Melancholic Mage

Thank you everyone. It helps having various view of input. I'll keep this thread posted as I go: if I need transcripts or further information for a prospective employer I'll update so here. But so far it looks like I'll be stuck for a while before I can move on job hunting let alone everything else.

I'm very sorry to hear this, Bunninuts. My 'blood' family haven't been the most supportive and if anything they've been more apathetic it feels. (Or in one case violent where I was assaulted then threatened to be reported if I went to the police about it to, in their words, 'f*** my visa up'. Needless to say it didn't happen because the police know victim intimidation when they see it and they aren't stupid.) I've barely had any contact with them since I moved. It honestly does hurt but I've learnt a few things by now. I've done my time. More than anyone should have. I've been there when they've needed it, done my best to make sure they were settled before I left, and even transferred my car to them when theirs was on the verge of being scrapped with age. In terms of getting that kind of effort paid back towards me? No. Not really. And it's just not worth it anymore. Your time is precious and it's high time we spent it on ourselves, not on others who do nothing but spread their own misery back onto us. I wouldn't think about this person. I wouldn't even look back. I don't want to get into politics too closely here but where I am, if anything, I've been met with intrigue and fascination with my accent. Don't believe what's in the media. Get down to ground and speak to people. Don't be afraid to. You'll always find some who're sour but the 95% general consensus I get from people is that they're wanting to stop ILLEGAL immigration. It's not anti-immigrants, it's anti-ILLEGAL immigrants. And it doesn't matter which 'side' you're on. People are just wanting to protect themselves.

Hello @Tony Wong, can you tell me how things went with your DL renewal? I'll soon be facing the same dilemma in a few years so helps to be prepared.

Hello, I've been in the U.S. coming up two weeks now, got my SSN yesterday, and I'm slowly getting things in order to start chiseling out a presence and life here with my partner: new phone number and phone, joint bank accounts, currency transfer, car insurance, driving license, car, job... In the mix of all this, my OH's family are voicing their concerns in regards to my UK grades. They don't believe they'll be accepted when I begin my job hunt after all the so-to-speak foundation work is done, and believe I'll need to study and sit a GED. Of course this doesn't apply to all jobs, but they tell me anything that isn't entry level or menial will need some kind of grade translation. My grades are from secondary education (high school) and college (BTEC diplomas) in the UK. To complicate things further, my institutes of education no longer exist. I can't give potential employers numbers to trace and fact-check because they've long been bulldozed. So do I look into WES.org and pay to get my credential equivalents, or should I hold my ground and see what jobs require what first? What have others done and what has your experiences been in settling here? ----------------------------------------------------------------- This is supplemental, but I want to be a little honest here and forgive me if I'm showing too much of my heart on my sleeve. Apologies in advance if this comes across as 'snowflake'y. Frankly, I've had a hard time of it growing up where I have in the UK regarding my career: from pigeon-holing, lack of progression, limited career choices along with crippled job opportunities... It's had a severe impact on my Mental Health over the years, and I'm very worried about finding something that's worthwhile and fulfilling. I worked very hard when I was younger to get the grades I needed for the profession I had some talent in (art and design - I have a distinction in Animation), but those jobs simply didn't exist back then. I ended up in menial and poor work environments (contact centres, Amazon warehousing) to put bread on the table, and now my grades are too old based on dated technology to be worth a dime. Please don't misread this - I'm willing to do whatever it takes to support myself and the family I'm hoping to start here soon. But my age is working against me in terms of going back to study towards a more reputable career, along with the monetary costs of such and my current residency status (some places require 1 year+ residency). I'm worried. And I apologise again if this simply isn't the place for venting like this, but it would very much help me just knowing I'm not the only one faced with this dilemma. Past or current. Thank you for reading all this, regardless.

Just to help others with timelines and estimates, I got my SSN in the mail today ten days after entry. On the back of the slip it mentions if my U.S. citizenship status or status as a noncitizen changes, I need to contact to update SSN and benefit record. Then the need to file an application for a replacement Social Security card with proof of identity and other evidence supporting the change. Being on a CR-1 visa, will this apply when I file the I-751 to become an immediate resident, and also when I eventually apply for U.S. citizenship? Will I get a whole new SSN or will this particular one stick with me? Thanks in advance.

No you did, no worries. I'm confident it's the same regardless. You also couldn't have done your medical without your appointment letter, so you probably had it without realising! I have a full review of the London Embassy here if it helps, pictures included: Good luck!

I applied for a CR-1 visa and didn't get any physical letter. Your appointment confirmation via email IS your letter. Print that out and take it with you to your interview. Always read through everything given to you carefully. It should be titled 'Immigrant Visa Interview Appointment' and under the bold subtitle of Important Information it states: You should present this letter upon arrival at the Embassy/Consulate General.

Just to add, my status changed three days after my interview and as Appleblossom mentioned here it ticked over to issued. I also paid expedited to home address. It looked like this: Got my passport back three days after with visa inside. Good luck!

My father-in-law has his own business here in the US and he would tell you himself it's certainly not all sunshine and daisies. So would my OH who works for him. I'm kept from the finer details but given the risk-factor of their line of work, union meddling, employees not using PPE correctly then trying to sue for their own negligence, and the way taxes work here, it's a hard path to walk. Still rewarding, but I can see the negatives more than the UK in honesty. I'm also aware of the UK sinking it's own ship right now, but hey, I'm just a little lost creative soul that'd be happy with a tenner. Either way, you all have my respect for taking the risks involved.

We've all done silly things when we were younger. For me personally I never fell to peer pressure or did anything truly wild; this to me constitutes as wild. I may not have ever dreamt of doing things like this nor really understand it (I'm boring), but I've seen it enough times to realise it's a thing. Thanks for answering. I wish you well no matter what you do going forward, and no matter what it sounds like you've made a very nice life for yourself where you're at. Wish you luck!

I hope you don't mind me asking, but why did you overstay to begin with? I'm not judging, and I may sound a bit 'kiss the flag' here, but I genuinely feel priviledged to be able to immigrate to such a beautiful country. I wouldn't dare risk losing the chance to live here let alone visit. Perhaps I'm being naive but it's legitimately how I feel and I honestly want to know what reasons people have for shirking authorities. Just curious.

Just to add to this, I entered US on October 1st via Dublin as my POE. Flying from UK to Dublin then Dublin to USA was cheaper for me and oddly enough, a one-way flight from Dublin was THE SAME PRICE as a return. So I opted for the one-way.

He doesn't have a credit card yet. Working to get that all figured out though. As for the just like being born sentiment, I couldn't agree more! Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words. I'm trying to take things one day at a time. I've yet to transfer my UK funds to his US account for starters, as I still have one or two outstanding payments (I think) I'm waiting on. Want to make sure it's all clear to move. Still haven't told HMRC I'm gone even because I'm still waiting on my P45 back in the UK. I would like my own separate bank account along with a joint, so I'll ask in the bank when we go visit once I get my GC/SSN. That all sounds good. I never had a credit card. Personal reasons. Willing to get one here as I know how important they are. As for DL, I've scoured through the list but it seems to be focused on either US Citizens or 'undocumented immigrants' with no SSN or means to get one. I may have to go in/make an appointment with as many documents as I can to ask about my next steps given my CR-1. Thank you all again.

@OldUser Ah. Sadly I have pretty much nothing. I'm a clean slate here: I'm living with him and his parents for now until I can get my feet on the ground. Car, job, house, etc. I have no utility bills, no bank accounts (yet). All I have is my passport, my visa, hopefully the USCIS letter including my SSN and my green card, whichever comes first, and that's that. It's looking like I'll have to try and get a joint account to start getting anywhere. Or take out a phone contract or some kind of bill from a provider here while I get my US phone number sorted out. Then I can use it as a possible utility bill of sorts...

Illinois. I've been digging into their requirements but some sources say they stopped issuing temporary visitor driving licenses since July this year, that undocumented immigrants can apply for a license (what the-), and even one that says you need to have been a resident for one full year before you can get a drivers license. It all seems very strange so my digging continues. Thank you, that's helpful. Fingers crossed I'll be one of those who don't need to chase the SSN. I love the library card idea but I know none of those bar the bank account would be accepted. And even then I know it's statements only, not any kind of basic acceptance letter. Surely I need proof of address to open said account so... back to square one? Thank you, glad yours came quickly! Hope mine does too. I was planning to add my name/open a joint account with my husband. Would this solve the address issue without further barriers? Thank you for all your input so far everyone! It's very reassuring.

Thank you all! Must have got wires crossed thinking I had to pay for the SSN and that the visa was only valid for one year. I re-checked my visa and indeed it does state validation for two years, but the officer scratched pen over the text so I had to squint through the ink to see it in my slight defense. Thank you for all the advice. To help others, I managed to find the USCIS page with a calculator to help when filing the I-751. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/when-to-file-your-petition-to-remove-conditions If I input it correctly, earliest I can file is July 3rd 26. So think I'll do it on 4th July 26 for it to be memorable and just to be safe. I'm looking to start my life here by nabbing a state driving license ASAP - would you in your experience recommend waiting for the green card and SSN (figured the letter would help with proof of address too) or just go for it as soon as possible? Thanks once again. Helps knowing I'm not alone figuring things out.

I've finally entered the USA today, October 1st, and I wanted to ask those more experienced about my next moves and to clarify the removal of conditions. I've read the I-751 guide here on the forum but to absolutely clarify, I must file the form 90 days before the end of my CR-1 visa? So this end date would be October 1st 2025 as I entered today, and the earliest I can file is July 1st, yes? And is this file online on USCIS or is this a paper form I need to download, print, then post? The border officer mentioned my Green Card should come in the mail in two weeks, but also said it can take up to two months. If I haven't received it by then I need to chase it up with USCIS. They also mentioned that my visa acted as a temp Green Card, and I can apply for my SSN with it. This confuses me in hindsight as I'm pretty sure I ticked a box during the DS-260 forms asking for a SSN and paid additional. I'm now unsure how to check this. Do I need to apply for one, or should I wait and see if one turns up? And if not, where do I go to chase this up? I didn't have time to ask the officer much due to rushing to catch my connecting flight to the States. Any help would be appreciated, as well as basic advice to settling in. Thanks.

Hello @Patrick P, if it helps I never added any kind of additional relationship evidence to my I-130 when I filed it last year. I simply gave what was asked for and no more. I felt the less documents the better. I brought relationship pictures to my embassy interview in London a few weeks ago but I was never asked for further evidence at any point. Better safe than sorry, so be as prepared as possible, but personally I wouldn't worry about adding pictures at this stage. Not with the I-130 or the DS-260. Hope this helps.

If you re-read your first post you didn't say that, so you can't say 'like I said'. While I have little to no experience with EB1A visas, when I was approved for my own visa at the London Embassy a few weeks ago I asked directly about receiving a packet. The officer told me I wouldn't receive one because I filed my information online. When I go to enter the country in a few days, they can pull up all my information on the system. No packet. I do know K1 visas receive one however. Perhaps EB1A's are also an online-only packet? Either way, never heard of officers confiscating passports. The most they do is send you on the next return flight if they deny entry. Besides that, you certainly have a case if your employer tries for dismissal for events outside your control - and on an EB1A at that? What is your profession? I agree with the others. This doesn't add up.

Hello, I can help give you input as a UK citizen who married a US Spouse and was recently visa approved this month. 1.) I saw others stating the same thing about including relationship evidence, but not once did I include anything on my I-130, DS-260, and not even at my embassy interview in London was I asked for any relationship evidence. I was simply asked basic questions such as how did we meet, where did we first meet, my partner's job, where we got married... I had an envelope of pictures of us together and not once was I asked for it. Myself and my partner actually lived together for 4.5 years in a flat/apartment, and I had evidence as such to this but other than verbally offering it, again, they didn't ask for any physical proof whatsoever. This includes financial where we didn't have shared accounts as my OH was temporarily over in the UK studying on a student visa, so we had no proof of shared income or anything. (I paid our rent and bills from my UK bank account only.) I was still approved. I hope this helps put you at ease, but also remember each case is different. 2.) I can't answer this one in detail but I believe if you have a marriage certificate to include on the I-130, that's about as much proof as I needed and perhaps that will be the same for you. Still, better safe than sorry - some pictures can't hurt. Be as prepared as possible. I wasn't asked for any physical evidence apart from uploading what the forms asked of me. My interview was all verbal affirmations. Nothing additional in terms of photos, shared financial records etc was asked. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Can I come with? I identify as a short, gregarious U.S. Citizen visa Hobbit (pronouns approve/approval/approved) whose exaggerated white sponsor swagger will be sure to bring all the consular officers to the yard! It means nothing that every other embassy that anyone has ever attended refuses US spouses to join in at visa interviews! Forget domestic violence and marital coersion! We can just break out into song and enchant animals with our Disney-esque ideals to get in! The officers in Manila are sure to welcome us as one big happy family and I'd LOVE a vacation!

So you've had your interview in April but you haven't received your visa yet? Is that right? The medical is only valid for 6 months from the date it was performed. You will have to do it again if it's been over 6 months as it would have expired. Starting all over again I mean as in if you don't enter the USA with your visa before it expires, as well as the medical being expired as well, you'll have to do what's in the link I posted above and request that your visa be re-issued. If the consular officer decides you didn't have a valid reason for not travelling when your visa was valid, you may have to start the whole process all over again starting with the I-130. But I would wait for a more experienced member than myself to confirm that.

I don't believe USCIS would inform you that your medical has expired. Your medical must be within 6 months valid not only the day of your visa interview but also for when you enter the United States. If you still haven't entered the USA you'll have to re-book the medical exam. Was your visa approved? You only have so long to enter the States on it and it will have an expiry date within your passport. Hopefully you can just re-book a medical then enter so long as your visa is still valid. If it's not though and your visa has expired, you will have to do as instructed in this link. https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visa-faqs/medical-examination-2/

@Cranberry_anon I really feel for you. I recently got my visa approved and myself and my partner submitted all of our documents solo, from our I-130 to our DS-260 (CR-1 visa). We never had any issues. We just combed through the instructions carefully and did what was asked. I didn't find out about this forum until we documentarily qualified and I looked up embassy wait times while waiting for an appointment. I really wish I had! I've had ups and downs on here but 90% of the time the users are very friendly and the advice is invaluable. Knowing someone else is tearing their hair out and swearing at the immigration process actually helps. Makes you feel less alone and trust me, the stress and sheer frustration I went through echoes yours very closely. Have faith. Get rid of Boundless (they should add 'Fees' to the end of their name...) and take the forms by the horns! You can do alone if we did. No matter how bad it gets, just remind yourself other people have managed with much less. My partner would remind me of this and it would help pick me up to keep going. Take care and ask other experienced users if you ever get stuck.

Good question but my two cents is c'est la vie. Riots could happen in a week. A surprise war could break out in a month's time. You could win the lottery then be run down in the street tomorrow. All unpleasant thoughts, but my point is that you shouldn't let life stop you from doing what you want to do. We simply don't know how things will play out. Things happen that are outside our control. Sure, things could develop that you can definitely forecast and try to weather, but I'm confident no matter what the election result you'll be fine. Besides, stopping illegal immigration is a massive plus in my books, and I hope in others too. Good luck @n.samuraibear!