Time

[fitz 0]

My lady and I met on line we plan on getting married in Aug. What I'd like to know is since it will be only a short time between meeting and getting married. Will USCIS think that we are just getting married just to get her green card? Also I'm unemployed right now and have been since Dec of 08. But that was due to my mom breaking her hip. Now that she is better and my brother is helping out I can get on with my life and I hope that won't count against me. I plan on getting a job as soon as I can. Can anyone give me any advice on this.

[caly 48]

My lady and I met on line we plan on getting married in Aug. What I'd like to know is since it will be only a short time between meeting and getting married. Will USCIS think that we are just getting married just to get her green card? Also I'm unemployed right now and have been since Dec of 08. But that was due to my mom breaking her hip. Now that she is better and my brother is helping out I can get on with my life and I hope that won't count against me. I plan on getting a job as soon as I can. Can anyone give me any advice on this.

How short is "a short time"? Have you met her in person? If so, how many times? A short courtship may be a red flag, especially if you are dealing with a high fraud country (I'm not sure if Jamaica counts as one). You will be fine as long as you have enough evidence to prove to a skeptical consular officer who knows nothing about you and your partner or your relationship that is it a legitimate one.

As for being unemployed, I believe they are most interested in your current financial situation so if your new income meets the poverty guidelines stipulated by USCIS, then you should have no problems. If you are still short, you can use your assets to meet the level (must be able to document 3 times the amount in assets). If not, you can get a joint-sponsor.

Good luck!

[fitz 0]

to answer your ?'s no we will meet in Aug. but we talk every day by phone. we met online in Feb and plan on getting married in Aug when I visit. As far as the job goes I'll b making 8.00 a hr with the chance of getting over time each week, which will add $120.00 more a week. We both have a lot in common and love each other very much. I just want every thing to go as smooth as possible. just trying to make sure we can be together as soon as we can be.

[Penguin_ie 5,999]

Your courtship is short, but it will depend on other circumstances. I would definitely recommend a second visit while you are waiting for the visa if you can, ideally a third at the time of her interview.

If my calculations are right, you will earn about $22'000. This is fine for 2 people, ie if you and your then-wife don;t havfe any kids or other dependants.

[fitz 0]

She has 3 but we will wait till she's been here a year before we try to bring them here. She will be working when she gets here so that won't be a problem I don't think. also I figure since it will take 9 months for it to go thru and we will be married in aug then by the time her interview is set we should have known each other about a yr.

[caly 48]

Marriage upon the first meeting may also be a red flag, but people have done it and successfully gotten visas. So does not seem to be a hard and fast rule on that one.

Money-wise.. assuming you are going to be working a 9 to 5 job 5 days a week and you get the $120 extra in overtime a week...

40 hours at $8 = $320

$120 a week in overtime

($320 + $120) * 52 weeks in a year = $22880 which is above the poverty line ($18387 for a household of 2)

However, whether you can meet that line will hugely depend on how much you DO get in overtime every week. At $40 overtime a week, you are still above the income requirements, but $30 overtime a week will put you under the required level.

[caly 48]

Your courtship is short, but it will depend on other circumstances. I would definitely recommend a second visit while you are waiting for the visa if you can, ideally a third at the time of her interview.

[fitz 0]

ok so what do i do about the w2's cuz I only have them for last year. was unemployed before that.

[caly 48]

ok so what do i do about the w2's cuz I only have them for last year. was unemployed before that.

My husband is the USC so I'm not 100% sure about taxes and stuff... but from what I know, W-2 forms are completed by employers for employees. So if you were unemployed for the whole year, they will not expect you to have one for that year.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come by and clarify this further.

[fitz 0]

ok thanks.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

to answer your ?'s no we will meet in Aug. but we talk every day by phone. we met online in Feb and plan on getting married in Aug when I visit. As far as the job goes I'll b making 8.00 a hr with the chance of getting over time each week, which will add $120.00 more a week. We both have a lot in common and love each other very much. I just want every thing to go as smooth as possible. just trying to make sure we can be together as soon as we can be.

How do you consider marrying someone you haven't even met in person? Yes, the JA embassy will question your relationship, even if you met once and marry.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

How do you consider marrying someone you haven't even met in person? Yes, the JA embassy will question your relationship, especially if you only met once in person and marry.

Correction madeto my post, it is not for me to question your actions. The second part of my statement is a known fact for the JA embassy.

[fitz 0]

ok but buy the time we get married we will have been together about 6 months

[sus 70]

ok but buy the time we get married we will have been together about 6 months

You will have been together ONLINE about 6 months - Have no doubt that the JA embassy will question this. Have you ever been to Jamaica before? Why not take a trip, stay with her where she lives or her family lives, and spend some time together in person before marrying / filing?

Not only would that strengthen your relationship, it would also help you to establish what you will need at the Embassy.

If you are truly in love and intend to spend your lives together, what would it hurt to take a few more months?

Edited March 30, 2011 by sus

[fitz 0]

well I can afford to go there and stay. I don't have a job now and when I do get one they won't let me stay away from the job that long. Plus I still have to take care of my mom too.