British perspective on my situation

[dustingthestars 9]

I'm currently in the process of trialling a new sleeping pattern that I read about to improve my efficiency and alertness during the day. It involves sleeping for 2 x 4 hour periods separated by a 2 hour gap in the middle where you go about a normal routine. It's currently going pretty well, although I have no real basis of comparison as yet. Tonight hasn't been entirely successful as I haven't been able to sleep for a while now (it's now 05:15 and I doubt I'll get back to sleep before my alarm goes off at 07:00!)

More and more over the past few days, I find myself visiting VJ and I'm not sure if it's helping or hurting my understanding of the process. I read a lot about processes in other countries and I begin to second-guess myself and the paperwork I need to organise to be successful. I then read something for the UK process and my head is turned again. I'm at a point right now where I'm second-guessing every step of the process and worrying about stuff that I'm not sure if I should be worrying or not?

We haven't even sent off the package yet and don't intend to until after we're married in July, and yet I feel like the process is ruling us already. Maybe I'm approaching this is the wrong way? I just have so many questions; some trivial and some important - I just don't know who to ask or where best to ask them to hear the best answers for my specific process?

Anyway, rant over for now - time to relax before the alarm sounds and another working week in Moscow begins! Счастливо!

Edited March 12, 2012 by dustingthestars

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I'm just mulling over a couple of things, like you do on a late evening in Moscow (21:15 here). I keep thinking that Mandy's lack of work and filling of taxes over the past few years might be an issue at the Consulate with regards to her being perceived as being unable to support me, even though Ed will be onboard with his I-864 to secure everything. I just worry a lot about stuff I can't control or that I can get a definitive answer on - one of my many idiosyncrasies!

She will have to fill out I-864 even if she puts zero income down. She will have to write a statement saying why she was not required to file.

[date]

I Mandy Smith have been a full-time student at Harvard from [date] to present studying to be a brain surgeon.

(This line is optional but if it's something impressive, throw it in)

• I did not file an income tax return in 2011 because I earned $357.29 in 2011 which was below the $9500.00 filing threshhold for a single taxpayer.
  
  
• I did not file an income tax return in 2010 because I earned $2345.10 in 2010 which was below the $9350.00 filing threshhold for a single taxpayer.
  
  
• I did not file an income tax return in 2009 because I earned $0.00 in 2009 which was below the $9350.00 filing threshhold for a single taxpayer.
  
  

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the above is a true statement based on all information of which I have knowledge.

[signature]

Those are the correct threshhold levels. I looked them up. As long as she has an I-864 from a joint sponsor who meets the requirement, she will be approved. Don't you read all the posts about people needing joint sponsors? They just want somebody to show them the money if she can't.

[dustingthestars 9]

Thanks for taking the time to put that together, Nich-Nick.

I just worry because she has earned $0 for the last three years and she hasn't been in school for all of the last three years. She also claims food stamps. I guess I'm just worried that even with a co-sponsor they may look unfavourably on our circumstances.

I'm someone that likes to think realistically, almost to the point of extinguishing any hope that I might have...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for taking the time to put that together, Nich-Nick.

I just worry because she has earned $0 for the last three years and she hasn't been in school for all of the last three years. She also claims food stamps. I guess I'm just worried that even with a co-sponsor they may look unfavourably on our circumstances.

I'm someone that likes to think realistically, almost to the point of extinguishing any hope that I might have...

Chin up mate. Leave out the dates. I am a student and have not been employed for the last three years.

All you can do is try. The guy who should be worried is the one signing on to support you even if you turn out to be a lousy loser who ditches his daughter for her best friend. Show your potential at the interview to be employable. I hope you have some skills you can make sound very impressive for employment. It's not the British way so I hear, but that's what American resumes are all about...making yourself sound impressive. The Brits on here looking for work often comment it sounds like bragging. Make a plan if asked "What the heck are you two lovebirds going to live off of?

[dustingthestars 9]

I plan on studying when I'm over there - I want to do an MBA. Whilst I'm doing that, I'm happy to do anything - I worked as a manager at McDonalds in my past and would be quite happy, if necessary, to do that for as long as it takes.

We've talked about doing whatever it takes to survive. Ed keeps saying not to worry as he'll take care of everything. He even offered to build a house at the bottom of his yard for us! I know that we'll be fine once I'm there, it's the unknown that I don't like...

[dustingthestars 9]

Today is definitely a more positive day. I read through the forms I've completed for the process and also cross-referenced in the the evidence. I think we have a sound case on paper and at the interview I know I can answer any questions they will have for me.

[Elora & Rob 15]

personally I chose K1 as I didn't like the idea of being married and living awat from my wife. Maybe thats being ####### but it just didn't sit right with me.

[dustingthestars 9]

personally I chose K1 as I didn't like the idea of being married and living awat from my wife. Maybe thats being ####### but it just didn't sit right with me.

I thought about that, but it was negated by the even more negative feeling of not being able to support my wife for anywhere up to 6 months whilst I wait for AOS/EAD/AP to come through after marrying on the K-1.

For me, the CR-1 makes much more sense and I would much rather get married sooner, rather than later - for me sharing this visa journey with my wife will make the end result that bit richer, for us at least!

[Elora & Rob 15]

I thought about that, but it was negated by the even more negative feeling of not being able to support my wife for anywhere up to 6 months whilst I wait for AOS/EAD/AP to come through after marrying on the K-1.

For me, the CR-1 makes much more sense and I would much rather get married sooner, rather than later - for me sharing this visa journey with my wife will make the end result that bit richer, for us at least!

Its a fair point. For me I am on target to having about $35-40,000 saved up. When you factor in I won't be paying tax on that its more than enough to live off while I am out of work. My fiance will also be in fulltime employment by the time I move making enough for us to live survive even without my savings.

You should factor in that it might take you a bit of time to get a job. Thats what I am doing. The money I saved should last me over a year if worst comes to worst.

I know it may sound silly. But money is the last thing I care about now days. I just wan't to be with the woman I love.

Edited March 13, 2012 by Elora&Robert

[dustingthestars 9]

I've got a fair whack saved already. The lion-share of it's going to go on a house, likely in the summer when I go over, but we should still have $30k left or so - fingers crossed. I'll just keep adding to that as I go. I'm aiming to send the paperwork of at the beginning of August and then hopefully to interview in April/May at the latest, all being well.

I've had a few tentative enquiries regarding work, but I couldn't do anything as my being there is over a year off. It's definitely a good sign though. Our 'British-ness' is definitely something we can use to our favour! I've already mentioned it before, but I'll take anything in order to not interrupt my working history too much. I worked as a Manager at McDonalds before and I'd be happy to get my hands dirty in that field again if it means I bring home some bucks - at least until something more suitable comes up.

Money isn't really that important in the scheme of things, is it? Alone and wealthy isn't great, I'd be happy being poor and with the one I love any day!

I wish you luck in your journey and hope it all works out for you and your good lady - I saw Vegas on your profile? Is it like people think it is?

[Elora & Rob 15]

I've got a fair whack saved already. The lion-share of it's going to go on a house, likely in the summer when I go over, but we should still have $30k left or so - fingers crossed. I'll just keep adding to that as I go. I'm aiming to send the paperwork of at the beginning of August and then hopefully to interview in April/May at the latest, all being well.

I've had a few tentative enquiries regarding work, but I couldn't do anything as my being there is over a year off. It's definitely a good sign though. Our 'British-ness' is definitely something we can use to our favour! I've already mentioned it before, but I'll take anything in order to not interrupt my working history too much. I worked as a Manager at McDonalds before and I'd be happy to get my hands dirty in that field again if it means I bring home some bucks - at least until something more suitable comes up.

Money isn't really that important in the scheme of things, is it? Alone and wealthy isn't great, I'd be happy being poor and with the one I love any day!

I wish you luck in your journey and hope it all works out for you and your good lady - I saw Vegas on your profile? Is it like people think it is?

Thats good to hear mate. It does worry me at times when I see people moving over with no real plan in place. Although being with my fiance and getting married as soon as possible is a priority, your going to have another 50-60 years together so whats a few months longer apart to not #### your life up. I am sure if I wanted to I could be in US by September but my fiance will still be in school and I won't have as much money saved up as I would like.

I have gone through and put together a US resume. Its very different to a UK one. If you wanna see it PM me.

Like you I am prepared to do anything to make a living once I get to the US, however I have faith in myself. I am smart, have good qualifications, refrences and CV (resume). I should do ok but have money saved up just in case.

Everything you hear and read about Las Vegas is true....but there is a whole other side to it once you live there as well. Its a big city, the strip is just a few miles. For me theres allot of plus points. Theres allot of big businesses moving to vegas so job opportunities are on the rise. taxes are very low. vegas has been hit hard by the recesion but its coming back out now. rent and house prices are cheap. we will get a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice complex with a pool and gym, safe neigherhood for $600-700 a month and eventually be able to by somewhere simular for under $50,000. When you look at what that gets you in London its a big factor for why we moved. and its an easy place for me family to visit and they will never be short of things to do. My Dad and Borther love golf and my mum like shopping and thats what Vegas has allot of. Outside of Las Vegas its also beautiful. Its a 20 minutes drive from places like Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charlstone (have attached photos) Also the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead. You can drive to California in 4 hours to. Its a fun place, always things going on, the weather is great and only bad when it get to hot which doesn't bother me. I can't see us ever returning to England.

[dustingthestars 9]

Those pictures are amazing, you're lucky to be heading to such a lovely part of the US. Georgia is the same, but maybe I'm biased?

Totally get what you're saying about a few months not making a difference. We were talking about it last night and we've decided to give it another year of me working in Moscow in order to really get the finances saved and it gives here a chance to finish school and whatnot. Now is the time to be logical and pragmatic.

I still have an awesome summer trip to look forward to, CBP permitting!