NOA Date

05/22/08 ----- Biometrics Appointment

04/21/09 ----- GREEN CARD ISSUED!

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Share on other sites

It all depends on the company you work for, in terms of dependant insurability. In our case, my wife was covered 12 months before arrival in the US and remains covered to date. All this activity occurred without a SS number. When you sign up for, or have a window to change health insurance parameters, do so, to include your SO. By law, a SS is not required for coverage. Cry BS to all other requests. You may need, proof of marriage, although rarely asked for. .

My advice, cut HR out of the loop, as the insurance company calls the final shots…

Best of luck and Happy New Year!!!

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
Timeline

I'd recommend against travelers insurance. Your Fiancee is not coming here as a tourist (or general short-term travel) which travelers insurance is geared towards. If you go this route and for some reason your fiancee gets sick, there is a good chance said insurance will not cover it.

Edited by Jamie76

3dflags_usa0001-0003a.gif3dflags_tha0001-0003a.gif

I-129F

Petition mailed to Nebraska Service Center 06/04/2007

Petition received by CSC 06/19/2007...NOA1

I love my Siamese kitten...

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