American engaged to an Englishman, worried about tons of stuff.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I have to say this, and I don't mean to come across as crass or harsh in any way. Please understand the favor you'll be asking of whomever you ask to be a co-sponsor. I would assume that the same person would be your co-sponsor for AOS, and the I-1864 would be in effect for 40 quarters of work (not always 10 years if the beneficiary doesn't have a steady job), until he would naturalize, or death. I'm not calling your relationship into question, but so many people blow right through the severity of this, then later are asking 'how do I get out of this?' I understand everyone has to do what they have to do, but especially to be asking a friend to sponsor your fiance, you really should let them know exactly what they are getting into.

eta: Good luck to you!

If the sponsor is the married partner of the immigrant, and they both are working during the same twenty quarters, then the liablitity ends.

This of course doesn't apply when the sponsor is not the immigrants spouse.

[MalloryEvans 0]

I wasn't making any assumptions "about you". I was speaking the same advice I would to any UK/US couple in your situation. Meaning young people without kids.

I would disagree with you about the NHS and health care in Great Britain, but that's a political hot topic and there's no point in arguing over it. I know that NHS service varies widely from trust to trust. My spouse has had the opposite experiences from your Brendan. So it's just a "thing", you know?

At any rate, as you seem to be settled on the idea of living in the US, I will reiterate and expound on the part of my advice which you didn't mention. There are areas of the US desperately in need of mental health professionals. You could earn a good living in those areas. You wouldn't need the free room and board you have now because you could afford a decent place. You'd have health insurance. You'd be earning enough that you wouldn't need sponsorship from another person. I suggest you check it out.

Ah, I see why you mentioned us not having children, then. I have considered moving but my reasons for not moving are more intricate than the affordability. Part of it is I have a lot of ties here that I'm actually afraid to just... up and leave. Especially alone. But it is good advice.