Work Dilemma

[erikalovescrippy 1]

Ok here's my situation.. I haven't applied for a K-1 Visa but i plan to next summer. I graduated in May with a BS but haven't had much luck finding a better job so i'm stuck at my retail job for the moment(ive been working there since June 2010 but only about 20-30 a week average so im technically part-time). At my work you have the option of becoming a dog groomer (full-time). Which is good pay and over the 125% poverty level. My issue is when i start the training (October, 2011) i'm locked into a 2 year job contract (if i don't stay 2 years they will make me pay 4,000 which is the cost of the training). The reason i was even considering staying was when i need to fill out the 1-134 im assuming stating your in a job contract would be good for proving you have a stable job and can support that person. My other option is turning down the offer to go and just looking for something better but i wont have been at the job very long when i need to fill out the 1-134....as far as the past three years tax returns i was not working in 2009 and i only made 7,000 in 2010. This is year will be probably around 13...but next year is will be way over the 125%. ( yes i'm aware of getting a co-sponsor ( i have some in mind) and to be honest i'm surprised how easily people can get someone to do that for them..lol)...thank you for anyone who has some kind of advice or opinion. Most of my friends and family have never had to deal with this kind of process and have no insight at all on what i should).....

[Obama 2012 1,714]

It's really a matter of personal choice on what you want to do here and what's ultimately going to make you happy.

You have to ask yourself what you are comfortable with. If you're comfortable with working there for two years while the K1 process takes place (remember you not only have the K1 part, but the AOS part as well for showing support), then do that. If you'd rather find a better career and get started off on your future, then go ahead and find a job if you know someone for sure that would be willing to be a co-sponsor.

All that matters at the end of the day is that you are happy with your life. You don't want to welcome in your fiance and soon to be spouse and then be miserable at work. Look deep down and figure out what's going to work best for you, and ultimately your relationship as well.

[JoannaV 174]

Two years is not all that long a time. So long as you wouldn't hate the job it could be good to know that you have job security for two years. Not only for the visa process, but also because you will need to support your fiance/spouse when they first arrive. You will be able to focus all your worrying on the visa process and then living together without also worrying about finding/keeping a job. Plus, if another really good job did come along, you could always pay the $4000 and take it.

On the other hand, you shouldn't take this job just because you think it would help with the visa. So long as you are in some kind of job which pays enough you will be able to complete the I-134. The two-year contract thing isn't a huge bonus. So long as you work steady hours and have a few pay stubs that is sufficient. So don't think having a contract is such a huge benefit that it is worth, well, signing. Also take the time to talk to potential co-sponsors now. If you have a co-sponsor you really don't need to think about jobs from a visa perspective at all. Depending on who you have in mind, you should be able to discuss this decision with them in the same way you have with us. Just tell them that you need to prove a certain income in order to get your fiance here. (They really don't need to understand anything more than that about the process.) You either need to have a certain income or you need someone else who makes enough to fill in the forms too. Then discuss this job with them. Maybe they'll offer to co-sponsor, or maybe they won't but they will be able to offer you advice as to whether taking this job is a good idea for you. We don't know you or your situation, but they do so should be able to offer some wisdom :-) They may also have a better understanding of what your immediate job prospects are in your area.