Status is on Hold, After the Interview.

[Lance-Skywalker 0]

I’m looking for advice because I’m honestly stuck and running out of options.

 

My wife is currently in Bermuda, and we’re one step away from being together. Her interview process has been placed on hold solely because of proof of health insurance, even though we’ve already submitted everything else they asked for.

 

The issue is this: the day before her interview (Nov 12), we were told a new rule was passed making health insurance mandatory. Since then, nothing we’ve tried has worked.

 

Here’s what we’ve already done:

• Tried travel insurance

• Tried private insurance plans

• Spoke with my job’s HR multiple times

 

HR is a major part of the problem right now. I’ve been waiting over a month for a clear answer. Every time I follow up, I’m told something different first they’re waiting on the broker, then they’re talking to a director. It honestly feels like I’m being given the runaround, while time just keeps passing.

 

HR is also saying they can’t add her to my employer plan because it’s been over 30 days since we got married, even though this delay wasn’t caused by us. She does have an SSN and previously went to school here in the U.S., so she’s not undocumented or unknown to the system.

 

Right now, immigration is basically saying: no insurance, no approved. She has already had her interview.

HR is stalled. Private plans aren’t being accepted. Travel insurance isn’t enough.

 

She thinks it may be harder now because of politics or recent changes I don’t know how much of that is true but what I do know is that we’re married, compliant, and just trying to meet a requirement that changed at the last minute.

 

If anyone has:

• Successfully used a short-term or private plan that immigration accepted

• Navigated a late qualifying life event with HR

• Dealt with HR/brokers dragging their feet and found a way to escalate

 

I’m open to any real advice. I just want my wife here, and right now it feels like we’re stuck in a system gap.

 

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond.

[TBoneTX 48,944]

How frustrating!

 

I've not heard of a requirement for health insurance -- holy mackerel.

 

To clarify, is it the Bermuda consulate that's telling you of this need for insurance?  If so, did they give her a 221(g) paper?  Does the paper cite the precise code for the applicable statute?

 

1.  HR departments sometimes contain the dregs of the company.  Find superior officers and go up the chain.

 

2.  Call a large insurer's corporate headquarters and find an executive who can advise you.  Look on their website first to identify potential people.  This will narrow down your time on hold and talking to innocently clueless support staff.

 

3.  Contact your U.S. Congressman's office.  They can research the statute and perhaps try to influence the consulate.  Go to the Congressman's official website and look for a form ("release" or "authorization" of some kind) that gives their office your permission to intercede on your behalf.  Given the nature of your situation, I'd telephone the office in Washington, DC and ask for the Immigration Liaison.

 

If the insurance requirement is brand-spanking-new or sounds curious, or if the C.'s office can't influence the consulate (highly likely), the C.'s office might be able to give you the name of the Section Chief of the Immigrant Visa Unit at the consulate.  Send an e-mail to the consulate with "Att'n. Section Chief [name]" as the Subject line, give your wife's name and A#, describe the problem and your good-faith efforts, and ask for his advice or outright approval.

 

Note that Congressmen themselves can't directly contact consulates because of Ethics rules; they must delegate this to staff.

 

You're urged to report back to us here -- if this is indeed some new policy, we'll need every detail of your experience and what you learn.

[pushbrk 14,233]

6 hours ago, Lance-Skywalker said:

I’m looking for advice because I’m honestly stuck and running out of options.

 

My wife is currently in Bermuda, and we’re one step away from being together. Her interview process has been placed on hold solely because of proof of health insurance, even though we’ve already submitted everything else they asked for.

 

The issue is this: the day before her interview (Nov 12), we were told a new rule was passed making health insurance mandatory. Since then, nothing we’ve tried has worked.

 

Here’s what we’ve already done:

• Tried travel insurance

• Tried private insurance plans

• Spoke with my job’s HR multiple times

 

HR is a major part of the problem right now. I’ve been waiting over a month for a clear answer. Every time I follow up, I’m told something different first they’re waiting on the broker, then they’re talking to a director. It honestly feels like I’m being given the runaround, while time just keeps passing.

 

HR is also saying they can’t add her to my employer plan because it’s been over 30 days since we got married, even though this delay wasn’t caused by us. She does have an SSN and previously went to school here in the U.S., so she’s not undocumented or unknown to the system.

 

Right now, immigration is basically saying: no insurance, no approved. She has already had her interview.

HR is stalled. Private plans aren’t being accepted. Travel insurance isn’t enough.

 

She thinks it may be harder now because of politics or recent changes I don’t know how much of that is true but what I do know is that we’re married, compliant, and just trying to meet a requirement that changed at the last minute.

 

If anyone has:

• Successfully used a short-term or private plan that immigration accepted

• Navigated a late qualifying life event with HR

• Dealt with HR/brokers dragging their feet and found a way to escalate

 

I’m open to any real advice. I just want my wife here, and right now it feels like we’re stuck in a system gap.

 

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond.

Your best bet is to deal with HR.  Maybe get an executive involved, if you know one. It was many years ago, and not required by immigration at that time, but my HR used her entry to the USA as the activating event for dependent coverage.  Even for that, you need a letter stating that clear policy, from either the insurance company or your HR.

[Coco8 1,067]

Does the health insurance have to be in effect at the time of the interview or do you have to show proof you are going to have health insurance? These are different things. It'd be weird if she has to have health insurance now since she is not in the US; not sure if that's even possible. I would follow what's been said earlier, about contacting your representative and have them research the new rule.

 

If you only need proof that she will have health insurance, maybe a letter from HR saying they provide insurance for dependents could be enough. 

 

Marketplace has open enrollment now, but I don't think she can enroll since he is not living in the US and doesn't have a green card yet.

Edited 2 hours ago by Coco8

[Crazy Cat 46,073]

14 hours ago, Lance-Skywalker said:

The issue is this: the day before her interview (Nov 12), we were told a new rule was passed making health insurance mandatory.

Reference?  Who told you this?