Jamie76

We have had a number of discussions on the changes she will encounter when she moves here. She talks to a few Thai ladies who have made the move here so I think she has at least some idea of what things will be like. They have been very helpful with explaining the whole visa process to her on her end.

She really wants to find work as soon as she can. On one hand, I want her to take her time to get used to everything before taking that leap. On the other hand, getting a job might help her adjust faster. She thinks by keeping busy, she wouldn't miss home as much. She does pretty well in her current job and sometimes puts in 9 to 10 hour days so I understand where she is coming from on that issue.

I think there may be a difference between someone finding a job that is a native speaker of English and one who is not. Her English is good, but it's not the same as say a Canadian or someone from the UK coming here. I think there would be some barriers.

I guess - but I dunno, based on what I've seen.

Three examples, concerning Russian women I know.

#1). Spoke excellent English upon arrival - had no problems getting multiple job offers before she even got her EAD. Found these jobs through traditional classifieds and on-line job postings, and one from a flyer I got at the post office and brought home. Ended up working at the post office for all of 1 day, before quitting to take a job at the university as a "fiscal admin assistant" ($30K/year, outstanding benefits) within a few weeks of having her EAD in hand. This person has since taken two undergrad courses (Public Speaking and Financial Institutions & Management) before enrolling in a graduate business program, and has completed a total of 18 credits with a B average.

#2). Spoke poor English upon arrival, took some ESL classes. After being here for a year, took a 5 month course in phlebotomy. Got a part time job in this field ($14/hr) almost immediately. Found job-listing on-line. Still speaks not great English - I have problems understanding her much of the time.

#3). Spoke NO English upon arrival, took some ESL classes. After being here for a year, took a 5 month course in phlebotomy, graduated #1 in her class, got a full-time job, $12/hr with benefits (including education benefits) almost immediately thereafter. Found job-listing on-line. Speaks pretty good English from what I can tell, I understand her most of the time.

So, just based off what I have seen, what it takes for a new immigrant, regardless of their level of English, to get a job, is personal initiative and motivation. "Special programs for new immigrants" are not required.

Just my observation (:

Cheers!

AKDiver

AKDiver,

Thanks. I guess she will have less trouble finding something than I thought. Just general worries I guess.

Maybe I'm missing something - but why can't she use the same resources non-immigrants use to find jobs? Classifieds, on-line postings, word of mouth, etc. etc.?

Good point. That's exactly what I did when it came time for me to start looking for jobs. I went online to Craigs list, bought the local newspapers, and checked out government websites.

I ended up getting all 3 jobs I was offered from the local newspaper, though.

Good luck in the job search.

I think there may be a difference between someone finding a job that is a native speaker of English and one who is not. Her English is good, but it's not the same as say a Canadian or someone from the UK coming here. I think there would be some barriers.

I've started the process of bringing my Thai Fiancee here to the States. I know that it is pretty early on, but she really wants to be able to work whenever it becomes possibly. She has a bachelors degree in business management. Are there any programs available for immigrants that can help with the transition in to the workforce?

I want to thank all of you for the help you have given me and my fiancee. We appreciate it.

TimsDaisy thanks for the info. on the region specific forums. I'm sure that will come in useful in the near future.

Jamie

"Jamie,

Follow the guidelines here in VJ. It tells you everything that you need and what to send in. I also used another site which gave me a list of items that I need for the Petition of Fiance. More information is always better. As for your fiance she will need to do a intent to marry and the G325 (make sure that this is the 4 pager and do not copy the first page because the bottoms are different). Her phone records and pictures are proof of a relationship and are good.

As for the job as long as you can show contiunious employment then you will be just fine."

Do you know if she has the option of taking her interview in Thai? She can speak English but she thinks she would be more comfortable speaking Thai. She talked to someone who went through the interview and they told her she had the option to use either or.

She has a lot of calling records from her calling me...unfortunately, I use calling cards. Should I have her send copies of those records to me to include in the application? Should I have her send any proof of our relationship to me for the application?

Sorry if these are pretty dumb questions to ask but I feel a bit overwhelmed and don't want to make a mistake.

Thank you Yodrak,

I appreciate it.

Thank you both for the reply.

Any advice on the changing address/employer? I would like to start the application ASAP, but if this is going to complicate things, I will wait.

Helllo everyone...

This is my first post and I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with.

I am planning on bringning my Thai fiance here in the near future. The K-1 visa forms and guides look very helpful. Are these forms all that I need as far as forms go? I was looking at another site (not sure if I can post that here so I won't) but they give a step by step process as well which includes samples of cover letters to include, sample letters which can be used that state we plan to marry within 90 days etc. Would it be a good idea to add these types of letters as well?

Is there anything in the beginning that my fiance would need to give me to add to the application? She'll give me cell phone records of her calling me, pictures of us together etc. Are there any other things that may be beneficial?

Finally, I am in the process of looking for a new job. I have a job presently but I may be made at least one, possibly two job offers in the coming weeks. Although nothing is certain, will this complicate the application process if I put down my current place of residence and employer, but during the process I move and my employer changes?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Jamie