spouse visa - what is the process?

[ClaireGio 35]

HI

Well I originally posted in the fiance visa forum but been thinking and now want some advice from people who did it the other way...

SO I live in LOndon and my fella lives in Utah. Basically we want to be living and working together in the USA at some point. I don't particularly want to give up my airline job in LOndon with no job to go to in the states so.... is it advisable for us to marry in the USA, for me to come home and carry on working as normal, file for a green card and wait for the motions to take place, and when I do finaly get a GC, apply for a flying job in the states? I basically don't want to be out of work for a prolonged period of time, not really for financial reasons, but my own sanity. I don't think I could hang around in the states, not working, I think it would actually drive me insane! Is this realistic? What forms do we initially need to fill out? Any advice appreciated!

Claire

[Matt & Rocio 28]

HI

Well I originally posted in the fiance visa forum but been thinking and now want some advice from people who did it the other way...

SO I live in LOndon and my fella lives in Utah. Basically we want to be living and working together in the USA at some point. I don't particularly want to give up my airline job in LOndon with no job to go to in the states so.... is it advisable for us to marry in the USA, for me to come home and carry on working as normal, file for a green card and wait for the motions to take place, and when I do finaly get a GC, apply for a flying job in the states? I basically don't want to be out of work for a prolonged period of time, not really for financial reasons, but my own sanity. I don't think I could hang around in the states, not working, I think it would actually drive me insane! Is this realistic? What forms do we initially need to fill out? Any advice appreciated!

Claire

My advice would be to get married and then have your husband submit an I-130 petition for alien relative. This will start the process of obtaining a CR-1 visa. This process generally takes between 6-12 months and once you have the visa you are eligible to move to the US and start working right away.

The fiance visa can take less time to obtain, but once you move to the US you have to get married within 90-days and then you usually can't leave the country until you complete adjustment of status. It is also my understanding that you are not eligible to work in the US during this time.

I live in Utah and love it here.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

The first part of your plan- ie the spousal visa- is realistic, and it does mean you can apply for jobs as soon as you get to the USA. How to do it/ what documents you need here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1 Keep in mind that it may not be easy to find a flying job- or any job, so even if you CAN work, that doesn't mean you WILL work.

[ClaireGio 35]

Thanks for your swift replies. Whilst I realise the jobs market is competitive I want the option of looking and applying - I'm not a sit on my ####### type of woman, need to keep busy! Heading to salt lake citt tomorrow to be with my beloved, I'll be sure to keep all my boarding cards this time!

[cathy2904 97]

Just to let you know, we did the spouse visa and went from filing to visa in hand in just over 7 months so it can be a pretty quick process. I would certainly recommend it for the very reason you are considering it - having the ability to work (or at least seek work) as soon as you arrive.

Also, the only evidence we submitted (apart from our marriage certificate of course) was three affidavits from people who knew us as a couple.

Edited March 23, 2012 by cathy2904