Employed or unemployed on DS-156

[spectec 12]

My fiancée has been unemployed since before we filed the I-129F and we listed her employment status as such on the petition. Since receiving the NOA2 she has done some freelance photography work as an independent contractor. The work is very sporadic at best. Would it be ok to list her "present occupation" on the DS-156 as unemployed? The intent here isn't to lie about anything but rather make sure it's right.

[Inky 1,111]

Why wouldn't you put freelance photography as her occupation - you said she is working, even if it is sporadic.

If she was unemployed she wouldn't have done any work at all but she did.

[spectec 12]

Why wouldn't you put freelance photography as her occupation - you said she is working, even if it is sporadic.

If she was unemployed she wouldn't have done any work at all but she did.

Then what to put as the name and address of present employer? It almost seems as if this question is pertaining to being employed by a company or similar entity. Maybe i'm wrong.

[pinoygwapo 1]

Then what to put as the name and address of present employer? It almost seems as if this question is pertaining to being employed by a company or similar entity. Maybe i'm wrong.

I have heard some people writing down "unemployed" and no problem at all. Some people do write "self-employed" ---- freelance photography (in her case), that's all honesty, and she can explain that during the interview.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Look at it this way.. would you put "babysitter" if she babysits once in a while? Or "grass mower"? I personally wouldn't but that's me. It would be ridiculous listing any time someone's given me money for doing a small task for them.

They don't really care about what she does. If you want to be safe put "self-employed" and explain but then we'd all be self-employed if you think about the above examples.

[payxibka 10,048]

My fiancée has been unemployed since before we filed the I-129F and we listed her employment status as such on the petition. Since receiving the NOA2 she has done some freelance photography work as an independent contractor. The work is very sporadic at best. Would it be ok to list her "present occupation" on the DS-156 as unemployed? The intent here isn't to lie about anything but rather make sure it's right.

either or, much ado about nothing. not pertinent to the visa.

[acuratlsd 11]

Look at it this way.. would you put "babysitter" if she babysits once in a while? Or "grass mower"? I personally wouldn't but that's me. It would be ridiculous listing any time someone's given me money for doing a small task for them.

They don't really care about what she does. If you want to be safe put "self-employed" and explain but then we'd all be self-employed if you think about the above examples.

I love the ones who exacggerate on their forms...

Babysits ---> Glorified Child Day Center

Grass Mower ----> Landscaper

Homemaker ---> Gourmet Chef

[spectec 12]

I love the ones who exacggerate on their forms...

Babysits ---> Glorified Child Day Center

Grass Mower ----> Landscaper

Homemaker ---> Gourmet Chef

I was thinking Professional Photojournalist Cinematographic Expert. lol Just kidding. Point taken it's not important. Thanks all!

[acuratlsd 11]

I was thinking Professional Photojournalist Cinematographic Expert. lol Just kidding. Point taken it's not important. Thanks all!

Time-lapse photography --- Slow motion movie maker

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My fiancée has been unemployed since before we filed the I-129F and we listed her employment status as such on the petition. Since receiving the NOA2 she has done some freelance photography work as an independent contractor. The work is very sporadic at best. Would it be ok to list her "present occupation" on the DS-156 as unemployed? The intent here isn't to lie about anything but rather make sure it's right.

To make sure it is right, list her as "self employed" It does not matter that it was different on the G-325a. These are present tense dcuments, what is true the moment you fill them out and sign them? THAT is what you enter.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Then what to put as the name and address of present employer? It almost seems as if this question is pertaining to being employed by a company or similar entity. Maybe i'm wrong.

Occupation Self employed photographer

Employer Self

address same as home address

Edited February 7, 2012 by Gary and Alla

[spectec 12]

Occupation Self employed photographer

Employer Self

address same as home address

I suppose I should also fill in DS-230 item #32 to reflect this also?