New to VJ

[sand1980 0]

Ok, so here is my situation. I am engaged to an Algerian man. I am from the U.S. and know absolutely nothing about immigration procedures. He has attempted to get a visitors visa prior to me knowing him and was always denied. Does the U.S. have an issue with Algeria? Because it seems very hard for them to get visas. He basically has no money and I basically have no money, so it is very difficult for us to meet. Is this something immigration takes into account at all? We have never met in person. Just kind of wondering what my options are and how to begin the process of applying for him to come here. Any help would be great.

[Otto 83]

Citizens from many countries (Algeria probably one of them) have difficulty obtaining visitor visas to the US - it is not a matter of the US having issues with the country - more likely there is a pattern of citizens from these countries using a visitor's visa to enter the use with the intent to remain.

If you have never met in person - you will be unsuccessful in this process - USCIS will not take into account that either of you can not afford to meet. You'll need to figure out a way to meet in person.

[sand1980 0]

I have heard that the requiement to meet is not always necessary if it will cause an extreme financial hardship. Is that not true?

[Otto 83]

I have heard that the requiement to meet is not always necessary if it will cause an extreme financial hardship. Is that not true?

No - best advice is to not waste your time/money perusing this avenue.

Waivers for not meeting in person are rarely ever granted - I mean RARELY as in almost never.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I have heard that the requiement to meet is not always necessary if it will cause an extreme financial hardship. Is that not true?

Extreme hardship - yes. Extreme financial hardship - absolutely not!

You are expected to be able to sponsor your fiance/husband when they immigrate, which means you are obligated to support them. The objective is that the US taxpayers will not be on the hook to support them. If you have no income, you won't be able to meet the requirements to sponsor them. In most cases, you can get a co-sponsor for the financial support obligation, but in no way does that alleviate your requirement of having met face to face within the past two years.

Extreme hardship would be something like you are in an iron lung, and cannot leave the hospital.

[sand1980 0]

What if we were to marry in Algeria( provided that I could find the money to go)? I am not trying to be an idiot I just really don't know where to start. We just want to marry and live together forever. How can I make that happen?

[Mrs. Disney 0]

If you go there and marry him then everything changes. You can then file for a spouse visa. If you want to bring him to the States, you two MUST meet in person.

[mahboula 11]

I think a few members here have married in Algeria. You don't have to get married there though. You can just go, meet in person, then come home and file for your fiance. While the case is processing you can be working and trying to save. As said above, if you don't make enough money, you will need a cosponsor when the time comes. This isn't a fast process for anyone, and it's not easy(or cheap). Just read all the guides, you'll learn a lot. Oh, and welcome to VJ.

[sand1980 0]

Thank you all for your response. It is really helpful.

[sand1980 0]

I need to make a certain amount even if we are married? Does anyone know about how much and what if I am unable to find a co sponsor? Once again, I apologize for my ignorance regarding immigration procedures.

[Mrs. Disney 0]

Yes, even if you are married you still need to sponsor him. You need to make 125% above the poverty line.

[sand1980 0]

Thanks again for the information.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Hi!

Since you're new, maybe you haven't seen the link to the most useful thing on this site. At the top of the page are several links. The one in the middle called "Guides" is the best resource you'll get (I wish it was highlighted more too). Also, check out the FAQ link.

While you may be able to find a cosponsor to help you meet the support requirements get your fiance here, there are also many many fees that you'll need to figure out how to pay. Any way you slice it, the process to get your hunny a green card will set you back from $1000 - $1500 (approximate, but close). That doesn't even include air fare.

Go through the guides and flow charts for all of your options, and then choose the path which best works for your situation.

All the best

[meowmeowmeow 0]

just an offhand remark: please meet him and make sure that this is the right man for you. maybe the chemistry isn't there in person, or maybe there are issues that will arise during your meeting that you both would not have known about beforehand. i dunno....

good luck.

[FinnLove 0]

Wow...you really should meet him in person before you jump into marriage. Just my two cents which of course you didn't ask for, but you have to expect it by stating you're engaged without meeting in person. You may not click or have chemistry in person. I hope it works out for you! I would think being engaged before meeting would raise a red flag during this whole process, but maybe not.