Job hunt - living separately during AOS

[vavaBB 2]

Hello experienced VJ-ers,

I have a few doubts about the "job-search-process" upon entering the US on a K1 VISA.

a) I know that it takes about 3 months to receive the EAD after applying. Can one start looking for jobs before receiving the card? If so, what's a good time to start?

b) My fiance (the petitioner) lives in Des Moines, IA. He just started a fancy job with a huge corporation. I'm a software engineer and the chances of me getting a satisfactory job in Des Moines are very slim. Would it be problematic if we were to live in different states until we can move to a state where we can both have good jobs that align with the career path we want for ourselves? Trust me, living in different states is the last thing we want to do; but we're trying to be realistic about the fact that we can't sacrifice our careers. We've known each other for over 3 years - and we've grown to trust each other.

I've been reading that having two separate address might complicate the AOS process. Is this true? Don't "traditional" same-nationality couples live apart because of their careers?

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank You.

[usmsbow 796]

a) You can start looking for work at any time. There are no laws preventing one from job searching. Just be up front with potential employers about your work status.

b) where would you move? Is there a particular area you plan to focus your job search? If so, do you have any family or friends in that area? A common tactic when searching for a job in another city is to use a friend's address on your resume and/or application. A couple friends in years' past used my address when looking for work here in the DC area.

I guess my question is: why would you feel the need to move to a certain city to job search?

[Adrian-Gloria 43]

Hey, it is a good idea to start looking for jobs, just remember that you'll have interviews and will have to explain to them your situation, I started looking for jobs as soon as my EAD was approved, and was able to get a job after several interviews with the City of Greensboro a couple of weeks after I sent my application. The reason I decided to start applying for jobs when I got my EAD approved was because I knew it wouldn't take long to receive the card.

Check, http://www.indeed.com/q-Software-Engineer-l-West-Des-Moines,-IA-jobs.html.

[baron555 934]

Hello experienced VJ-ers,

I have a few doubts about the "job-search-process" upon entering the US on a K1 VISA.

a) I know that it takes about 3 months to receive the EAD after applying. Can one start looking for jobs before receiving the card? If so, what's a good time to start?

Any time, just can sign any contracts or begin any work, even volunteer work except for charities.

b) My fiance (the petitioner) lives in Des Moines, IA. He just started a fancy job with a huge corporation. I'm a software engineer and the chances of me getting a satisfactory job in Des Moines are very slim. Would it be problematic if we were to live in different states until we can move to a state where we can both have good jobs that align with the career path we want for ourselves? Trust me, living in different states is the last thing we want to do; but we're trying to be realistic about the fact that we can't sacrifice our careers. We've known each other for over 3 years - and we've grown to trust each other.

Your choice.

I've been reading that having two separate address might complicate the AOS process. Is this true? Don't "traditional" same-nationality couples live apart because of their careers?

Most do not.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank You.

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K1 Process to Fam-based AOS Forum~

~Inquiry about AOS-related processes~

[CowBoE 429]

I'm in software industry myself.

By the time...

1) you search for appropriate jobs

2) submit resume (tons of them) and patiently wait for someone to contact back

(typically job recruiters will be the first to respond)

3) get scheduled for initial screening interview (by HR or recruiting firm)

4) get scheduled for a quick phone interview with actual hiring department manager

5) get face-to-face interview with the the hiring manager at their company

6) for hiring company to turnaround an offer letter to you

7) for you to negotiate the contract/job terms

these things can easily take 2 to 3 months.

Therefore, I think it's perfectly legit to start the job search.

In recent months, I've seen many EAD approvals occurring in about 2.5 months.

Once you get to the interview, just let them know about the EAD processing,

and since many aren't familiar with the immigration...also explain that you do not

need sponsorship as you are filing for GC on your own.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Hey, it is a good idea to start looking for jobs, just remember that you'll have interviews and will have to explain to them your situation, I started looking for jobs as soon as my EAD was approved, and was able to get a job after several interviews with the City of Greensboro a couple of weeks after I sent my application. The reason I decided to start applying for jobs when I got my EAD approved was because I knew it wouldn't take long to receive the card.

Check, http://www.indeed.com/q-Software-Engineer-l-West-Des-Moines,-IA-jobs.html.

Hurray for Greensboro, NC!!!! Welcome!!

To the OP, I think it would be okay to start job searching when you arrive. As others have said, if you land an interview before you get your EAD, just explain that your authorization to work is in progress and on its way. Most applications here have a "date you can start", and you can make it for a few months out. Since it is a professional job, maybe you could include something in your cover letter to explain why the date is set for so long after your application. Good luck with your job hunt!!

[Adrian-Gloria 43]

Hurray for Greensboro, NC!!!! Welcome!!

To the OP, I think it would be okay to start job searching when you arrive. As others have said, if you land an interview before you get your EAD, just explain that your authorization to work is in progress and on its way. Most applications here have a "date you can start", and you can make it for a few months out. Since it is a professional job, maybe you could include something in your cover letter to explain why the date is set for so long after your application. Good luck with your job hunt!!

Thanks!

OP, please check: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/546719-i-got-denied-for-my-green-card-and-my-wife-now-wants-to-get-divorce/

[vavaBB 2]

Thanks!

OP, please check: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/546719-i-got-denied-for-my-green-card-and-my-wife-now-wants-to-get-divorce/

Yeap. Pretty scary.

We've deicded to drop the plan of living separately.

I see how living separately can be seen as a red-flag to case officers.