New and Overwhelmed!

[krash 0]

Hi, my name is Andrew and I've found this website after doing some research, and becoming very overwhelmed!

I'm 21 years old and living in the UK. My girlfriend is the same age and living the the US. We've been in a long-distance relationship for nearly 6 years now, and we just want to finally be together! But not being terribly smart on this topic, I have absolutely no-idea what our options are.

I don't know how I can legally be with my girlfriend or how much money I'll need. I was hoping to find some direction or advice!

I have lived in the US, 2 years ago I applied for a student visa and studied at university. But the tuition costs got the better of me and I was forced to return home. For the past year I've been working full time as a Senior Web Developer, (in the UK) with skills that I can use where ever I am. I'm hoping this will help us and our case.

I've also been able to put away some savings to start our life together - but its difficult to really gauge how much money I will need to carry this out.

Its a really scary and exciting time, I love my girlfriend very much and where I believe this long-distance has really strengthened our relationship we both feel it's time to move to the next step.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much

Andrew.

[Stepbrow 0]

Hi, my name is Andrew and I've found this website after doing some research, and becoming very overwhelmed!

I'm 21 years old and living in the UK. My girlfriend is the same age and living the the US. We've been in a long-distance relationship for nearly 6 years now, and we just want to finally be together! But not being terribly smart on this topic, I have absolutely no-idea what our options are.

I don't know how I can legally be with my girlfriend or how much money I'll need. I was hoping to find some direction or advice!

I have lived in the US, 2 years ago I applied for a student visa and studied at university. But the tuition costs got the better of me and I was forced to return home. For the past year I've been working full time as a Senior Web Developer, (in the UK) with skills that I can use where ever I am. I'm hoping this will help us and our case.

I've also been able to put away some savings to start our life together - but its difficult to really gauge how much money I will need to carry this out.

Its a really scary and exciting time, I love my girlfriend very much and where I believe this long-distance has really strengthened our relationship we both feel it's time to move to the next step.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much

Andrew.

Hi Andrew, The best place to start is the guides tab at the top of the page. You also can learn a lot by going to the USCIS website. Finally, you can learn more by reading the instructions for each form that applies to your case.

Best of luck

[krash 0]

Oh I've read through the guides, and they're great for explaining the visa process, once started. But I'm still a little hazy on the first steps... should we apply for the K1 now? When should we get married? I've heard that there are changes to the visa process this month, will these changes seriously affect the current process? I have no idea how much money I should have saved before I even start thinking about moving my life to the US - any helpful directions on these would be very very much appreciated!

I've also read through the I-129f instructions - I don't think we will have a problem with evidence to prove our relationship - with 6 years of emails, letters, flight tickets and proof that I studied at the same university as her. My only real concern is finance. Will my salary be of importance to our case? - She is currently still in college and not earning a significant salary.

Will my current visa (student - which expires in 2011) interfere at all?

I'm sorry for being an absolute newbie! ha!

Thank you very much for your help!

[Zee Bee 61]

1. It will be the income of the USC that will be looked at. The CO is not going to be concerned with the employment status of the beneficiary. Here are the guidelines the USC has to meet: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

If she does not make enough then she can find a qualified cosponsor.

2. You may be asked about your previous visa but as long as you did not overstay it you should have no problems with the K1

3. If you have all the docs required to file the K1 then you can go ahead and file it now. If you want to get married first and then file for a K3 or CR1 you can do that as well. I have no idea what the changes to the visa process you are talking about.

Welcome to VJ and good luck on your journey

[DARUMA07 25]

Andrew, First, take a deep breath! This Visa Journey isn't as hard as it appears. With careful planning between you and your Fiancee, you will get through this fine. She is the one who has to Petition you. They will go by her income. Doesn't mean you can't help her out though. The advice Zeenusha gave you was really good. Try to look over the guides and look for all of the fees and that will give you an idea where you and your fiancee stand... There is alot of help here on VJ. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you have them. The UK has their own Forum that you can ask Questions.

I want to wish you both good luck in your Journey you are about to take! You will do fine!

[~Chad~ 0]

It's nice to meet you Andrew, good luck with your journey

[warriorprincess 0]

Hi Andrew and welcome to VJ. You could start by reading the guidelines. They'll give you a clear understanding on how to proceed. There are also many great people here who'll help you along if need be. All the best in your journey.

[przy 0]

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to VJ! Good luck with your journey. Stick around here and you can have all your questions answered along the way. The people here are very knowledgable and caring (as we are going to/are going through/have gone through the same process).

Once again, much luck.

Przy

[krash 0]

Thank you very very much for the help! We're definitely going to need it! I can see the process is going to be somewhat more interesting than my student visa.

I really appreciate the reassuring words and answers. I'm sure I'll be asking every question under the sun in the coming months!

Thank you all again

[mrsartis 10]

Hi There Krash,

fist and foremost.. are you wiling to be relocated? are you moving out of UK or is she moving in with you in UK..

if its the first one.. you got a lot of options.. you can be petitioned as a k1(fiance) or as a k3 or cr1 if you chose to get married in UK but since now that you are not together... its best you should be peititoned with k1.. initially you will be needing $455 for the petition.. then you may take it from there.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Welcome to VJ. K1 is the way to go for your situation. I'm sure you'll have a smooth ride.

[vichygurl 1]

Welcome to VJ Andrew!

Good Luck!

vida

[valenbb 0]

welcome and best of luck!

[Savanphil 3]

Welcome and good luck on your journey

[sara..... 371]

welcome to vj......looks like u already got good advise so i will wish for u a fast and problem free journey what ever visa u decide to do

sara