Supporting yourself w/o working...

[Caladan 19]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

[tmma 467]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

OK thanks for the clarification on that

[Fandango 1,439]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

Perhaps you see it one way, but I have to agree with Shele here (as usual)....I, too was said to be 'unromantic' for worrying about things like money and security, but I believe to not have that sorted with a plan would be rushing. It's not easy or fun to recognize financial priorities before what the heart wants, but at the end of the day, taking care of the former will only benefit the latter in the long run.

PS - nothing's to say the OP can't get a full time job as well....people do that all the time. I worked full time while going to college...it wasn't easy, but it's possible.

[tmma 467]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

Perhaps you see it one way, but I have to agree with Shele here (as usual)....I, too was said to be 'unromantic' for worrying about things like money and security, but I believe to not have that sorted with a plan would be rushing. It's not easy or fun to recognize financial priorities before what the heart wants, but at the end of the day, taking care of the former will only benefit the latter in the long run.

PS - nothing's to say the OP can't get a full time job as well....people do that all the time. I worked full time while going to college...it wasn't easy, but it's possible.

The OP asked for advise on " how people managed". I told how we managed....and Lisa...Yep-I remember that thread well.

Edited December 13, 2007 by tmma

[*JG* 2]

The men I've known in my life all knew how they were going to support their brides before they proposed. A few boys weren't so wise. Perhaps you're a premature petitioner.

Yes, because as we all know, its ALWAYS the men who have to 'support' the women...

Now that is funny.

[Caladan 19]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

Perhaps you see it one way, but I have to agree with Shele here (as usual)....I, too was said to be 'unromantic' for worrying about things like money and security, but I believe to not have that sorted with a plan would be rushing. It's not easy or fun to recognize financial priorities before what the heart wants, but at the end of the day, taking care of the former will only benefit the latter in the long run.

PS - nothing's to say the OP can't get a full time job as well....people do that all the time. I worked full time while going to college...it wasn't easy, but it's possible.

And I'm not advocating jumping into marriage while unemployed or without a plan, but the OP asked for advice on how to make a plan and was pretty much told 'wait until you're financially secure, like on your second or third spouse.'

[tmma 467]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Forgive me for asking, but why would you petition to bring a foreigner here KNOWING that the USCIS/DHS paperwork does not happen overnight-and have no plan on how you two are going to manage financially in the interim?

I was accused of being " unromantic" by someone on here about a year ago when I posted that romance/ hearts and flowers were all good, but doesn't buy the food, health insurance or pay the bills. Mark and I waited alittle longer to file while we saved ( for a house and nest egg when he got here), made sure he was covered on my health insurance and until he secured a preliminary job offer ( pending getting his EAD).

On all his visits here; he was visiting companies with a portfolio of projects he had complated in Holland with references and his resume. Emailing them from Holland and building a network. Not only did he network-he got 2 job offers-pending EAD. It meant waiting alittle longer; but I am glad we did. He had a job waiting for him, credit established and health insurance with no waiting period and we could afford to live during the time he was not working waiting for his EAD.

It's easy to understand the " rush to be together" after being apart. I KNOW what that feels like. It's romantic to dream of being together, and you want that ASAP. But nothing is more unromantic than no health insurance in an emergency, no money in the bank or no food in the cupboard.

Just my opinion.

There's a difference between rushing into something and asking for advice on how people manage the forced unemployment. The OP is asking about the latter.

Perhaps you see it one way, but I have to agree with Shele here (as usual)....I, too was said to be 'unromantic' for worrying about things like money and security, but I believe to not have that sorted with a plan would be rushing. It's not easy or fun to recognize financial priorities before what the heart wants, but at the end of the day, taking care of the former will only benefit the latter in the long run.

PS - nothing's to say the OP can't get a full time job as well....people do that all the time. I worked full time while going to college...it wasn't easy, but it's possible.

And I'm not advocating jumping into marriage while unemployed or without a plan, but the OP asked for advice on how to make a plan and was pretty much told 'wait until you're financially secure, like on your second or third spouse.'

Did I miss something? Where was the OP advised to "wait like on your second or third spouse...?"

Who said that?

My advise to the OP [ by telling how we did it] is to devise a financial plan. It's difficult, not romantic, MAY mean waiting a short while to save-but during the wait, have the foreign SO research their field of expertise in your area, network with their resume and save also. In the meantime the USC MAY need to get full time employment ( if only for the benefits and $$$$ to cover the I134) and lay ground work for their life together here. The wait is longer, but financial security in a new marriage, especially with someone new to the country who is unable to work immediatly- is a HUGE deal...IMO ( of course).

edit--typos, etc

Edited December 13, 2007 by tmma

[Nutty 2]

So I have a question for everyone out there who has gone through with a K1 Visa:

When the foreign fiance(e) moved to the USA, how did they manage to support themselves? Because I am basically assuming that my fiance is not going to get an EAD, and I am only a University Student with a part-time job, and cannot support him.

Basically, I'm wondering how everyone else got by not being able to work, and living in a foreign country.

Thanks in advance!

Reality check.

Sponsoring someone to come to marry you requires commitment. Immigration is not a easy process and is a test of endurance and patience. The government requires you show that you can financially support your intended partner so that they DO NOT BECOME A WARD OF THE STATE (meaning they don't fall back on public assistance). You sign an Affidavit of Support, which demonstrates your financial status and stability and guarentees that you will be held responsible for your spouse.

At the Consulate level, the officer will interview your fiance to see if both of you are honest and committed to marrying. There are many issues of marriage fraud and people who abuse the system. It is not an easy interview.

What will you do to help your fiance adjust to living in USA?

As for you question of "how to get by, without working, living in a foreign country.." It seems pretty naive.

Most people work damn hard to save money over years to go on trips. Have you ever considered doing the same?

[Fandango 1,439]

And I'm not advocating jumping into marriage while unemployed or without a plan, but the OP asked for advice on how to make a plan and was pretty much told 'wait until you're financially secure, like on your second or third spouse.'

No one said anything about a 2nd or 3rd spouse. If you cut that out of what you said, the rest is very sage advice. Get a full time job, save your money...possibly wait til you're done with uni......WHY are these considered bad things? No, it's not pleasant, and instant gratification is oh so much better...but at the end of the day, if the OP can't afford to support her fiance, and the fiance isn't 'tons o bucks' where it's not an issue...I can't see any happy happy way around this...short of living off others.

You're putting words in ppl's mouths, Caladan....and when did advocating saving, getting a higher paying job, waiting, and planning become bad things?

PS - the way I read the op was 'how did the foreign fiance support him/herself?' Because the OP said she couldn't support him. That's a roadblock, for sure...and sadly not one that 'love' can fix. Cos if you have the easy answer to 'how do you live in another country with no money, no job, and no one to support you?'....you need to write a book and sell it! It'll be a bestseller, for sure

Edited December 13, 2007 by LisaD

[rika60607 215]

All right, here is a freeloader's advise

Usually housing is the major cost.

If you are religious, you may ask your church for help with housing. Sometimes they have dormitory style living quarters for those in need. In exchange you will have to go to masses and may be help around a little... but if you are religious anyway, that should not be a problem

Ask around, may be someone needs a house sitter for several months, close to the date of your fiance's arrival. That's a nice free housing for you

Otherwise - move in with your parents/siblings temporarily.

You could ask for a room in exchange for work. Often times you can get it at horse stables. Your fiance could babysit in exchange for a room for two of you. Excellent experience for handling your future children, LOL.

For immediate expenses:

Sell your no longer used stuff on Ebay or through Craig's list. That can be done by your fiance once he's here...

See how you can cut your current bills in preparation for future tough times. You do not need the following: cell phone, cable TV and I-net. Yes, I mean it You surely LIKE them, but you can use free I-net at your school and watch only the free off air channels. Surely you have friends who will invite you over if there is something you *must* see on the cable!

You can take a student loan, invest it for now into a CD account and use it when your fiance arrives.

Find out if you can add your SO to your student health insurance plan and how much that will be. If not possible, find out if there is free stuff offered by your university. If you have a Medical Department, there are likely times/places where one can get medical help for very cheap, because there will be medical students learning how to work with patients.

Don't eat out, instead learn to cook and learn where to buy food cheaply. Your fiance can take tips from you and do the actual shopping to help you. He can cook himself too, right?

Most of all, don't quit school for a low paying job. In the end - it is not worth it. Your student status gives you a lot of perks - cheap health insurance, discount public transportation etc. Learn how to live frugally instead. You can do it!

B) B) B)

[rika60607 215]

Aaahmmm...

On a second thought, I should write a book and sell it!

:lol:

[rebeccajo 14]

Aaahmmm...

On a second thought, I should write a book and sell it!

:lol:

Very nice - I liked it. Real problem solving instead of preaching. Excellent.

[pushbrk 12,889]

The men I've known in my life all knew how they were going to support their brides before they proposed. A few boys weren't so wise. Perhaps you're a premature petitioner.

Yes, because as we all know, its ALWAYS the men who have to 'support' the women...

No need for pissy responses and personal attacks. It doesn't matter whether the OP is a woman. I'm writing about men and brides. Doesn't matter which one is which. If it isn't clear to them that I'm saying the couple needs to work together to have a plan before deciding to marry, then we're dealing with morons. Since I doubt that's the case, I'm thinking they can figure out I'm talking to both of them. I already posted that one of my daughters is the primary earner in her family, (even while pregnant) so you can put the women's lib gun back in your holster.

If the couple doesn't know how they are going to manage their living expenses, perhaps there's been a premature petitioning. It's not a value judgement. It's purely practical. If it's the woman who proposed marriage, my comment still stands. It matters not who instigated. Both the male and female agreed to marry. If the man's plan is for the wife to support him for a while that's a plan but it doesn't appear to be this couple's plan.

[rebeccajo 14]

The men I've known in my life all knew how they were going to support their brides before they proposed. A few boys weren't so wise. Perhaps you're a premature petitioner.

Yes, because as we all know, its ALWAYS the men who have to 'support' the women...

No need for pissy responses and personal attacks. It doesn't matter whether the OP is a woman. I'm writing about men and brides. Doesn't matter which one is which. If it isn't clear to them that I'm saying the couple needs to work together to have a plan before deciding to marry, then we're dealing with morons. Since I doubt that's the case, I'm thinking they can figure out I'm talking to both of them. I already posted that one of my daughters is the primary earner in her family, (even while pregnant) so you can put the women's lib gun back in your holster.

If the couple doesn't know how they are going to manage their living expenses, perhaps there's been a premature petitioning. It's not a value judgement. It's purely practical. If it's the woman who proposed marriage, my comment still stands. It matters not who instigated. Both the male and female agreed to marry. If the man's plan is for the wife to support him for a while that's a plan but it doesn't appear to be this couple's plan.

That's the biggest load of shite and you know it, Mike. Your first post to the OP referred to a MALE writer and so did the post Tracy quotes.

You're all about coming back to threads you've posted in if you are 'right' and hammering it into people that you are right? How about admitting when you are WRONG?

Or is this post more about your freaking value judgment instead of STRAIGHT TALK.......

[tmma 467]

The men I've known in my life all knew how they were going to support their brides before they proposed. A few boys weren't so wise. Perhaps you're a premature petitioner.

Yes, because as we all know, its ALWAYS the men who have to 'support' the women...

No need for pissy responses and personal attacks. It doesn't matter whether the OP is a woman. I'm writing about men and brides. Doesn't matter which one is which. If it isn't clear to them that I'm saying the couple needs to work together to have a plan before deciding to marry, then we're dealing with morons. Since I doubt that's the case, I'm thinking they can figure out I'm talking to both of them. I already posted that one of my daughters is the primary earner in her family, (even while pregnant) so you can put the women's lib gun back in your holster.

If the couple doesn't know how they are going to manage their living expenses, perhaps there's been a premature petitioning. It's not a value judgement. It's purely practical. If it's the woman who proposed marriage, my comment still stands. It matters not who instigated. Both the male and female agreed to marry. If the man's plan is for the wife to support him for a while that's a plan but it doesn't appear to be this couple's plan.

That's the biggest load of shite and you know it, Mike. Your first post to the OP referred to a MALE writer and so did the post Tracy quotes.

You're all about coming back to threads you've posted in if you are 'right' and hammering it into people that you are right? How about admitting when you are WRONG?

Or is this post more about your freaking value judgment instead of STRAIGHT TALK.......

Not sure what's going on here ^^^^

...but I was wondering, RJ, is there something wrong with stating that a financial plan ( or at least having an idea) BEFORE the SO immigrates is a good idea for all concerned? Really that's my advise to the OP( and not preaching at all...).