What to do before he has permission to work

[Mmelon 8]

I am the petitioner, and I am trying to plan ahead for when my fiancé gets to the U.S. We plan on getting married shortly after his arrival, however I know he will not have permission to work for a few months. I work full-time, and I am really worried about him sitting alone at home while I am gone being bored and having too much time to feel sad and homesick and useless not being able to work yet. He has had very minimal education, and does not speak any English, so that is definitely a goal we want to work on during those months, but I am not sure of the best way to go about it. Right now, he has a very rosy picture of all the wonderful things he think America has and is, and despite all our conversations I don't think that he will quite understand how hard the adjustment will be until he arrives and experiences it. I live in South Florida and I am sure there must be a lot of classes for English learners, but I am not sure how to find them. I think it would also be neat if he could apprentice at some kind of trade during the day so that he has a skill when he receives permission to work and also confidence that he can fit in here. Can anyone share their experiences or tips or suggestions for the "transition" period and how you navigated it?

[NikLR 13,227]

He would still need work permission to apprentice into a trade. Normally takes about 90 days.

I'll be honest, I haven't worked since I've been here and it's about driving me batty, and I haven't been here a month yet! He will definitely need things to do to keep him busy, show him how to get to the library, look up ESL classes at the library, through the community, a local college, anywhere...

[cclr 6]

I would google ESL classes in your area. There should be some free or low cost community classes, if you have a community center that is also a place to look. If you can't find anything call the local high school or community college and ask them I am sure they will know where you can find some English classes. As for the apprenticeship, maybe contact a local union for a trade that he is interested in, they will be able to tell you if they take apprentices and if not where to look. Good luck!

[Mmelon 8]

He would still need work permission to apprentice into a trade. Normally takes about 90 days.

I'll be honest, I haven't worked since I've been here and it's about driving me batty, and I haven't been here a month yet! He will definitely need things to do to keep him busy, show him how to get to the library, look up ESL classes at the library, through the community, a local college, anywhere...

Really? Even if he didn't get paid? Like if he just hung around at an auto repair shop and helped or with carpentry, that would be illegal?

I just feel bad because as a guy, and a guy who has been working since he was 6 years old, I know he is going to feel really bad about me being the only "provider." I want him to feel like he is doing something important and not like he is being "babysat" or something. I will definitely search out ESL classes locally. Thanks NikiR

[DavidLovesPheap 6]

If you are members of any religion then there are usually some resources available there as well. I intend to enroll my fiancee in LDS Institute of Religion courses during the day to help her out with her English and help her meet friends here while I work during most days, and will join her days I don't work since I have a day or two off each week normally. That works well for us, as she already has moderate English language skills, and we are both members of the LDS Church, but I'm sure there are resources available through just about every religion and/or denomination.

[Mmelon 8]

Thanks everyone! I will look into all these tips. I want to make his adjustment as smooth as possible

[NikLR 13,227]

The adjustment might be hard anyhow. It's part of why we did a CR1 visa over a K1 because I wanted to be able to work or travel asap. Also look into expats from his area in your area. I'm sure theres a few! Try out some new hobbies together like golf? Join a softball league or something that get you both out of the house and doing things. Even getting a dog together and going to the dog park can be helpful.

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Impress upon him that this period of seeming boredom is tailor-made for him to learn English, and that if he learns it thoroughly and well, the world is his oyster.

Ask him to count the number of fellow Spanish-speakers in his ESL class who are jealous of him because he's married to a gringa and has the chance to practice, si man!