"Wish I would have thought of that" list.

[shaolincrane 69]

For the other who have received their K1 and moved to the US, what is a list if things you realized you needed, or would have made the transition much easier and well as the wait during AOS? I would like to compile as much stuff as possible to help with this fairly radical life change for her.

 

For my fiance I purchased her a car as well as lined up all paperwork for health/auto insurance. 

 

Got information and applications for local ESL courses as well as credited courses.

 

And so far this is where I've gone, save for the fairly obvious like phone plan, gym memberships, etc.

 

What else did you find or wish you did, during this stage (or even after) that would have helped?

[Georgia16 2,858]

You have done a lot already! 
just want to remind you that depending on your state she may not be able to drive before she gets her EAD. 
 

Also make sure she can get some stuff to the house to make it hers as well. 
and maybe find some stores nearby or online that have food from home. I know I was really Happy when I could get some food from home. 

[Duke & Marie 1,389]

3 hours ago, shaolincrane said:

For the other who have received their K1 and moved to the US, what is a list if things you realized you needed, or would have made the transition much easier and well as the wait during AOS? I would like to compile as much stuff as possible to help with this fairly radical life change for her.

 

For my fiance I purchased her a car as well as lined up all paperwork for health/auto insurance. 

 

Got information and applications for local ESL courses as well as credited courses.

 

And so far this is where I've gone, save for the fairly obvious like phone plan, gym memberships, etc.

 

What else did you find or wish you did, during this stage (or even after) that would have helped?

 

I think you’ve planned well... be sure to save a little on the side for things she might need and other unplanned events.. k1/AOS is a very slow process and things will likely come up.. 

 

im not sure how study affects K1.. e.g. participation in courses etc... it’s an perfect time to do it, but pls check to ensure it’s ok without affecting her visa or AOS etc particularly if it’s classroom based...

 

just remember there reciprocal rules that apply to her home country driver licence that are state specific that you need to check to ensure she isn’t driving illegally.. 

Edited December 22, 2019 by Duke & Marie

[shaolincrane 69]

2 hours ago, Georgia16 said:

You have done a lot already! 
just want to remind you that depending on your state she may not be able to drive before she gets her EAD. 
 

Also make sure she can get some stuff to the house to make it hers as well. 
and maybe find some stores nearby or online that have food from home. I know I was really Happy when I could get some food from home. 

We'll be moving into a new place together when the time comes so she'll have plenty to add to the decorating because currently I have no furniture other than a coffee table and an end table I made.

 

I definitely made sure she went to the local stores that carry her home foods so she could see that he favorites are available here.

3 minutes ago, Duke & Marie said:

 

I think you’ve planned well... be sure to save a little on the side for things she might need and other unplanned events.. k1/AOS is a very slow process and things will likely come up.. 

 

im not sure how study affects K1.. e.g. participation in courses etc... it’s an perfect time to do it, but pls check to ensure it’s ok without affecting her visa or AOS etc particularly if it’s classroom based...

 

just remember as a reciprocal rule she can only drive with her home country driver licence for 1 year or until she becomes a resident whichever is sooner... once a resident she has 90 days to change to a Texas driver licence.. 

I have a fairly substantial amount saved up for a home purchase but I'm definitely trying to save everything I can.

 

I already spoke to some local colleges and she's free to attend but must pay out of state fees until her AOS comes through, some have found a work around but I have yet to find out how they pulled it off. 

 

I don't live in Texas however, I live in CA and she is free to apply for an AB60 here.

 

Thanks for the responses, during the hurry up and wait game I need to do anything I can to get my mind off the time.

[cosmonauts 125]

On 12/21/2019 at 8:02 PM, shaolincrane said:

I already spoke to some local colleges and she's free to attend but must pay out of state fees until her AOS comes through, some have found a work around but I have yet to find out how they pulled it off. 

Many, if not most, community colleges should offer free ESL classes (non-credit)

[Just Paul 4,595]

2 hours ago, tamaara said:

Many, if not most, community colleges should offer free ESL classes (non-credit)

There are many organizations that offer them for free or a greatly reduced cost.  I volunteer, for help with immigration questions, at a facility that offers 1 year of ESL classes for $40 and that includes free child care.  They also have GED for $40.   If someone can't afford it they get a scholarship.

 

Mary is taking a higher level ESL Writing and Speaking class at the local community college to prepare for her nursing classes.  It cost about $200.

[shaolincrane 69]

I'm aware of the non credit ASL courses which is fine but, I'm sure she'd rather work towards her degree as she's taken it a few times and will need to take some english courses for her degree as well.