Ulrica&Jesse

This is absolutely how every prospective immigrant should approach things -- have a plan, and hit the ground running. However, have contingency plans in mind: "If this happens, I should then do this or this," "If this aspect of things is delayed, I can do this and this in the meantime," etc.

It depends on your circumstances, your previous work experience, financial resources etc. I rented an apartment while still in my home country, I purely went off of Internet reviews. Ordered furniture online and had them delivered. Changed my CV into an American resume before moving over.
Took me about a month to fully furnish my apartment, buy a car, get my driver's license (30 day residency requirement in Texas) and get a job I like. What helped me integrate so fast was the fact that I did a lot of planning and research BEFORE immigrating. I had a plan before even moving over and then I stuck to it once I was over in the US.
Office jobs can be hard to get with no US experience. If your goal is to earn money and get some US experience, focus on service jobs instead. Hotels, restaurants and stores are always looking for people with language skills and great personality. They're also flexible in hours, which helps when you have a kid.

two words for you brother -- Relax man
am in the same boat. my wife tells me that its more tough for man to be without work.
i drink coffee, go to gym, go workout , go library
just try to get out and do something which will take me away from this stress ful time
and as most of folks have said in this forum "it does pay off in the end"
i have developed sleep issues due to stress but I ain't giving up man
don't give up

Several years ago my husband (then fiance) came on a K1 visa. The adjustment was super difficult. He went through severe culture shock, there was a struggle with my parents, planning a wedding and some financial issues. I felt 100% responsible for everyone's unhappiness and it put a real strain on our relationship. Ultimately, he decided to go back to his country and we would continue our relationship leading to marriage. I can't say it was the smartest decision we made when we look back on it, AOS and his ability to work would have changed the situation, and just waiting it out. We ended up marrying in his country several months later, and I decided to go live with him. We had a son and later filed for an IR-1 and recently came back to the states. When he came he was able to get a job almost immediately, nothing very lucrative, but it contributes wonderfully as a joint income and it makes him happy and he feels more productive. We are MUCH happier, I think a huge part is for us was spending that time married together in his country and putting everything else to the side ! I know this isn't ideal for everyone, but it worked for us. Good luck to you.

Actually no, just because you have a USC spouse doesn't mean you can live anywhere, USCs need visas to live most places.
In my case, my USC husband first moved to me in Ireland, because I had the better job. But he had real difficulty adjusting, and so after we had the twins, we decided to move to the USA, where he was more comfortable, and where he had family (I have no family in Ireland). I still prefer Ireland, but in terms of the economy, and services for our disabled autistic son, things are better here so we will stay.

The doctor gave you false information and quite a scare! Having situational depression (such as after a tragic/stressful event) DOES NOT mean that the beneficiary is automatically ineligible for a green card. What a reckless statement by a medical professional!

OP, I totally feel your pain. I had to go through all that pretty much the first time my relatives and family found out I was dating and then married and American. Honestly it's a bit painful subject to both me and my husband because we are so sick and tired of ignorant comments like ''Americans have no culture, they are ignorant, they have no history, etc. etc. etc. Hearing all that and more from relatives and friends is very annoying to say the least. And after some time I got so sick of it so that I literally cut off ties with some of them just because I didn't want to hear all the negativity and spite coming from just simply being ignorant and insecure. I don't regret any bit of it. I was tired explaining to them that not all Americans are geography and history illiterate, that things mass media mainly exposes with Reality TV shows etc. are not to be trusted and it's not something that should define ones views about entire country and it's people. Being so judgmental and critical about them without even bothering to know their history and things they had to go through in order to arrive where they are now is the first sign of them being exactly what they are accusing Americans to be. America sure has flaws and there is of course some truth in all those negative comments and general thoughts about them but which country doesn't have flaws?! And billions of people striving to relocate to the States has to mean something right?
So basically you should try your best to ignore all the negative words your family has to spare towards your husband and his country because that's the best thing to do. I know it's not easy when closest people are being so narrow minded but you can't do anything about it and you can't just let it ruin your outlook on your future. Don't let their ignorance influence your own views and moods. Instead concentrate on your future, on places where you will visit, try to learn more about their history, and concentrate on the best and brighter sides of it which I'm sure will plenty! That's exactly what I am doing right now and it does help me to brush off all those offensive comments, now it just brings smile to my face because I know nothing can change what I think about it, nothing can change my own experience and things I've seen and know, I just simply feel bad for them for missing out on experiencing and learning about this humongous continent and country consisted of multiples nations turned into something one of a kind and limiting themselves only on the dark side of it. So cheer up, think positive and don't let anybody bring your mood down, you have a long and interesting journey ahead of you with your husband, cherish it and be strong Best of luck to you!

Wow, your family don't even want to meet your husband, and they basically call others small-minded and ignorant? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I'm truly sorry for you, what a horrible situation to be in.
Sure you'll find the types of Americans they denigrate. You'll also find the types of Americans that are among the most open-minded, well travelled, forefront of innovation, Nobel prize winning, etc etc people in the world too. Big place, depends where you settle. I hope you find a place that makes you happy (if you don't, move, because America is big and no matter what your leaning there is a place that will resonate). And if your family can't even be bothered to come and see what it's really like, it's going to be hard but move on and surround yourself with "family you choose not born into" - people who will love and support you, not undermine you. Best of luck in your journey.

I read an ariticle last year that states there are over 100,00 canadians living illegally in the US , makes me wander why a canadian would come to the US to live illegally . I think Canada is better in some aspects than the US .