It's been a while VJ!!

[Julie&Chris 1]

Hey everyone!! Haven't been on here in soooo long!! We had a gorgeous baby boy on May 4th so haven't really had the time...I've just been feeling really down lately due to this AOS thing and this is why...

Rent, electric, car, food, diapers, baby food, baby clothes, phone, internet etc etc BUT they expect me to sit around with only my husband working and still pay allllll the money for AOS?? #######

Yes we got married in Feb but I was pregnant and we were planning on sending in my forms over the summer...that didn't happen. WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY RIGHT NOW...ugh I am so stressed!!

I am defo going to apply in December so I hope they don't think twice about anything.

[rocks 494]

Hey everyone!! Haven't been on here in soooo long!! We had a gorgeous baby boy on May 4th so haven't really had the time...I've just been feeling really down lately due to this AOS thing and this is why...

Rent, electric, car, food, diapers, baby food, baby clothes, phone, internet etc etc BUT they expect me to sit around with only my husband working and still pay allllll the money for AOS?? #######

Yes we got married in Feb but I was pregnant and we were planning on sending in my forms over the summer...that didn't happen. WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY RIGHT NOW...ugh I am so stressed!!

I am defo going to apply in December so I hope they don't think twice about anything.

Unfortunately everyone who gets a K-1 has to pay the fees for AOS. It takes a while for it to be processed too. Not being able to drive would be the biggest drawback for me!

[Que Saudade 284]

Sorry to hear you are feeling down. It does play on the mind.

However, I think with being a new mom, that the time spent at home with your new infant is critical. Not every mom gets that opportunity anymore. (I'm not suggesting that women should stay at home with the baby) But, it is a special time. Since you can't file AOS right now until finances get a little better, look on the bright side and remind yourself how lucky you guys are that you are able to spend that critical bonding time with your new baby. BTW, congratulations on the new addition to your family.

Good luck with your adjustment.!!

[HelenBradley 28]

Unfortunately everyone who gets a K-1 has to pay the fees for AOS. It takes a while for it to be processed too. Not being able to drive would be the biggest drawback for me!

I know what you mean. We all know the fees we have to pay when we start. I figure that was where our wedding money went Since the actual wedding was super cheap. Depending on the state rules though, you are able to drive with a UK license for up to a year unless you become a resident of that state.

OP: I waited a month after my I-94 expired to file my AOS, so I know there are more convenient times to file than right after marriage, but it was a top priority! I did not enjoy being 'out of status'. If I were you I'd file asap. You don't want to wait too long in the K1 limbo. Having your greencard allows you to do many things that will help you get settled into your new life here.

Best of luck with everything!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Set up a savings account that you can't access with an ATM card. Every payday transfer a little money into that savings account and then forget about it. Don't touch the money - not even in an emergency. That money doesn't exist. Put it out of your head. If you can manage to set aside $50 from every paycheck, and if you get paid every two weeks, you'll have the money in a little over 10 months.

It's hard to get together over $1000 all at once. Many people never have that much extra money. It's not hard to save that much money a little at a time, if you exercise a little discipline.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Just wanted to add that you need to budget a little more than the $1070 since your medical will be more than a year old and you will need to pay a civil surgeon to get a new one done before filing.

I know how expensive babies/children can be, and can make the household budget really tight at times. Good luck to you!