What if we can't meet financial requirements?

[Serena Klein 0]

In July '06 I attempted to fly to UK, and was stopped at the gate. After a year of personal research, I thought I was set. I get to the door and immigrations stops me because we're too poor. After an evaluation of both of our skills and income potentials, I was denied Leave to Enter.

Wow. I have flown into the UK at least 50 times, probably more. Usually they just flip through my passport and say "nice to see you again" or "have a nice trip, it's been a few weeks." I don't think that I have ever been asked any questions about anything (while I always do get the third degree going to Canada where much of my family lives.)

Also - the secret of flying into Heathrow. Waste 15 minutes and get on the bus to the domestic terminal before doing immigration. There is no one in line there. This will avoid the 2 hour line of the 747s from India and Pakistan that just arrived at Terminal 3 or 4 and always seem to be in front of you in line...

I went to Manchester and didn't get 50 yards into the gate, no exaggeration. And at the risk of sounding dramatic - the woman wouldnt even let us see each other. After saying neither of us were allowed through security, then making sure he'd left, she escorted me through security to the ticket counter where I had to purchase my return ticket, and she insisted it be for the flight that was leaving now. Even argued with the airline personnel that they would be footing the bill for my overnight stay if they did not get me on that flight. You're all gonna bite my head off for this, but no I didn't have a return ticket. I was under the obviously uneducated impression that I was able to stay for at least 6 mos, in which time he could and would have easily purchased my ticket back home. We were not as prepared as we thought we were, we know this.

This particular incident isnt the issue, but I could go on about it quite a bit.. seems I have done so anyway O_o

[KarenCee 3]

Just a question. I understand the need for the financial support, but the level is set at $16,000? I am in the process of bringing my fiancee here and decided to get a different job because I didn't think the $30,000 I am making now would be good enough to support her and myself. For those of you that just made the cutoff, how realistically can you support a wife/husband and yourself on that? I'm just curious...I know eventually my fiancee wants to work once she has settled in here, but for the time being, I will be financially responsible for her.

I am a very frugal person. I have a daughter to support and I was just over the cutoff amount when I petitioned for my now husband on the K1. How realistic was I? Very. I know how to make ends meet. I know how to save money. It's all about living within your means. Just to let you know...before my husband got his EAD we made it just fine. Maybe we didn't go out and eat five nights a week, or shop for new things every weekend, or go on trips but we did it. All on my income...the same income that supported two people prior to his arrival.

If you know what you're doing, it CAN be done.

To the OP...getting your GED *should* be your first step as I'm sure you've already seen on here. I'm not sure what the job market is like where you are but you might have to branch out a bit geographically. It's not impossible...believe me...been there done that. Good luck with things.

Edited May 19, 2007 by KarenCee

[Minya's wife 25]

I've read and re-read this thread, and something just doesn't sound right. The OP doesn't have a college, or even a high school degree, yet her spelling and grammar is impeccable?! Not only that but her vocabulary (word choices) is such that its difficult for me to believe that she works at Taco Hell and hasn't been able to find any better employment. Depression aside, she sounds remarkably 'put-together' in her various posts. Just by the virtue of the posts I would say the OP would pass the verbal section of the GED test w/ flying colors.

OP, in the original post you directed people to "search username Iruparazzo on YouTube to see some video of us together". Well I did that....and again an inconsistency. There are videos there showing you working at Arby's not Taco Bell....so which fast food joint is it? Also, I see that both you and SO look very young. I would venture to say you are both under your 'mid twenties' in age. You both definitely have time to adjust the impediments in you life that prevent you from sponsoring each other in the immigration process.

If the biggest difficulty you have, to moving forward is depression....you would need professional help for that. A public forum can offer you some emotional support but it is certainly NO substitute for a consultation w/ a qualified health care professional. Jus MHO....

-P

Edited May 19, 2007 by Paula&Minya

[HannahP 119]

Paula&Minya -

The OP's history and looks, ah, remind me of someone that is a member of another board that I am also on. (Completely non-visa related.) So I'm a little freaked out myself.

[Minya's wife 25]

Paula&Minya -

The OP's history and looks, ah, remind me of someone that is a member of another board that I am also on. (Completely non-visa related.) So I'm a little freaked out myself.

Yeah...I wanted to name it as "troll-ish" behavior, but I don't want to jump the gun....so I put the inconsistencies out there, see what others think. It just doesn't add up.

-P

[trueimage 0]

I agree that you should seek a second job and with the money that you earn there (since you are already used to living on less) you should put into savings. The visa process is not cheap and it is going to get more expensive. By the time you calculate all the fees (which are going up), notarizations, fedex of documents, airfare for his arrival, etc., you are going to have to spend a bundle. Don't be discouraged. Be motivated! If you are truly in love, you will make a way for the two of you to be together. Best of luck to you!

[Serena Klein 0]

wow.... ok.

Check the dates on the YouTube submissions. No way to prove this to you guys but I started working at Taco Bell in March of this year.

I was born 10/22/1980, I am 4'10. I am often accused of looking younger than I am he is indeed a bit younger than me, he will be 21 in July.

Just because I dropped out of high school doesn't mean I can't have good grammar :/ Again, depression is an issue, and has been all my life.

I think if anything I was trolling for a little sympathy in hopes of finding someone with some encouraging words. Much of which I've received and am grateful for and indeed hope to find more.

As for knowing me from other boards... I haven't been on any boards besides this one and Guild Wars Lore Forums in a long while.

Any other questions? I have nothing to hide.

[Serena Klein 0]

edit button not work? O_o

I wanted to add another thing - in July '06 after the failed attempt to fly to UK, I had to move back to my parents home in Phoenix. I began working at Arby's. I worked and saved and in December Ashley and I had our holiday. When I returned home I did not return working at Arby's, instead sat around here feeling sorry for myself. Then in March I began working for Taco Bell. Want me to make some Taco Bell videos to put on YouTube? :\

[kitkat1 5]

You've been given a ton of excellent advice. There is nothing more anyone can say to help you. If you do not meet the financial requirements, you either need to find a better paying job, get a second job or find a sponsor. That's all - that's how it works

[Serena Klein 0]

Yes, thank you. I suppose there's nothing left for me here until I'm good enough to report a success, as it would seem that's what this place is for.

I cant believe I've had to defend myself like this.

Edited May 19, 2007 by Serena Klein

[kitkat1 5]

Yes, thank you. I suppose there's nothing left for me here until I'm good enough to report a success, as it would seem that's what this place is for.

?

No, there's nothing left for anyone to offer you that hasn't already been said.

[JenT 0]

Best wishes, Serena. I hope you're find the help you need to feel better and take control of your financial situation.

Jen

[trueimage 0]

Yes, thank you. I suppose there's nothing left for me here until I'm good enough to report a success, as it would seem that's what this place is for.

I cant believe I've had to defend myself like this.

This is a good place to come for advice, help, and encouragement. Not everyone here has a success story, but most of them are still encouraged and fighting (or waiting) for what they want. It's not an easy process, but it's not necessarily a hopeless process either. Everyone here is in the same boat. There is a ton of help and encouragement to be found here, but the only magic formula for obtaining an approval is meeting the requirements. We don't make the rules, we just follow them. If you sincerely want your SO to come here and marry you, then you must concentrate on meeting the income requirements. And I must again add that meeting those income requirements is only the beginning. It can become very expensive and before it is all said and done, you will have spent a few thousand dollars (at the very least). Don't take all of this as discouragement. Take it as 'now you know what you need' and go get it. In my personal situation, I meet the income requirements. But it's all of the other things that are draining me finacially. I'm trying to prepare for our trip to the consulate which will be expensive as well as getting our documents prepared and then the AOS fees that will come shortly afterward. I'm pinching pennies now to make sure I have them for later. You can do it. All of us here are doing it. It's just a matter of 'how badly do you want it?'. Keep you head up. It's a long hard road and it will definately try your relationship with your SO again and again. No one here is going to tell you that it is easy, but we will tell you that it is possible. Again, best of luck to you.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Sorry to hear about your situation

People are right, the options are few on this point

*Finish highschool (not just for the visa process but for yourself! ), so that you can later look for a better position. I think this is the best option really.

*Get a second job (this would make it harder for you to finish highschool, so I think you should go with the first option)

*Keep trying for a co-sponsor

or...

*Consider a third party country where you can both live together, maybe untill you can save up some money and finish highschool

Good luck,

Caro

[Jamie76 0]

Are you still living at home with your parents? If you are, I'd seriously consider getting your GED and then think about going to a tech school part time for your associates degree. It's hard enough finding a decent job with a bachelors degree let along trying to get one without even a high school diploma. You have the added advantage of living at home so you don't have to worry much about bills.

Also, think about a second job as others have stated. Wal-mart is ALWAYS hiring. They also have some benefits. I know some people that started off with the Wal-mart here from day 1 and they are doing well for themselves.

You work and go to school and try to get a few hours of sleep in between. Seriously. It's not an easy road to go down, but if this is what you want, you are going to need to make some sacrifices. Once he gets there, where will he stay? Will your parents take you both in, or will you get an apartment? Nothing ruins a relationship faster than having to stay with the parents and apartments in a city like Phoenix are going to run you over $500 plus utilities easily. A check from Taco Bell alone is not going to be enough. Remember, it will take time before he will be able to work.

I think everyone here has given you some good advice. It's up to you to decide how or if you want to take it. Anything that is worth having takes time and hard work to get.