discouraging

[modmodgirl 2]

After reading all of these posts about work, I'm discouraged. My fiance is set to come here in April. I'm not a big money earner and have enough to pay for myself ( rent is very high were I live). It's crazy, how is my fiance going to work if they won't give him an employment authorization after we apply for adjustment of status. From what I'm reading on timelines it takes 6 months to a year to adjust the status and get an authorization for employment. It's too difficult. How does the US govt. expect to have someone earn any money during this process? I want to focus on my wedding and my new life, and while reading about the reality, I think he should reconsider coming here, and I should move to France where at least it doesn't cost anything to become a permanent resident and the spouse can have healthcare too without insurance.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or is that just the reality for legal immigration to the US?

[Inky 1,110]

Its the reality of immigration to the USA.

But if you read on VJ its not taking a year to get the green card and you can apply for EAD free with AOS and EAD usually arrives after about 3 months-ish and he can start working with that before he gets the green card.

[bigdog 376]

You can have a work permit, EAD and AP travel in about 3 months not a year, don't give up. The postings you may read which seem odd and might suggest fraudulent means are the ones which slow the process for everyone. USCIS appears to handle everyone basically the same, no one wants to indicate an approval and have it back fire in them. K1 should be about 6-7 months, then marriage and AOS another 10 months or so. Thats why they have a 125% income level, it is tough to do this process and it is not for the faint of heart., may the VJ forces be with you.

[modmodgirl 2]

But I thought that the EAD was only temporary ( lasting for 90 days), or is that something else that I am recalling having read.

[modmodgirl 2]

It's tough enough with this economy and not being an American citizen... how do immigrants find work. The economy is so bad here right now. I need to see the positive side in this somehow... I need to have faith that it will all work out.

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

But I thought that the EAD was only temporary ( lasting for 90 days), or is that something else that I am recalling having read.

that is the ead stamp that was given out in the past. the ead received from filing for aos is valid for much longer (i think it's a year, by which time you should have the green card, which replaces the ead).

[Moomin 292]

There's some old information you might have been reading. It's true that upon arrival you could apply for EAD but it would take around 90 days to get approved. The i-94 is good for 90 days(duration of authorized stay) so it would be pointless to be able to work for a few days when it costs more to apply for it. When you apply for EAD at the same time as AOS you waive the fee of the EAD and once approved, it's valid until receiving greencard since greencard holders are allowed to work.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

To minimize down time, marry and file AOS right away. In 3 months or less your fiance will get his EAD which is good for a year. Within that year (prob around 4 months) he will get his GC and be a permanent resident (EAD no longer needed). In other words, he takes only a 3 month vacation from work.

[mr and mrs 187]

It's tough enough with this economy and not being an American citizen... how do immigrants find work. The economy is so bad here right now. I need to see the positive side in this somehow... I need to have faith that it will all work out.

if the conditions of US immigration and the realities of the US economy are not appealing to you, by all means, go to france.

[GnBnL 50]

We got married in September, filed in October, and I should have my work auth card in the mail this week. It's not as long as you think, but it is a good idea to be prepared for the financial stress it could cause and also the stress on your partner. If you choose this route, but sure to save plenty until work auth is approved, and give your foreign spouse encouragement to volunteer and join community activities to keep him occupied so he doesn't get cabin fever. It all seems very intimidating, but its not so bad. 3 months, think of it as the period between when the kids go back to school and Christmas. Not so bad if you're prepared. Good luck!

[modmodgirl 2]

Everyone here is amazing. Thank you for all your help. I will talk it over with him and see what the better solution is to stay on this visa journey path or for me to move to France ( another country with a tough economy and not job friendly to foreigners). Oi vey. Maybe I need to just live in the present moment enjoy that the visa was approved and just take it day by day.

[easyriders2011 14]

If you are just beginning to file for the K1 visa, perhaps you should reconsider and get married and file a CIR-1. The time frame is a bit longer, a couple of months but you avoid all of these being able to work problems you are worried about because he will get his green card shortly after arriving in the US.

[Dan & Jenni 457]

Everyone here is amazing. Thank you for all your help. I will talk it over with him and see what the better solution is to stay on this visa journey path or for me to move to France ( another country with a tough economy and not job friendly to foreigners). Oi vey. Maybe I need to just live in the present moment enjoy that the visa was approved and just take it day by day.

wherever you go right now you will have the same problem regarding finding work. on the upside... you do have 6 month from the date of visa approval to look at the job situation in both countries and decide on what is best for you both.

[gildayjason 2]

Rereading your post, it says he is scheduled to come in April. Is this because his visa is already approved and you are just waiting for the right moment for him to come? or is this when you expect his visa to approved?

From what the OP is saying, her fiancé's K1 has already been approved.

Maybe I need to just live in the present moment enjoy that the visa was approved and just take it day by day.

[modmodgirl 2]

I suppose we should have researched more. I have a better paying job here than he does in France. It's so tricky weighing the benefits US ( slightly better economy? maybe easier to find work here), but have to pay for healthcare and his English is better than my French. On the other hand, in France, healthcare coverage for permanent residents, no charge by French govt to become a citizen except for translation of documents, blood test by French doctor, and the red tape is about the same. Paris is as expensive as San Francisco ( rent), but public transportation is better... Sorry to go on and on. Maybe I should have married in France, then applied for the CR-1 visa. ugh. anyway, thanks everyone for your replies. xo