AfroKing

Thanks so much. My recent experience showed me social networking might be one of the profound ways to getting a great job in the United States. i'm working on joining more local, church groups.

This is golden, thanks. I attended a Chess game hub competition over the weekend through searching through my State's events and it was nice.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy (Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences and a Masters Degree in Genetics. The thing is, i followed and built a career in Entertainment as a content Manager/writer for a Media and live broadcast firm with more than 12 years experience but i also consult for private small scale business, which i consider my side hustle. I tried applying at a signage firm here as a have proficient graphics skills but no degree to back it up.

Oh My bad, i didn't state all the in-between information. When my wife came visiting a a point, she went to our family Doctor in my country. So they have the records. I just had her medical records in the United States and in my country with the past prescription she got and the recent one. These are what i carried on me. I was asked and i explained and there was no hassle whatsoever. I was also told at POE 10-15 inhalers(with appropriate prescription) is like just 6 months supply, so no big deal and YES, you are allowed to carry meds (with all the right documents on behalf of others as long as they are immediate relations.

1. I came into the United States end of last year, (Dec 29th) and was hoping my SSN card will be delivered within the shortest time frame. Its been more than four weeks and its not been delivered. I got tracking from USPS on my green card to be delivered today. I thought the SSN card should or usually arrives faster than the GC. Is it the right frame of time to approach an SSN office and apply physically since its going to be 5 weeks by next week? I don't want to appear overzealous ..............( Just so you know, i opt to have the SSN sent in my DS260) 2. What is the best way to find a lucrative job? I have a Master's Degree but the jobs I've scouted so far are offering low pay,even lower than some of their workers with no Educational qualifications or as much work experience as me, which makes me think i might not be doing something right. Maybe there's a smarter way asides Linkedin, i hate to be idle. 3. lastly, the cultural change is not that shocking but its a bit. Folks who immigrated, how did you cope when you first moved here? I would like to learn on the things,activities i can do to meet people, make new friends,network. Thanks

UPDATE: I came in with 15 bottles of inhalers and some other meds and medicated creams for personal use and there was no hazzle whatsoever.

Thanks to V.J for being an amazing community!! I had my interview and got visa in hand two days after. Now, i'm prepping for my trip to the U.S, and want some insights on the following 1. I will like to bring with me a couple of inhalers (Ventolene) for my Spouse, maybe five but i'm wondering if 10 would be an overkill. It's cheaper down here than in the United States, so i'm of the thoughts if i will be allowed to bring them since i'm not the one with the condition. More-so, does it require a medical prescription? 2. I want to go on several road trips as soon as possible when i move to the States. What's the fastest way possible to get a driver licence? I will like to get one within a month of entrance , is that feasible ? Thanks

My short answer is NO, age difference will not be a problem. The consulate do not decide on cases based on assumptions but rather, on facts tabled before them in documents and evaluating the totality of the case's circumstances. Will noticeable age difference make them shine the light on your case? Yes or maybe, but they have to look at other factors. All you need make sure is that you have good physical time together. On as a side note, i see lots of folks here throw around *cultural norms* in cases related to Africa when it comes to age difference. It is important for people to understand that what is perceived as cultural norms are mostly old practices that deprived people of their fundamental human rights. The consulates are well grounded in this and they see a rising numbers in people now acting on their own, so age difference is not a cultural thing,at least, not anymore, its just an assumption. No one should be deprived of love just because of the year their spouse was born and NO, not having a child is not a big deal in Africa...Lots of people are starting not to have one here.

OP, like others have pointed, If i was the IO, i would be very puzzled as to why a couple who haven't seen each other in 3 years would have one of them in a neighbouring West African country, less than 2 hours flight apart, and not seize that time to see each other; a time span of almost 3 years with no physical presence with each other is bad already. That said, i'll like to point you a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, which is the Interview officer telling you about the fraud department getting to you. They don't often let out that information, especially if they will be investigating the beneficiary-in my view, that would be counterproductive. They might just want to establish that your marriage is bonafide which i assume might involve checking the Petitioners past records with USCIS to establish a pattern since she's sponsored before or probably going to the petitioner's residence to confirm some things. But then, that's just an assumption, you should get ready for a potential visit from them too and even a stoke interview. Secondly, I will STRONGLY suggest you avoid any steps that might look like you are forcing evidence out of the norm, that's more suspicious and might seem like someone covering their tracks, even if the motive is honest. If your wife work don't permit her to leave for a long time, it would be absurd for her to now take months off just to be with you, stick to the what's natural. on a final note, if its possible that your wife can visit sooner, make an appearance at the Lagos Embassy, that will help your case. They have different departments for Citizens but its still within the same establishment. i wish you the best

OP, this is not an immigration issue......You have 90 days to walk down the aisle, that's the part that concerns immigration. Now, for your own good, ignore all relationship advises here, that's why counsellors and therapists exist. Consult one and they will help you make a life long decisions from a neutral angle;they are trained for that. There different folks here, from different background and each will give you advises based on who they are and what they feel is right, you will be doing yourself a lot of harm taking some of these. Stick to visa journey for immigration related steps ONLY............IMO

By my understanding, reporting any account above the threshold is just for information purposes only and not for taxation, right? I don't think it's morally upright for the U.S Government to tax an income that was made before that individual becomes an LPR/USC. For instance, A has like $10k equivalent in an account while working over the years in his/her country in 2022 and they migrate leaving that in the country's local account in 2023. Does it mean the IRS can tax what i would consider a labor and savings from another country even before that individual ever becomes an LPR/USC. I think most immigrants don't know this topic as this is the first time i'm hearing it. Thanks for shedding more light

I'm just trying to learn a thing about this FBAR as a potential LPR and maybe a U.S citizen in the future. If an individual had an equivalent of $10,000 in their foreign account before becoming an LPR or a citizen, will they have to file the FBAR when they become an LPR/USC or the FBAR has to do with income earned within the time of becoming an LPR/USC? My second: Let's say A becomes a USC, but sends some money occasionally into the foreign account and the account accrues to the $10k limit, will they have to report such account to IRS, even though it's just a saving put in there and not an active income from an occupation. Thanks

I think all US Embassies are USC friendly. One thing i know for sure is that the US prioritise the citizens. I don't know what you did but i know for sure two cases here in my consulate where USC flew over and was able to get them to schedule another interview for her and spouse. They were questioned separately on the second interview. Did you go to the Embassy physically and flash your U.S passport?

On paper, yes but with USC physical presence, things could be swayed a bit. These are just office sections within the same premises. Although they play different roles, USC could literally be offered help to speak to someone at the other section or directed to someone. We all know how this works is just to fulfil some official protocols and all that. If a USC gets into the USC service centre and tell the official their ordeal, they don't get turned away. Its happened in my consulate severally. I'm not saying it would change any outcome, but its worth a shot since the USC is in the country. if i'm in this shoe, i'll go all out for it

OP Since you are in Egypt at the moment, i suggest you make your presence count. Make a copy of EVERYTHING you could think of as regards to your relationship. Every consulate have specific appointment days for USC, find out what day that is and go into the consulate as a USC. I believe when you get in there, you can ask to speak to a supervisor at the Consular/Immigration Unit. If you're lucky enough, you might be asked some questions which will help influence your case. Since your case is still on Administrative Processing, going there will influence some of their decisions. They might call your husband back for a second interview and clear things up...Show up there and try to speak to someone who matters. Sometimes, these IO are grumpy, tired, going through life difficulties and unleash this on interviewee. A good case might have a bad IO and vice versa. I wish you luck