HelenBradley

3 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Of course.

Saying of course is disappointing. This site is for people who are learning and trying to figure out the details which, as you know, matter when applying for visas/residence etc. 

I'm surprised at that since that creates a kind of sponsorship chain. How can I be held to the legal process when I myself am buffered by someone else. It seems an odd chain to create, but I'll look into it. Thanks. 

12 minutes ago, Boiler said:

LPR's can sponsor

Even if they are still under the conditions of their own sponsorship?

4 hours ago, JFH said:

OP, since they are good friends of yours have you considered being a co-sponsor? 

 

Whilst London does allow self-sponsoring for K-1s, it's the AOS that's going to be a struggle. Currently the requirement for a 2-person household (immigrant plus spouse) is a little over $20k per year. Given that the immigrant will not be able to work for an extended period, how will they survive on less than $20k a year? Plus the costs of the AOS process. I don't know where they will be living but in most parts of the country $20k a year (and that's the gross salary) is not much to support two adults. He will also need healthcare when he arrives. He won't be eligible for Medicaid even if his spouse is. He may get healthcare through his work but he won't be working for many months. 

 

It is nice that other people want to pitch in but it's not a sponsored walk with a target to achieve and then it's all over. It's about showing the ability to sustain the immigrant in the household over a long period of time. 

Good points, thank you! 

She does have income, but it's disability. She has a substantial disability and family financial support and a fully paid off home. She can live comfortably in the south, but since her income is disability, she's worried it won't fulfill the requirements. Family are willing to support but unwilling to sign the I-134. 

I don't think I can be a sponsor as a LPR, but maybe I'm incorrect? I'm guessing I'd have to show 125% poverty level for myself, my fiance and the both of them? 

Maybe worht suggesting to friends of theirs who are citizens can sponsor though...

Just now, Girljinxed18 said:

This is purely my opinion but I would think crowdfunding a visa (via sponsorship) is a terrible idea and red flag. The whole reason for a co-sponsor is as a back up in case the citizen needs financial assistance. Crowdfunding will literally tell the officials that they can't afford to even apply for this on their own. I would advise against it personally.

I suppose that's the feeling in my gut also.

The reality is that they have family support and money to travel and support themselves, and a fully paid off home to live in, but since she doesn't work they are worried about meeting the requirements the traditional way. A family member was going to be the co sponsor but is hesitant because of the potential length of the commitment. 

I wonder if anyone has had experience applying with no employment due to disability but assets and income. The assets are the required 5x poverty level and she has an income through disability. Once he is here and gets his work auth and/or Green Card, he will work and support them further through employment. But right now they are worried their current situation won't satisfy the requirement. 

They are not necessarily looking to crowdfund, it's a suggestions others have made to them. 

Hello everyone,

I am literally asking for a friend   

I got my Green Card 6 years ago and am helping give advice to a friend back home in the UK who is marrying an American.

They have a strong relationship which has spanned about 6 years. They visit back and forth a lot, often spending extended periods of time together. They did have a co sponsor, but he pulled out so they are looking for ways to meet the income requirement. She owns a home and, but doesn't currently work. 

My friend's fiance has a disability that impacts her mobility and speech, and she hasn't worked for a while. (she receives disability) She is actively looking for employment right now, but there are limitations on what kind of employment she will get, and they applied for the K1 in March and are expecting to get the NOA1/NOA2 any day now. 

Several of their friends have expressed interest in helping them out, by either putting the word out to look for a co sponsor, writing to their congressman, and some have suggested crowdfunding to build up their savings so that she might meet the requirements. 

My questions for you is, are there any potential problems with this? I know that writing to a congressman is not likely to have any impact as they are not in hardship right now, I just wonder if there are any legal ramifications to asking for the public to support a new immigrant in this round about way. Has anyone heard of anyone doing this before?

I also wonder if anyone has any experience with disability impacting the K1 or immigration process. Will disability as income be a red flag or will it work to fulfill the requirements? All advice is welcome. They are good people and a very sweet couple who are perfect for one another. I want to try and help them be together for good. 

Thank you! The VJ community was so helpful when I was going through my process that I thought I'd reach out for help for my friend too. 

Definitely gradual exposure to real people in "alternative lifestyles" will increase his comfort level

I found use of the term 'alternative lifestyles' interesting in the original post.

Alternative to what? The 'norm'? What is normal? We are all different. To someone who never left their hometown and married their high school girlfriend/boyfriend, we all live an "alternative lifestyle".

I agree with the posts about making your husband aware that certain things are not apporpriate to discuss in public and he will broaden his horizons when he comes to the US. It may be a culture shock, which makes us all infinitely more culturally aware.

Hi. My wife got her green card (Permanent Resident card...good for 2 years initially) Dec. 2011 after a successful INS interview. Now her EAD employment authorization card is set to expire in 2 months. Does she have to renew it? The instructions imply that you don't renew it if your application for Permanent Resident was approved. We're just not sure.

Thanks!

Nope, the greencard allows you to work so she's all set!

You are correct and in your previous post you mention that the OP could apply and pay for EAD and it will be valid until the I-94 expires.

The main reason that I did not mention it, and most other VJers tend to agree, is that it is a waste of time and money given the processing times of the EAD. You pay the $380 and wait. When the EAD arrives you can work until it expires which is tied to your I-94. Let's say the USCIS moves right a long and gets it to you in 46 days (that is how long the AP/EAD took us to get last year). Let us also assume that you filed 2 days after entering the US. You now have 42 days of authorized work. Who is going to hire you?

Now let's say you wait until you get married and file for AP/EAD with the AOS. The $1070 AOS filing fee includes the AP/EAD. Current processing times is that you should receive the EAD at about the 90 days mark. Now you are authorized to work until the EAD expires which is typically in 1 year--hopefully you have the GC by then and can continue to work uninterrupted.

As you state in your post it DOES make more sense to skip the pre-AOS temporary work permit and go straight to just applying for AOS with AP/EAD and that is why I did not mention it. The basic answer to the OP's question is that they need the SSN AND work authorization in order to be able to complete the I-9 form. It does not matter how they obtain their work authorization (Pre-AOS or with AOS), but they need work authorization along with the SSN in order to legally work--that goes for USC as well as LPR as everyone must complete the I-9 form when hired.

Dave

Yes, it definitely seems crazy. But it's still an option for us!

I just think our job here as a community is to give others all the information we have. And then they can make their own, informed decisions.

I know that when I was reading up on this issue it was so confusing, and that's why VJ is so great.

Wow...I think you need glasses...Nobody here said it is illegal to apply for SSN and work permit before adjusting status. They said it is illegal to hire the OP under the current immigration status.

And if you read the original post, she is asking if she can apply for her SS card and work before she receives her EAD. And the answer is NO...she can't.

I read something different there.

Since the Op posted

'is it possible to apply for a SSN and a temporary work even though we are just about to file for i-485 and AED?'

It seems like the OP is looking for an option to work while this is being processed. There is an option for that, as I have outlined above. Perhaps the OP can clarify if the word permit or authorization is missing from the above post, because you can get an EAD before applying for your AOS...which was my point.

Wow...I think you need glasses...Nobody here said it is illegal to apply for SSN and work permit before adjusting status. They said it is illegal to hire the OP under the current immigration status.

Your posts have an argumentative tone that I do not care for.

My purpose was to inform the OP that they have a legal option. The information that I provided was not provided by yourself or the other posters and if you read back the posts imply that there is not a way to work in the OP's situation, when in fact there is. It just probably makes more sense to apply for AOS and skip the pre-AOS temporary work permit.

OP: Apologies for the turn your post has taken. I hope your AOS is processed quickly and you got the information you were looking for.

Best of luck.

The posts here are NOT wrong. The Op already applied for adjustment of status. Under the OP's current status is not yet able to apply for SSN...therefore is unable to work at this time. Just tell which reply is wrong.....we would like to know.

The OP stated that they have not yet applied for AOS. In the original post.

They should be able to get a SSN. Although I know it is more difficult once you get married, which is why I stated that they should just go ahead and apply for the AOS. The OP did not state when they entered the US which may have an impact on the SSN, but since they got married last month, they may have 2 months left on their I-94. That information was not provided.

The posts that were 'wrong' were those stating it was illegal to apply for a SSN and work permit before applying for AOS. This is legal...but does seem somewhat pointless.

hello guys, would just like to ask. I entered US using a K1-visa and got married last 7-14-12. me and my husband are just about to file for i-485. my question is, is it possible to apply for a SSN and a temporary work even though we are just about to file for i-485 and AED?

The posts saying this is illegal are wrong. (it's possible that since you missed out the word permit people thought you were intending to work on a SSN alone...which is illegal.)

As a K1 you can apply for a SSN and temp work permit (using the I-751) before applying for your AOS. See eligibility section 6, on page 4. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf

However, since you got married last month, don't have your SSN yet and are about to apply for AOS. Why bother?

It takes time to get a SSN, you'd have to pay $380 for your I-751 if you file it alone without the AOS and it only lasts until your I-94 date anyway.

Filing the form is free with your AOS so if I were you, I'd just do that.

Best of luck!

My husband and I were just talking about this issue in regard to one of our friends here who won't put in the effort required to find a decent job here.

Getting a job depends on hard work: making connections and 'pounding the pavement'.

When I got here I approached a private school and volunteered full time and treated it like a job. That was easy since I was on a K1 visa and couldn't work anyway. It also helped me meet people.

I worked for free for several months, then when I got my greencard they offered me a job but I got one in a different school and didn't take it. That time meant that I made good connections, have great local references and have no gaps in my resume.

Also, no job should be beneath him. Work ethic can be shown in many ways. Looking after the kids is a good way to explain that time away. But if he doesn't change his attitude it'll be hard for him to fit in and build his own life here.

All the best. He may be feeling depressed about the fact that his experience and skills are hard to transfer immediately into the job of his choice, but unless he changes his approach, the situation will remain the same.

It can be done!!

So my NOA1 was back in early February and I visited my fiance in mid May and I gave her a new letter of intent to marry and the i-134 with all supporting documents. The problem is that we didn't get our NOA2 until the end of July. I was planning on just emailing her a pdfs of my last few pay statements to update the i-134 supporting documentation. Does anyone think I need to send her another i-134 and letter of intent dated nearer to the current date or am I probably ok. Thank you!

My I-134 was dated August and my interview was in October, no issues.

Best of luck!

I have copies of health insurance cards and bills from appointments with me listed as the patient but my husband as the main account holder. 2 bank accounts and a car loan with both our names, among other things.

I was just thinking that she could sign one stating what I mentioned before.

And the affidavits are not REQUIRED, but I can include them. I just figured, as we don't have a house, this would be an example of us co-habitating and being financially responsible.

You are correct, they are not required. However, I did see a post where someone got an RFE for not including them. I think it depends on the case you can build for yourself.

I will include them, because why not include them, since they are mentioned in the evidence list.

If I were you I'd include them and have your mother in law write one listing the information you mention since it helps fill in the blanks about why you don't have bills/a lease. It seems like that is a place for her to provide the explanation you want them to have.

Hiya!

It's been a LONG time since I've posted anything, but figured I have a question that the lovely member of VJ might be able to help me with.

Currently working on ROC. Our window opened on 8/5, but we're dealing with a lot of family issues at the moment and I haven't been able to finish compiling and get it off in mail yet. Hoping by Monday, I'll be good to go.

ANYWAYS... My husband and I still live at home with his parents, due to just not being able to afford to move out, and with my father in-law's various health issues, we need to be around. And currently, my father in-law is in the hospital.

With my I-751, would it be wise to send an affidavit signed by my mother in-law stating that even though we do live at home, we aid with the care and general upkeep of the house and that we pay some bills as well? I have copies of the checks for said bills that we do pay and I suppose I could get copies of the actual bills as well.

Any suggestions would be awesome.

Yes, since you need two affidavits you could have your mother in law write one.

See Evidence of Relationship, number 5.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-751instr.pdf

Do you have health insurance, life insurance, joint bank accounts with 2 names on them? You could also have your parents in law write a lease for you...if that seems appropriate?

I am collecting evidence now too!

Best of luck!

You're right 'confront' was a terrible word to use

I just mean stand up for myself,I find it difficult to accept that the POE officers are able to be so ugly to us and we can't do a thing about it. I can't think of another job where you can talk to people with such disregard,yes they have a serious job to do,and if they get it wrong it could have repercussions but why the awful attitude? I just feel these people are like bulldogs chewing wasps,and we have to face their wrath on each visit.

Im sure many of you hate the fact your relationship and life is under the microscope,we all have complicated stories of heartache to tell regarding our journeys to be with our loved ones,soon I will have to leave everyone I love.....my mum and dad and family......my amazing son!!!!(he wants to stay with his dad) and my beautiful country because I have fallen deeply in love with an American citizen,yet everystep of the way I'm being made to feel like a fraud and I hate that.......Im sure many of you have felt the same at some point.

Im on this rollercoaster and will not get off until Im stood beside my husband.......I just may moan about it from time to time!!!

We are all 'under the microscope' kind of, but it's not personal. It's the way it is. Bringing a spouse to the UK is worse now. Sadly.

If the CBP officer said those things to you then I think you are crazy to go to that POE at with your current situation. As someone else said, it is not your right to visit, it's a privilege.

Why make waves at this stage? Change your POE for this visit. Go back to that POE when you have your approval!

Best of luck.

Oh heck Ive made it sound like Im going to arrive at POE all guns blazing, Im really not, I HATE confrontation but theres a particular officer that seems to have it in for me now, I just want to be able to stand up for myself and be able to say confidently "actually I havent done anything wrong by coming over to visit my husband" but if it means I'll just wind him or any other officer up I'll keep my mouth shut.

My husband has his own business,so its much easier for me to visit the States as he has the work commitments. We like everyone else here would just like to be able to spend a little time togther and not have to endure up to a year before we see each other again.If it turns out we have no choice then so be it.

The having the past dates of travel and returning home is a great idea thankyou.

Why not go to a different POE? Get a flight that connects through Newark or one of the larger airports. Then when you connect to the one you normally go to you don't go through immigration again. If one 'has it in for you' that's what I'd do for sure.

I agree with another poster...CBP are your friends I have always had good experiences despite my nervousness when I visited during out K1.

Hi guys,

My husband and I are about to file our I-130 this week the plan is that I would like to try and go over to visit at the end of September(I returned to the UK in April after my last visit)

I am so confused as to whether this is legal or something we should do? We got only 3 days together as man and wife and want to see each other so badly,but dont wat to jeopardise our CR1.

My main question is,if we do at least try is it a bad idea to argue your case with the POE officer? Say he says I shouldnt have tried to come over can I say actually its not illegal? And explain that my history shows that I have always done as planned,no overstays etc...or would this just annoy the officer and make him deny me entry?

Ive had some awful experiences with RDU POE,I want to go with a plan of action should I be given a hard time.

Im not currently working so my ties over here are mainly my rental agreement,plus I have my 13 year old son to get back to in time for christmas!!!!

Good or bad idea folks?

Thankyou!

Why do you expect to have to argue?

Do everything you can to make sure you are not denied. Bring your proof, make sure you are within the allowed time inside the US each year. Have dates ready to show your last entry and exit dates. You will bring your NOA1 from your I-130 to show you are trying to do things the legal way. If another visit puts you over the allowed time, don't go, or shorten it to ensure you are within the legal times. If you are denied entry then leave gracefully, don't argue.

Unfortunately everyone who gets a K-1 has to pay the fees for AOS. It takes a while for it to be processed too. Not being able to drive would be the biggest drawback for me!

I know what you mean. We all know the fees we have to pay when we start. I figure that was where our wedding money went Since the actual wedding was super cheap. Depending on the state rules though, you are able to drive with a UK license for up to a year unless you become a resident of that state.

OP: I waited a month after my I-94 expired to file my AOS, so I know there are more convenient times to file than right after marriage, but it was a top priority! I did not enjoy being 'out of status'. If I were you I'd file asap. You don't want to wait too long in the K1 limbo. Having your greencard allows you to do many things that will help you get settled into your new life here.

Best of luck with everything!

Went for my interview yesterday and NAILED IT.

not at all as stressful as i thought it would be. the guy who interviewed me was amazingly nice, and even commented on how good we looked together in the photos. it just goes to show that even though the process is tough, these people aren't heartless and are just trying to do their job. love always wins out.

I'm picking up my visa tomorrow afternoon and am flying out on thursday night.

And now our crazy K1 journey is over.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who was so amazing in the time of stress with my fiance's broken femur.

He has been in and out of hospital since, and is there right now with a serious blood clot but i've booked my flight for thursday so I'll be with him soon.

The poor guy won't even be able to do a first dance at our wedding because of the pain. the recovery takes 5 months so we're having a small ceremony to make things legal on september 1st and then a big party in march 2013.

i'm so happy and i can't wait for you all to be feeling the sense of joy and accomplishment i'm feeling.

love conquers all, and at the end of the day, it's all worth it.

good luck and thank you for the support.

c

I am so happy that you got your visa and you will soon be on your way!

Great news! Best of luck!!

I do charity jobs not for money

he's my husband he has to support me not the opposite

No. As the US citizen you have to support your husband if you want to move him here.

I do charity jobs, not for money. I also work. I also go to school.

I believe that in marriage you are supposed to support each other.

Anyway, back to the point. I guess just write a letter explaining your financial situation when you return your I-864.

Best of luck.

I was asked to fill an affidavit of support I864 cuz I'm a petitioner but I Never been employed in my life

I dont go to school or do anything I know I got no life

anyway I dont know how what should I do???

put 0.00 on everything???

please any small info will help alot

You can use assets and savings on the I-864 also.

But I'm curious, why don't you go and get a job? It will make supporting your husband easier when he comes. What do you live on? I guess writing up and including reasons why you don't work in your I-864 would be good, and make sure he knows the reasons in case they ask him questions about it at his interview.

Best of luck.

My boyfriend is looking into moving to the U.S.(I'm a U.S. citizen) but he is not sure whether or not to get his masters in nutrition. We have looked around and it seems that according to eatright.org he needs to get his masters in order for it to transfer. Because when he gets his masters he becomes registered with the Dietitians Board of the Health Professions Council in the United Kingdom, which is recognized by the U.S.

Does anyone know if just a basic bachelors is accepted as well? He will have a bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics, with a focus in sports nutrition. His masters would take two years, and be more costly as there is less aid given to graduate students. This may sound silly but we've had enough of long distance and another two years can be done, but we would prefer to find another way.

Thank you for your help.

I was investigating whether a US license (not dietitians license) would transfer to the UK and I found my local university most helpful. I suggest contacting them. He can do his masters in the US at some point too, he doesn't have to do it in the UK.

Hi guys,

My darling Eric and I got married in Edinburgh on the 25th,I dropped him at Manchester airport today and to be honest I feel awful,I'm so angry with this whole process,that we have to live apart for goodness knows how long whilst the CR1 is completed,I know you all must have felt or feel the same way:-(

Aaaaanyway,I have a question, we recieved a few cheques as wedding gifts in our married name,yet we haven't got a joint bank account yet seeing as he's in the US and I'm in the UK........is there anyway we can open one whilst being so far apart? Or will I have to get the kind folks that sent us the cheques to redo them just in my name?

Also any tips in coping on having your spouse on the other side of the world would be greatly appreciated

I agree with several other posts here. Stay busy! Skype. Write letters. Exercise, see family. I used to email a picture of something I was doing each day. We weren't able to spend a whole lot of time chatting each day since he started a pretty intense new job when he moved back over after being in Scotland for 3 years, and I was working too. I recommend spending time seeing all the family you can before you leave, I'm so glad I did that. I saw great aunts, uncles, second cousins twice removed, everyone who would see me! Now I have lots of connections that I may have lost. Most of the people hadn't seen me since I was a child.

We didn't have a lot of time apart, but we didn't know it would be so quick when we did it. (and I 'visited' for 89 days right after we filed our K1.) Our situation was different since we'd been living in the UK for a while. But It's the same for you. Expect a long time, but be prepared. And by that I mean make sure you know what you need for the next stage of the process, VJ will help a lot with that!

Best of luck! Congratulations on your wedding! This will be a distant memory soon. Even though it doesn't feel like it now.