And moving on to Plan C...

[catknit 144]

I know this is a complete shot in the dark here but...

If anyone has any contact information for finding positions in India - specifically Delhi - I could really use the help.

Please pm me and I can give you info about my work experience/education/industry...and nope, I'm not in IT which is making my life hell trying to find something.

I'm already using all the major job search websites [both US and India based], I've been networking within my industry to try and maybe swing a 6 month to 2 year assignment...nothing yet.

Obviously if I go this route it would need to be an employer who can sponsor an E visa - but our plan B just imploded and we need to figure a way forward...

[spygame 2]

And what is Plan C

[catknit 144]

Plan C is filing DCF - which had been part of Plan B but now we are looking at it from a slightly different angle...

[spygame 2]

I am also lookin at that option.

I filed for K1 in Jan 09. But now with this economy,, things are not looking good,, the project is over.

My company has offered me a option to get transferred to india or be on bench. being on bench is the worst place to be in this economy. So giving that a thought and then filing for DCF.

[catknit 144]

DCF has many benefits and after our denial it seems like the safest option...plus you'd be waiting out your time together and that has it's perks too.

[spygame 2]

Oh sorry to hear about ur denial..

i m tired of this waiting game. here in CSC people from FEB end are getting approved and others with similar dates as mine are also getting approved. This anxiety just kills. Even during my citizenship i had to wait freaking 2 years.. good thing i stopped waiting for it after few weeks. lol

So going to India might just be a good option for me right now. Only problem i see is that if we have a small wedding would that decrease our chances of getting DCF

i also have OCI to india , so dont know if that will be of any help or not

[catknit 144]

Maybe - maybe not - and given you still have the residency requirement couldn't you figure something bigger in the 90 days [if that's what you want]? You have OCI? I think the entry stamp in your passport will establish your residency date. And you won't need a visa to work...

How long could your project last in India?

I think the embassy looks for certain traditions to be kept but a 500 person reception isn't a must have.

I, unfortunately, need to marry under the special marriage act first and I don't want to run into money issues. I can only work under an E visa since we haven't married and I can't get a PIO yet...

We're sooooooooo stuck right now. I have no patience either

Edited April 8, 2009 by milo75

[spygame 2]

Dont worry things will work out,, and they will work out for the best.

Well the project is renewed till october and unless company shuts down doors, definitely another 6 months. So i think if i take that option i will be set for a year without any problems.

This whole wait thing is just too painful, wait for fiancee, wait for approval, wait for responses for job applications.

Well my big wedding is on Dec 28.

and yeah one more thought to ur original post,, it is hell to find a job even in IT right now. I am in that field, looking for last 2 months

[ELW 5]

Sorry about the denial Lauren.

I lived in India 21 years. I saw that most people had employment through friends or relatives, so hopefully your honey is asking others there, for you. I was working for a low salary that Delhi called a "honorarium" and so they said I didn't need a work permit for that (Rs 5,500 a month). You could try something like that till you have a PIO card (I think you can apply for one immediately after getting married but not sure).

The US Consulate often has job opportunities, but they require work visa (or PIO card).

Places like hospitals, church organizations, etc., were always asking me to work there (for Indian-level salaries of course). All I had to do is waltz in and inquire about work. Of course a friend of a friend of a friend's recommendation was always a plus!

It is pretty cheap to live in India so even if you just go to get married then file for DCF and/or wait for PIO card, you should be OK with a few hundred dollars in savings. (Of course I'm just a village girl and don't know about the big city expenses. )

[catknit 144]

I'm actually going to explore one church related group that does rural health and outreach. I was hoping for $500/month which is well below typical expat expectations but probably on par with [if not higher than] Indian standards in charity work. And, of course, there is the visa issue. Why is it always the darn visas that get in the way????????

[Twisted K 2]

Good luck, Milo! I am also tired of allowing other people running our love lives. Come to India with me, and lets do a double ceremony That would be great! You know I got your back in your decisions!!

[Moksha 1]

Hi guys!

I just wanted to let you know...I did some research on the PIO and I actually found that you have to be married for a year before you can apply for it It's really not written in any of the rules (shocker, huh) but from what I've read they do enforce it!

Milo, I know something will work out for you! And ELW is right...it's pretty cheap to live over there. I can feel it...things will work out for you. Just keep your chin up!

[catknit 144]

The PIO is a fickle, fickle beast - I have read NIGHTMARE stories on trying to get it in Delhi from the Home Ministry offices...it appears the quickest and easiest is at the non-Indian's local embassy.

The 1 year thing is NOT written stone - it's one of those on a whim things that seems to be the standard protocol for Indian officials.

There is a LOT of PIO info on indiamike.com - great site for odds and ends about travel and living in India.

[ELW 5]

The PIO is a fickle, fickle beast

Interesting! I just saw the application on official sites and thought it is a breeze for everyone to get, coming within weeks of applying with no problem! Naive me!

The most I ever had in India financial-wise was $125 a month salary in the last two years. I had all I needed and wanted and always had money leftover.

[catknit 144]

The paperwork is straight forward and from what I've seen many many people have no problems and get the PIO in just a couple weeks...but those who have issues have ISSUES - I guess it's sort of like this process.