Lolitainkwell

4 hours ago, Unlockable said:

You click on the member’s name and it will take you to their profile. In their profile you will find a link to send them a message.

Thank you.

25 minutes ago, databit said:

Don't take any job that doesn't offer health insurance.

Very valid point. Thank you.

32 minutes ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

You’re more than welcome to PM me, I’m happy to help.

 

Re healthcare and wages - perhaps a solution to this may be to look at moving to a new part of the UK?

 

I’ve always lived in the East Midlands (Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire) and I’ve had great care from all the diabetes consultants I’ve had (been diabetic for 30 years, since I was 4) - and I’ve never felt that I haven’t had the best care due to financial cutbacks - I was moved onto Flexpens aged 11, despite them costing more and have always had up to date equipment. There are also things like the DAFNE course run by the NHS, that really help you handle life as a diabetic.

 

Re wages, there are lots of office jobs here where the starting wage is £20K or higher. 

 

I’m not saying necessarily move up to the East Mids, but if you are out in the sticks, it can be harder, so worth considering looking at other parts...

 

And yeah, it baffles me to hear your fiancé say that he doesn’t want to move to the UK because he’s worried about the medical care - for diabetics, or those with other life-threatening chronic conditions, I think the UK is probably one of the best places in the world to be. If that the experience you have where you live, then that really is a shame 😢.

Thank you  

Ahhhh! how do I send a PM? I can only post on your public feed?

I've had it almost 46 years and am 48. Care has been abysmal since the bovine switch.

I've got a primary school aged child and been divorced almost 6 years. The court order has not helped me if I want to relocate anywhere to be honest. Got no family to help with childcare so have a childminder and lose a day's wage with that expense.

I'm based close to London. 

Yes if he moved here it would be so much easier, but as that's not going to happen, I have to find a way to make this work.

3 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

I’m type 1 diabetic and me and my fiancé have looked into this extensively.

 

Firstly, when I move, I will be taking at least a 6 month supply of medicines with me.

 

Not all brands/types of insulin are available on all insurances - my fiancé is with Kaiser and originally we’d planned for me to go on Kaiser too, however, they don’t offer Tresiba Flexpens (or Tresiba at all), as it’s a fairly new insulin. As such, I spoke with my diabetes consultant and made an appointment to see her two months before I leave, so I start switching my insulin over to another type and have time to do this with her support and help (we agreed that we would probably talk weekly to review dosages etc)...

 

HOWEVER! My fiancé has decided that he will change healthcare plans and we’ll have a PPO instead, so that I don’t have to change insulins, as what I’m currently on really works for me - however, you definitely need to look into whether what you take is available on whatever plan you’re going on - and if not, see your diabetes consultant to arrange the switch.

 

Price-wise, we’ve worked out that it’ll cost approximately $1000 a month for my healthcare insurance and contributions towards medicine. Please note, I am hypothyroidic and anaemic also, so this includes the meds for those too (I was born with a messed up immune system)...however, the meds for those are pretty cheap, it’s the healthcare, insulin and other associated costs (needles, blood tests strips etc) that form the bulk of that figure. That figure also doesn’t include contributions towards going for blood tests, seeing the doctor, anything random that happens...

 

You have no way of buying/getting insulin if you return to the UK for visits (that was my first thought, that I could stock up when I come back to visit as it’s vastly cheaper here), as you won’t be valid for NHS and pharmacies will not sell it you without an EU prescription.

 

You could nip to Mexico or Canada  to buy insulin, but I believe there are actually laws against doing that and if they believed you were carrying more than just your regular amount to use, it could be confiscated/you could get in to trouble. Sorry I’m not explaining that very well, I read up on it a few months ago and can’t remember the ins and outs, just that it sounded a little nerve wracking and not a path I would fancy. 

 

But yeah, living in America with diabetes is very expensive. If my fiancé didn’t have a great job, that he couldn’t do here, he would probably come here instead of me there, because of how much I benefit from the NHS here. The government has issued some ultimatums to the CEOs of the insulin companies there, so we hope the prices will go down in the next couple of years (there’s some interesting videos you can watch on this if you like), however, they currently cost an awful lot. The reason the government are talking about it at the moment (sorry US people to call it ‘government’ - I think it’s congress, but I don’t really understand the different government sections yet and confuse them!) - the reason it’s a hot topic is because people are dying, because they cannot afford to buy their insulin - employed people with incomes.

 

If finances are a concern, perhaps your fiancé moving here might be a better option?

Thank you so mucb for replying to this post.

Your medical situation is like mine, I am on Tresiiba and Thyroxine too. 

My fiance is a deaf T1 also and on Medicare as stated. The option  of getting on his insurance is not possible and hence I have been  looking into the same options you have stated. 

I was on bovine and changed to the moderns in late 2017, consultant has not been helpful at all. Pretty dire care where I live and have tried two different ones.

For this reason, my fiance refuses to come over. Also I have to be earning at least £20k and am currently doing two part-time jobs as a single parent. I've applied for over 100 jobs since July and not so much as an interview. But that's another story altogether.

Thank you for the video tips, I will check those out.

I wish I could PM you on this topic. 😔

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Things change and quite what the situation will be in a few years time is impossible to say. Even if you obtain a job with Health Care benefits that does not mean the whole cost is covered, there are deductibles etc to be taken into account.

 

Medicare from recollection can cover those who are basically long term disabled. Might be a sponsorship factor.

Thank you.

That's the scary thing, the not knowing.

12 hours ago, little immigrant said:

Agreed with Lemons lice. 

 

I don't have type 1 diabetes but I have a chronic illness. 

 

If you're still working in your home country, save up money in case you need to pay out of pocket here. Also you can bring supplies worth of 3 months once you move. 

 

When I came I was out of insurance for two months and I got really sick. I then was able to get insurance through employment. Definitely not worth it going uncovered not even temporarily. 

Can I ask, when you started your paperwork, did you do it yourself or use a lawyer?

I don't want to make a mess up with my application given my health requirement situation.

Thank you!

Thank you for all the replies, everyone.

 We plan to marry next year and then set the ball in motion with the necessary immigration paperwork.

I've looked at buying my own insurance and it is pretty high for insulin.I will be working so will have to find an employer that offers this.

I am tempted to go down the trip to Mexico route, if I am unable to get it. 

Although this wont be for a few years, I am doing the groundwork now.

Future spouse has Medicare, and is not a pensioner yet 😄

All replies are gratefully received. 

Thanks all!

Its Medicare and I read this:

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-01-2010/ask_ms_medicare_question_75.html

I would look for one with insurance of course, but am currently doing research into this topic.

Thank you for replying.

Hello,

I'm in the UK and a Type 1 diabetic looking to start the process to move to the USA after I get married next year.

I know the healthcare is very different in the U.S. and wanted to know if there were any Type 1s that have moved successfully and how they paid for their insulin. My fiance also a Type 1 and as a foreign spouse, am not eligible to get on his insurance. I know people are going to other countries to buy cheaper insulin.

I want to work when I get over there, but am currently gathering information on how I would get my medication at present. Especially if my future employer does not provide insurance.

Are there any T1s on here who can advise? My fiance won't move to the UK for personal reasons.

Please advise. Thanks.

11 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

just in case you have this question later, you can come into the USA and get married here, and then leave and continue the process outside of the USA, you can also continue to visit while it process as long as CBP allows entry and you show strong intent to leave back to your country again.

Thank you for this.

1 minute ago, Lil bear said:

You will need  the spouse visa. It will take

12 to 16 months processing after you apply ... based on current processing times .. 

The above link to the CR/IR 1 visa will help you understand the process 

Also get very well acquainted with the USCIS guide for Spouse visa. 

https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/bringing-spouses-live-united-states-permanent-residents

 

Come  back to this forum with questions !!! Glad you are researching well ahead of the need ! 

 

Thank you for your help Lil bear.

29 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

Are you planning to marry and then apply for immigration to the US while you stay in the UK... . or are you planning to apply for a fiancé visa to marry in the US and apply then  to stay as a permanent resident ? 

I'm planning to marry and then apply for immigration to the US whilst I stay in the UK.

Thank you.

29 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

getting married in USA, on a fiance visa here are the guide

 

https://www.visajourney.com/k1-fiance-visa/

 

Spouse visa while you are overseas

 

https://www.visajourney.com/cr1-ir1-spousal-visa/

 

which is best for your given situation 

 

K1 is more expensive it is quicker but more expensive, you have to wait for EAD/AP to leave the country, you can't work while you wait for employment card, and that can take 6-8 months after you file for AOS.

 

CR1 once you arrive in USA, you are able to work right away get a DL right away, and can travel back out if you need to right away

 

Thank you : )

Hello All,

Please could someone guide me on which forum area I am meant to go to for information?

I am a UK resident and marrying my US fiance next Summer.

Which forum should I be on to seek advice?

Thank you.

Hello All,

I became engaged to a US citizen in August and am visting him in a few days.

1.When asked about the purpose of my trip, will I be questioned more if I say I am visiting my fiance?

2.What happens when we decide to get married? Do you get asked more questions about that your plans to do so at border control? 

3.What about when you are married? Do they question you even more being in separate countries and visiting?

Thank you.

This has been very helpful, so I can enter on my ESTA, marry and return to the UK the start the process. Like you, the CR-1 option would my choice also.

Thank you again for your help.

15 hours ago, mtempelaar said:

As others have answered, a K-1 is for fiance visa, versus a CR-1 which is a spouse visa. There are pros and cons to each.   

 

The CR-1 takes longer to process (on average), but it's less expensive and the immigrant is able to work immediately upon entry to the US (though you still need a social security number). 

 

Under the K-1 (fiance visa), you are spending more money, have to do an Adjustment of Status within 90 days, and you cannot work until you apply for and receive employment authorization.  That process will likely take months.  Without the employment authorization, you can't work so you get an additional financial hit beyond the extra paperwork.  

 

You will need to weigh speed and cost.  For my husband and I, we decided it was better for him to land here with a greencard and ability to work upon arrival so we got married and then went for the CR-1 spouse visa.    

 

Whatever you decide, good luck and best wishes.  VisaJourney is a great place to learn more, ask questions and get advice.

 

 

Thank you so much. 

I thought you had to apply for a K 1 visa to get married within 90 days first before you got the spouse visa?

Thank you for giving me this information. 

23 minutes ago, implife said:

Honestly, USCIS website is very good and is the best source for answering these basic questions. I very much recommend it. I understand there may be a language barrier, but all of us have to learn English at some point.

Good luck and best wishes!

Thank you for that. 

I am a UK citizen and was born here so English isn't an issue. 

Thanks for your wishes ❤

1 hour ago, Roel said:

You seem pretty confused and apparently dont want to read and understand the Guides. 

 

Maybe you should get a lawyer. 

Um I only posted this yesterday and am reading them. 

15 minutes ago, SJ_Ulloa said:

I did not go through an attorney, I did everything on my own with the help of people who have gone through this process and if unsure of something I would post on here and would get clarity or answers. An attorney really cannot do anything for you, it does not expedite your process, and does not guarantee... You are going to spend a good amount but not as much as going through a lawyer. There are plenty of people, myself included who will help answer any questions we can. 

 

Thank you so much : )

32 minutes ago, SJ_Ulloa said:

No- You either do the K1 or the CR 1. I did the K1 Visa and we are at the ending stage. He goes for his Physical next week and his interview is not until Dec. Once you get married you submit your marriage license, another affidavit of support - this one is different than the 1st one (I-864) and I believe a few other things. This is for his green card I believe, and there is a fee for this process as well. I am more than happy to try to help answer any questions regarding the K1 if you choose to go that route as this process is confusing and you will have many come up along the way. I do not know what I would have doe without help from people on here.   

Awww thank you!

He is coming over to the UK from the US next year, and we are going to start the K1 process. 

Did you get a lawyer to fill the visa form or do it your yourselves? I'm inclined to do it myelf due to the cost implications lol. 

I would be so grateful of any help or advice as this is all new to me.

Thank you so much again.☺️

1 hour ago, canadian_wife said:

 

Good luck, welcome to the journey 

Thank you for your help.

1 hour ago, ThomasNC1988 said:

1. There is only one K-1 visa. A cr-1 is a marriage visa and has advantages over the K-1 if you wanted to consider that but you have to be married first

2. Little less than a year most likely

3. After k-1 is approved you travel to the US get married within 90 days and apply for adjustment of status which can take between 3 months and 2 years depending on where you live(advantage of cr-1 is you do not have to do this.)

4. Not sure what you mean

5. Of course.

Thank you for helping.

3 minutes ago, SJ_Ulloa said:

Hi Loli-

 

1.For the K1 Visa there is only the I-129F Form to be completed. This is for the Fiance Visa. IF you decide to get married then there is another visa mentioned above- the CR-1 visa (spouse Visa). 

2. The length of time depends on what location your documents are processed in. Some places take longer than others. Generally it takes anywhere from 6-7.5 months to be processed and approved by USCIS (take into account any holidays around the time you file, which can sometimes delay a little) 

3. Once approved the USCIS sends your paperwork to the NVC (National Visa Center). Here they process your paperwork (scan into a system) issue you a case and invoice number and send your documents to the Embassy in the Country of your fiance/spouse. Once the Embassy has obtained it you will be notified and will need to complete a DS-160 Form and pay $265 (this is the application for his Visa) - Make sure you save the confirmation pages via email, print or take a screen shot and print out. You will schedule a bio metrics appointment for you spouse (Physical) where they check him over and issue any vaccines he needs to enter the United States. Once that is complete they state you will need to complete a I-134 form (Affidavit of Support Form) and begin gathering all your important documents together: AOS Form, Tax transcript from previous year, pay stubs, confirmation page for DS-160 and Receipt Page for paying for the DS-160, Interview confirmation email stating you have an appointment scheduled with the Embassy. Your fiance or you will get notified where to send this or if he will bring to his interview. Allow 10 days between his bio metrics and his interview for the results to get sent to the embassy. After his interview if approved he will give them his passport and it can take from what I have read 10-12 business days to get his visa returned. Do not book his flight until he physically has his visa in his hand. If you need help finding any information everyone on here is wonderful with helping answer any questions. (this is the process for the K1-Visa) 

4. If you do the K1 Visa you have 90 days to get married once he arrives in the US. You then have another process to go through to get his status changed, obtain a work permit, be allowed to travel in and out of the country without issues, and obtain a social security number. This process is about 3-5 months from what I have been seeing but could be longer. If you do the CR-1 visa all of this will be bypassed as you are already married.

5. HE should be able to maintain his passport and have dual citizenship here and in the UK. 

 

Best of luck to you - this can be a stressful experience but worth it  

Thank you so much for your help.

So do you apply for a K1 and then a a CR-1 after you are married?

44 minutes ago, p-ana said:

Start reading the guides and forms, to understand the process better and decide which way is best for you as a couple.

 

Thank you.

Hi I am new here.

My US fiance and I wish to get married and we are unsure where to begin with the visa process - I am from the UK.

I've seen the form online and we are completing that next year when he visits.

I have several questions:

1. Which K1 visa do we apply for? (He is a US born citizen and I am a UK born one).

2. How long does it take to process?

3. After it is approved, what happens? 

4. Is the next part of the application expedited if you are married?

5. Can I have dual nationality and keep my UK passport as will need to come back periodically.

Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to both of us and I have read so much information I am unsure which route to take.

Many thanks,

Loli