Adjustment of Status Advice/Affidavit of Support [merged threads]

[Michael_H 0]

Hello! My fiancé and I would appreciate any and all advice if you read through our story and can give us a clear line through the woods...

 

My Russian Fiancé and I met three years ago in Cambodia where we have been living ever since, until about 2 months ago, when she and I entered the USA (her on a tourist visa - I am a US citizen). We've now decided to get married here, apply for adjustment of status, and try to start a life in the USA near my family. Some problems I foresee lie with the Adjustment of status, and the fact that I haven't had any taxable income for the past three+ years as I've been living in Cambodia volunteering/working for very low wages(I haven't even filed my taxes😬). Perhaps I can have my parents become partial sponsors but they are now both retired with modest social security benefits & retirement payments. My frustrating search for full employment continues, and as much as my fiancé would like to being work, she can only make modest gains through online teaching until given permission to gain employment in the US.

 

Again, I appreciate any and all help, and look forward to reading your replies!

Edited March 14, 2023 by TBoneTX

[Verrou 1,908]

when we got married, both of us have no jobs due to covid's layoff. lawyer suggested to wait to file until my spouse the petitioner got a job. the month he started working, we immediately filed.  we had no issue with 3 years tax return at that time. current income is king. and also, u definitely need joint sponsor. 

[Crazy Cat 40,065]

14 minutes ago, Michael_H said:

Hello! My fiancé and I would appreciate any and all advice if you read through our story and can give us a clear line through the woods...

 

My Russian Fiancé and I met three years ago in Cambodia where we have been living ever since, until about 2 months ago, when she and I entered the USA (her on a tourist visa - I am a US citizen). We've now decided to get married here, apply for adjustment of status, and try to start a life in the USA near my family. Some problems I foresee lie with the Adjustment of status, and the fact that I haven't had any taxable income for the past three+ years as I've been living in Cambodia volunteering/working for very low wages(I haven't even filed my taxes😬). Perhaps I can have my parents become partial sponsors but they are now both retired with modest social security benefits & retirement payments. My frustrating search for full employment continues, and as much as my fiancé would like to being work, she can only make modest gains through online teaching until given permission to gain employment in the US.

 

Again, I appreciate any and all help, and look forward to reading your replies!

Welcome to Visa Journey. You have found the best source for accurate immigration information.  I assume you have read the guides here on VJ.  If not, read and study this step by step guide:

 

Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-130 for a Spouse Inside the US - US Immigration & Visa Guides - VisaJourney

 

Be advised that you need a joint sponsor(s).  Social Security income is fine if sufficiently over the requirement level.  Also be aware that the immigrant cannot work while inside the US (including online work) until she receives a valid EAD.   Lastly, be aware that US citizens must file taxes on all worldwide income if over reporting levels.  The immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and money.  Good luck on your journey.

Edited March 1, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Boiler 43,972]

She can not work in the US on a Tourist Visa, on line or otherwise.

[SalishSea 17,033]

22 minutes ago, Michael_H said:

Hello! My fiancé and I would appreciate any and all advice if you read through our story and can give us a clear line through the woods...

 

My Russian Fiancé and I met three years ago in Cambodia where we have been living ever since, until about 2 months ago, when she and I entered the USA (her on a tourist visa - I am a US citizen). We've now decided to get married here, apply for adjustment of status, and try to start a life in the USA near my family. Some problems I foresee lie with the Adjustment of status, and the fact that I haven't had any taxable income for the past three+ years as I've been living in Cambodia volunteering/working for very low wages(I haven't even filed my taxes😬). Perhaps I can have my parents become partial sponsors but they are now both retired with modest social security benefits & retirement payments. My frustrating search for full employment continues, and as much as my fiancé would like to being work, she can only make modest gains through online teaching until given permission to gain employment in the US.

 

Again, I appreciate any and all help, and look forward to reading your replies!

Until she has work authorization, it is illegal for her to work at all, even “modest gains through online teaching.”

[Michael_H 0]

My fiancé and I have been living in Cambodia for the last 3 years together and have finally made it to the United States over the xmas break to visit my family. While visiting I learned in more detail about my father's failing health, so we stayed here in the states longer than expected. We decided to get married here, live close to family, and will now try to start what seems like a long and arduous process of adjusting my fiancé's status. I believe I have to mail in an I-485 form in tandem with an I-130. I'd love to hear about other people's similar experiences with filing these papers, approximate wait times, and any hazards we may avoid. Hiring an attorney seems quite expensive on top of all the filing fees - so we'll go it alone if we can. My fiancé is also quite concerned she wont be able to work, or even visit family back in Russia for one or two years+! 

[Crazy Cat 40,065]

You need to read and study this VJ guide:

 

Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-130 for a Spouse Inside the US - US Immigration & Visa Guides - VisaJourney

[Crazy Cat 40,065]

7 minutes ago, Michael_H said:

My fiancé is also quite concerned she wont be able to work, or even visit family back in Russia for one or two years+! 

Those are MAJOR drawbacks of adjustment of status.  Buckle up for a long journey.  Good luck.

[JeanneAdil 6,321]

38 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Those are MAJOR drawbacks of adjustment of status.  Buckle up for a long journey.  Good luck.

yeah,  it will take quite a while as u have added bumps in the process

USCIS will need to do the security checks for Cambodia and Russia /  this won't be fast 

[Boiler 43,972]

You have to marry before you can do anything 

[Sarge2155 4,574]

22 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

yeah,  it will take quite a while as u have added bumps in the process

USCIS will need to do the security checks for Cambodia and Russia /  this won't be fast 

Yes it's gonna be brutal in terms of the process!

[TBoneTX 43,580]

bump

[TBoneTX 43,580]

Related threads have been merged.