Michael_H

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+! 

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!