So scared right now

[CraigO 0]

So this is where I am.

I met my SO online a year ago, met for the first time whilst she was on a study abroad programme, she was in London for 3 months and we spent all of our spare time together. I have been to America and love it so much. I am coming back in June to see her for graduation and we are getting engaged. We have spoke about this for months but we agreed to wait for her to graduate first.

Im scared. The main reason is to be able to provide for her, Im talking in terms of job.

I am worried because I don't have a degree, I have got great GCSE~S and a GNVQ in Business but I am scared that I wont be able to get a job in the US above minimum wage

I am saving like mad at the moment to give myself the best start, sorry for rambling, guess I just want so advice, or your own experiences about work and how to get the best job.

I currently work in Insurance, I have previous experience in Banking, Complaints and Litigation, retail....

Any advice, greatly received.

Sorry again for rambling, just so upset at the moment,

Thanks

Craig

[KarenCee 3]

So this is where I am.

I met my SO online a year ago, met for the first time whilst she was on a study abroad programme, she was in London for 3 months and we spent all of our spare time together. I have been to America and love it so much. I am coming back in June to see her for graduation and we are getting engaged. We have spoke about this for months but we agreed to wait for her to graduate first.

Im scared. The main reason is to be able to provide for her, Im talking in terms of job.

I am worried because I don't have a degree, I have got great GCSE~S and a GNVQ in Business but I am scared that I wont be able to get a job in the US above minimum wage

I am saving like mad at the moment to give myself the best start, sorry for rambling, guess I just want so advice, or your own experiences about work and how to get the best job.

I currently work in Insurance, I have previous experience in Banking, Complaints and Litigation, retail....

Any advice, greatly received.

Sorry again for rambling, just so upset at the moment,

Thanks

Craig

First...congratulations on your future engagement. As to the job situation, your fiancée-to-be would have to be the one that makes enough income to meet the income requirements. Once in the US on a K-1 visa (assuming that is the route you take) then you would have to file for an EAD before you can get a job. May I suggest that you come prepared with a résumé stating what your experience and qualifications are? I am not sure what a GCSE~S and a GNVQ is. Read the guides here, they are an invaluable source of information. Hope this helps

[silverbutterfly228 0]

As KarenCee stated the USC is the one to worry about meeting the financial requirments for the process of k1 visa. Your worrying, if ur going to, should come after getting there since your job status isn't important at this point. This place is to vent too so don't be sorry

[fpizza34 0]

Yes your fiance would have to be able to support you but lets not forget about sponsors here. I'm certain you will read enough on here to calm your nerves. The answer is out there DONT WORRY!

[CWR 0]

I have a feeling the poster was worried less about the visa side of things (e.g. the sponsorship, affidavit of support, etc).....He probably hasn't even researched that far ahead in the visa process.

I understood from his post that he is just very concerned about the job chances for him in general. Meaning: He would like to provide for his wife after they are married, but he is afraid that because of his not having a college degree he wouldn't be able to provide for her the way he wants to.

Basically, of course, the advice would still be the same: Don't worry.

Get through the visa process, find a co-sponsor for the affidavit, etc. and then -after all is done and you're living in the US legally- start looking for a job. In my opinion, a background in banking sounds pretty promising to me, even without a degree. Also, you can always start at a lower paying job and then get a degree on the side or at least take some classes for advancement....many employers even pay the fees for something like that. On the whole, even if you don't land your dream job right at the start, just look around and make the most of your chances

Good luck with all the paperwork first,

CW

[rebeccajo 14]

Awwww.....that's such a worry for everybody coming here. It's GOOD that you be realistic, but not good to worry yourself into a fit.

In my opinion, in America, you will probably have to start out at or near the bottom. Why do I say this? Because that's what we USC's do. Whether we USC's come out of high school, college, or grad school, there are no guarantees.

My husband has his O levels, an OND, an HND and an NVQ. He's 42 years old. Right now he's working in a little grocery to help me pay the bills. But it won't always be that way.

Your girl will be proud of you no matter what. That should be your guarantee - there really aren't any others.

It's an adventure.....close your eyes and leap....the rewards will be there.

Edited April 4, 2006 by rebeccajo

[ChristinaM 0]

Your GCSE's and GNVQ won't mean a lot here, I'm afraid. The best one can take from them is to know that 5 GCSEs at grade C and above are considered equivalent to a high school diploma. You may get credit for the experience and skills from your GNVQ, but the qualification means nothing because there is no equivalent.

Starting at the bottom is not so bad - it gives you the opportunity to build US experience and references. If it's any consolation, I have A-Levels and a year of uni education and I work in sales. I had to explain my qualifications, but nobody I have spoken to had a problem with them.

[iceyspots 0]

Hey don't worry about not being able to find a job for only minimum wage, banks even hire tellers that have no experience and pay them $9-$11 around here, and I've seen call center jobs for banking services pay up to $12-$13... so don't lose hope (This is in Michigan)