LucyLovesRicky

If he doesn't have tax returns, he doesn't have tax returns, he doesn't have to have them, I didn't,and I also had a co-sponsor, my income was considered zero with their approval because it was so little. And another point it doesn't have to be 10 years for the co-sponsor to be on the hook, if she applies for citizenship after 3 ( might be 3 1/2 years, not sure) years of marriage. I was told this by USCIS.

Uh, back to topic - OP, how's hubby's job hunt going ?

We are still putting in aps., but no luck yet. But we are taking the advice of some of the posters.

We are fine tuning his resume and he is working harder at making contacts at the mosque and at school. Actually a couple of these people have given him some leads just this week that he is following up on. Also, we are trying to find a place he can volunteer on a regular basis. (Possibly the Library in the Literacy Center, I have a good contact there.)

We believe this has been his biggest problem not having work exp. and contacts here in the U.S. Although, he does have some references from some odd jobs: It does not seem to be enough. We are also still considering changing his name, but we really hate to do that.

In the meantime he will continue with school and maybe he can get work experiece at the college next year, as he missed the opportunity this year. We are still undecided about the trucking school. We are afraid it is something we will not be able to handle.

Bull. You will not be making no 120,000 dollars withing two years. Yes you can go to school and within 2 MONTHS be heading to your first trucking job. About 2 months of training with a trainer and you will be on your own. Expect if you are diligent that you maybe can make 40,000 around in the first few years. The only problem when you are getting to the end of school is which company to go work for. After a year or two with a company and gain experience and look for your next company and have a good record and any company you talk to will only ask when you can start working. I was looking again after taking almost a year off to build a business and house for my babe and during the worst of the economy and times they fell all over themselves to get me to come to work. It is a good job and can be decent money but he will be away from home for weeks at a time and home for a few days. At the least he will be working and in a few years he can look for local. Very few people have what it takes to be a good truck driver. Most fail within 6 months though but for sure you go to school you will have a job when the school is over unless one has a felony on their record. Have a DWI then forget it. Bad driving record then forget it. Owe a lot of money (They check your credit rating) then forget it. I would never tell anyone a rosy picture of truck driving.

Thank You Lucky Txn for your honest, experienced opinion. We are scared he and me can not handle it, so we are really talking everything out before he jumps right in.

I really appreciate all the replies, they have helped us to make some decisions, and to focus on some goals and to revamp his resume. I also appreciate that people were not mean. I have seen it many times on these boards and it made me very reluctant to divulge so much personal stuff but I was really upset and I don't really have any family and friends that I can talk to about it. That's kind of our problem we don't have any family and very few friends around where we live. Especially the kind of connections it takes to help you in this kind of situation. But we've decided to try some of your suggestions. And we feel a little better. The future doesn't look quite so dark.

A special thanks to those who offered to review his resume, one already has and gave us some very good advice that we will take.

morena_boricua

Yes, we have thought the resume and how the applications are filled out should be done differently, but at the local One Stop (employement agency) they don't seem to know anything more about anything than we do.

I think they are there to just collect their paycheck all they do is refer you to websites, things you could do on your own at home, and hard for people with limited English reading skills. He is much better nowadays after 3 semesters of college classes.

Anyway, someone has offered to rewiew his resume for us.

Well, I am here, and I have read all the comments and suggestions. I appreciate them and I will ask him to read them as well maybe something you all said will spark a fire in him to get started again.

Actually, we are seriously considering trucking school after he finishes this semester in community college. We have reservations, but are pretty desperate. We are concerned because most of them want work experience which he does not have much of here. But they did say they will accept letters of reference from individuals of whom he did yard work and home repairs for, thank goodness we have people willing to write them.

The trouble is, in Egypt he was a self-employed carpenter for most of his life, and owned a barber shop at one time. Why didn't i get to meet him when he was making really good money back then. No, he didn't cut hair just owned and operated it. He did work for a few companies when younger, stores, hotels, warehouses etc.

He did go to school to become a computer programmer, but that degree seems to be worthless here. And he never got to use it in Egypt. Things are so different here and it's been so long he feels he would need to go back to school here to qualify for a meaningful job doing that. I wish he was wrong but I'm aftaid he's not.

Yes, we are considering changing his name when he applies for citizenship. He hates to do it but we have awhile to decide on that point.

We did consider using his nickname, or a part of his name that isn't Mohamed when he applies for jobs, but thought it would be dishonest, and maybe disqualify him for the job if they thought he lied on his application.

Yes, I have helped a lot with his applications, and maybe it's getting to the point that I shouldn't. When He first came here, his speaking English was good but not his reading. Especially some of the questions they ask. My lord I have a hard time understandinkg them myself.

Sorry, for the long book but since there was so many comments wanted to share some things.

We met a man from Egypt when he first came here, well I knew his son first, and introduced them. This man owned a store in the local mall and decided to move the store to a mall in a bigger city. My husband helped him move, design and build the inside of the new store and was promised a job as a salesman when done. The man paid him well in the beginning. So, we rearranged our whole lives and moved there.

The man must have had second thoughts, because my husband started getting hints that he wasn't making money and couldnt pay much. Well, anyway, it was a big old mess and he had to go to department of labor to get his money. So, we moved back to our old city where we could make it financially. He's like a target, one man hired him for a week, was going to train to be a mechanic, after the week he changed his mind, too mucre h for him. Another man had him working like a dog, doing salvage, and didn't want to pay him after a couple of weeks, he got his money about four months later, after threatening with DOL.

So, it's not like he hasn't done anything since he's been here. He has tried, but we keep having bad luck. Everytime we think this is it. Our hopes are dashed. So, we are in a lull, right now, just hoping the trucking school won't be a mess like the other stuff. After all, you have to pay for it.

Anyway, thank for trying to help and I will be in contact with the person who wrote me privately.

He's been here 2 years, and we've put in so many applications at so many different kinds of jobs. We've lost count. NOT one FR***** interview. He's educated, presentable, well-spoken but if no one will interview him how will they choose him. We've begun to consider it is his name, predjudice, else why won't even McDonald's call him in for an interview.(Mohamed T. Mohamed) We are at the end of our ropes and it's taking a toll, a big one on our marriage.

We have had nothing but problems since we met,took me three years to get him here, now I think we both regret it. Of course, we love each other, but how can we go on like this? I know no one can really help. Unless you have a job for him. But I really wish someone could. He's in school, but it's not enough to keep him happy and occuppied, we are bored sick with having no money, and no fun. Can't even afford to go out for a stupid hamburger. We are depressed and miserable and can't even enjoy each other's company anymore, or can't muster the energy and interest to find "free things" to do. We just want to begin our lives. He needs a job to do that.

I truly understand your pain. We were in the same situation. Our case was at NVC for over a year. And when we finally found a co-sponsor we thought we would have to start a new application. But they reinstated it, thankfully. They must have just wanted there system unclogged or I'm sure they wouldn't have done it for our benefit alone.

However, the pain of thinking we never would get a co-sponsor was excruciatingly rough, as there was no way I could go there and live with him. I was at times desperate and depressed and I did not handle it well.

The person we found was a stranger who felt it was no big deal and was familiar with the process. It was fortunate and unusal that we found her because otherwise it never would have happened. My family and friends just would not do it. I felt alone and really resented them for this at the time but now that I'm not living under the cloud of desperation and frustration I do understand their point.

However, some of the above comments that were made were true even though it may hurt you to read them. We do have a hard time because of the low income and he has yet to find regular work, but bless his heart he works his a@# off when he does have some work. And it helps so much. Our co-sponsor is only on paper and does not contribute and we did not expect her to do so either.

It is however so discouraging and frustrating to always be in desperate mode financially. We knew it was gonna be hard but we really had no idea how hard. Yes, it's a strain on the marriage and if we didn't love each other we wouldn't have made it.

The wait for him to get here was so hard it took a lot out of us, and if we hadn't got that co-sponsor when we did I doubt we'd have made it too many more months, we both had just about had enough. And now financial troubles and job hunting and so much more I won't share here, it takes it toll.

For me, it's kind of like when people tell you that it's hard to have kids, so much work and responsibility. But you don't really understand what they mean till you experience it yourself.

I'm not really trying to dissuade you just wanted to let you hear the voice of experience.

Hi all

We are in the final stretch of this visa process and my fiance will be having his interview soon. As time gets closer I feel him becoming more nervous, although he insists that nothing is wrong and he is ready for this. I'm just looking for some insight from others who have gone thru this process, and how their fiance/spouse felt prior to coming and their initial feelings after setting foot on U.S. soil. How well did they adjust, did they experience culture shock, and what things about America were the hardest to adjust to? Also, any suggestions on how I can help settle his nerves, make the adjustment a little easier, or interview tips would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone

My husband went and is going thru a HUGE adjustment. He's been here almost a year and a half. You will understand intellectually that he's having a hard time but it is so hard to live with at times. I found we were in sync so much better online and on the phone but real life is different and hard. Mine is almost a different man but all life experience changes people. So I would expect changes in his attitude and possibly his personality.

Best advice I can give you be VERY patient. and remember how much you love him. Be very good to him. Be loving and supportive but sometimes he may need his space to be alone or depressed let him and TRY hard not to think he doesn't love you. DO NOT TAKE it personally. Be strong. and remeber many, many little things we take for granted is very confusing and hard for him.

You may regret it at times but if someone asked you would you do it all over again. You will take a long deep breath and say, "Yes....?"

Be optimisic and happy too, many men don't go thru quite the hard time mine is going through. Don't get me wrong I love my man to pieces, and every 3 to 4 weeks I'm ready to tear him to pieces. LOL!

We used a co sponsor but the other form not the one you mentioned (I 864 ?) so i dont know about number 11.

Thank you to all those who gave advice and suggestions. Problem solved now.

I am trying too book a flight for my husband. They say the reservation and ticket must be exactly as listed on his passport. And I am having a problem inputting it into the spaces provided. Unfortunately his passport lists his name with five names instead of the usual American three. Will it cause a problem if we shorten it a little to 3 names. I am worried about boarding and POE.

And when you call these online companies their customers services SUCKS big time. I've called 4 companies and I've yet too get this you would think simple problem solved.

Any advice or personal experience with this type of situation is appreciated. I am currently waiting for a travel agent to call me back. Getting very frustrated!

Congratulations! Egypt seems to be busy these last few weeks! It's good news for all of us!

Thanks Guys for the the good info. And hassan_debbie I will check out those sites too.

BTS http://www.bt-store.com/default.asp?CatID=10&PageID=10

Seems like I can get a good deal on it. Not sure where I found the site but it was in my favorites list. It's not as popular as some so I wonder can I trust them and not loose money.

Congratulations my dear friends!!!! So happy for you two. I hope you both have a long and happy life together.

Thank you so much Elva and Ehab your wishes and support mean so much to us.

Wow I was surprised at all the questions too. But don't worry the wait is so worth it for true love. It's hard but it ends I never thought our wait was gonna end either but finally today it did. You and you finance will be in my prayers. This part is the hard part but it's also the last part. You can make it and be strong. They seem to be going faster these days. And yes prayer does help. I prayed for peace and calm while we waited and it helped me more than anything.

God is our strength, dig in and hold on. I will pray for it to go fast and furious.

Good Luck for a quick and happy reuniioon! Congratulations!!!

Thanks everyone so much for your congrats! It means so much to us. Yes it has been a long and hard three years. But thank God it's almost over. I won't say it's all over till he's here and in my arms! LOL

We will book his flight next week he has a few things to finish up before he leaves. But I think he will be here in less than 2 weeks if all goes well. Thanks everyone for you support.

HE GOT IT! HE GOT IT! HE GOT IT!

I don't believe it! He got his VISA today! I'm so happy, happy, happy! I was beginning to think it was never going to happen!

Thank you God! I've been doing the happy dance, and crying and laughing like a mad woman!

I have another question about the AP. I have emailed the Embassy 3 times and they sent me an email back saying this Dear Madam:

The case is pending the officer’s final review.

We are working as fast as we can to process the case to conclusion.

Regards,

Consular staff

Is this normal and is my fiance getting ready to be issued his visa??? He had his interview last Sunday and they told him 1-3 weeks and then they will send a letter to him and he then will send his passport back to them. We are just getting excited for the end to be near.

Thanks so much for everybody help, it just nice to know that we are not alone in this.

My husband's interview was Jan.4 and we have received this same msg. the first one on Feb. 16 also they said in one email that the AP was finisished and the case was pending the CO's final review. That email was on March 8. But as time marches on we are unsure what it means if anything at all.

I am really starting to worry that they found some problem but they won't tell us anything. They even said they would send the CO a gentle reminder to complete the case. I hope your case is different and you will hear something soon.

It is very upsetting to me sometimes to see other people have their interview after my husband and need additional information for the embassy and they don't keep these folks passport and still they receive their Visa's before my huasband.

Dont ge me wrong I'am happy for them. But not happy for us. But as the embassy told me in one email Every case is a case by itself. So I am continuing to wait and hope and pray.

I showed Ibrahim this thread today and he smiled so big! Thank you for all the well wishes!

One year for you, three for me. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

DOS told me that sometimes things can be happening at the embassy level that they do not know about yet. No input into the computer. But who knows who knows what.

Good morning everyone

It seems like everything is going fast and smooth for us thank GOD and it seems like GOD is listening to our prayers

:dance: We got an interview date yeahhhh :dance:

My interview will be on Thursday 26 , March .

I hope that everything will work out good and smooth for us .

Good luck for everyone who have interview this week and my best wishes for everyone who is waiting to hear good news

Mohamed

Great news I wish a good interview and a quick AP!!!

I know what Astarte is saying. Basically that you all should have been prepared for the long haul. That doesn't make it any easier though and especially the newbies that have recently seen people sail through Cairo with no problems. It's weird but when I was going through this, even though my wait was 8 months in AP, I was actually one of the quicker ones compared to those who came before me. Because of that both my husband and I knew it would be about as long as it was. Did that make it easier? No I still bawled my eyes out a lot and so did he and we still stressed out about the unknown. Basically you'll go through an almost rollercoaster experience with some days being all accepting of the wait and other days acting like a 2 yr old, temper tantrums and all.

All I can say is try not to think about it. Try to keep yourself busy with other things because bottom line, if you're prepared for the interview, it's all up to God in the end. There is nothing really that you can do to speed things along. I contacted both Senator Kennedy and Congressman Tierney and while I guess I'll never really know if they helped, it still took a good 6 months or so after they became involved.

I really wouldn't compare a man coming from Egypt going to the US to a woman going to Egypt. Seriously common sense should kick in at some point since we are living in an after 9/11 period. Of course there's going to be extra scrutiny.

Really, we were just venting on a particularly bad day. Since I didn't know about this site until almost the end. I really had no idea the wait could be this long. I obviously knew it could be around a year but I had no idea that 3 years later I'd still be apart from my husband. And yes, I realize all of that is not the fault of the immigration. Most of that time was searching for a co-sponsor.