ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresaproved!!!!
Congratulations!
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-02-24 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJFK POE

I entered through JFK, got the stamp (without asking). If you look at my timeline, you will see that I had my EAD card issued in just over 60 days...so it is possible. We were very lucky, and everything fell into place for us ... but as with the whole of this process, you can never rely on anything.

Wishing you luck

Jen


:o Wow, after looking at your timeline you were indeed fortunate! Since I live in Connecticut going through JFK wouldn't be that much of an inconvenience for me; so we will go with that option. Congratulations on such a speedy process.

Michele
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-12 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJFK POE
For those whose POE was JFK where a temp EAD was issued, was it effectual? Were you or your SO able to get a job during that 90 days time frame? More importantly after it expired in 90 days were you able to extend or get another interim EAD until the permanent one came in?

Michele

Edited by Jamaica to CT, 12 March 2006 - 08:32 AM.

Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-12 08:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLittle evidence to send with I-129F? Older woman/younger man
You're in good company here on VJ; there are several VJ women who are older that their fiances, including myself. Older women and younger men seems to be more accepted in US culture now, but it may cause red flags in some cultures/countries. I've noticed in some Latin American countries that it's not really that much of an oddity. As the others have said just make sure that your evidence is strong. I use calling cards from idt.net and it gives you a breakdown of your calls.

Michele (F)
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-12 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHit the WEEEEEEED and go to your Visa interview...


One of my fiancees is terrified that the medical exam she took in Canada is going to reveal that she hit a tiny puff of the chronic a couple weeks ago. Is that cool, or are they gonna take her down to china town.

Many Thanks in advance for the input... :P

P.S. I told her there's no way they're going to waste their time "weeding" out folks that are just trying to be cool and get a little bit high :wacko: , but then again, they might, so... ideas?


Fingers crossed that one of your other fiancees will pass with flying colours.

:lol:
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-22 19:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHit the WEEEEEEED and go to your Visa interview...

well since Canada decriminalized weed, you might not have a problem if the consulate one of ur fiancees (lol) is going to is in Canada. It isn't taken as serious in Canada as other countries like the usa. just my guess


Yeah but they have not decriminalized it here in the US; where for in this instance is where it counts.

Edited by Jamaica to CT, 22 March 2006 - 07:19 PM.

Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-22 19:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHit the WEEEEEEED and go to your Visa interview...

Not sure about other countries but I have heard or several people being DENIED for weed in thier system when tested at the medical in Jamaica...I am not sure if it is just look into more in Jamaica since it is more popular there....But becareful


Joanna's right, some countries will deny your visa if they find it in your blood system during your medical. I don't know how long it lasts in your system though.
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-22 18:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa approved!!!!!
Congratulations and best wishes on your new life together!
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-03-22 19:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI am ready to pull all my hair out!!!!!

Trust me...you are not alone with this one!!!! It seems that a lot of men (not all) from other Countries just have this laid back attitude. :diablo:

I think we US citizens grow up in a fast pace environment and we are programmed to get things done TIMELY!!! We have deadlines and we put things in motion.....That laid back attitude has made me want to fly to his Country and kick his assssssssssss numerous times!!! I keep thinking that he will soon find out about "my world" and I better hear 101 apologies!!!! :yes: :yes:

Just have patience and kick his butt when he finally arrives on US soil!!! :ranting: :ranting: :ranting:


:yes: :yes: :yes: You have no idea how many times I wanted to :bonk: him with that Jamaican laid back "no problem" attitude. Glad I'm not alone.
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-06-03 17:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual RFE
Hi Trinilad,
Over in the Regional Forums there's a Latin American section and pinned at the top of that forum is a "yardies at home and afarrin'" thread. One of the members; also filing for a K-1 for her Jamaican finance, received an RFE after filing the new form 129-F. She also filed at VSC.

If you have any questions regarding the Jamaican embassy there are a few in that forum that would love to help you.

Michele
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-07-25 12:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproval!

Got that infamous e mail today that said my the I-129F was approved on 08/21/2006. I can still hear my fiance screaming in my ear after calling her with the good news.I was willing to wait for a couple months (she was not) given all that was happening. But less than 2 months is a miracle. I sure do wish there was something I could say to the people who have been waiting for some time. My prayers are with you and I know that we will all feel that joy someday.Love is a beautiful thing and in the end USCIS will never take that joy away from you. I could tell you it seems so unfair for the people who file recently to get approvals before those who file a long time ago. Hang in there....this too shall pass!

Congratulations you're on your way!! :dance: :dance:

Edited by Jamaica to CT, 21 August 2006 - 06:31 PM.

Jamaica to CTFemale02006-08-21 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresage difference?
Hi Ann,

There a a few VJer's that were approved at the Jamaican embassy that have age differences of 10+ years (women older than the men). None of them had any problems getting approved; although one member did state that it was brought up at the interview.

Michele
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-09-21 18:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGOD BLESS EMAIL
Congratulations Ebony and Sean!! Please go and check out the "Yardies at home and afarrin" thread in the Latin American, Mexican and Caribbean area in the Regional section. You'll get detailed info there specifically for the Jamaican embassy. As an example there's the No Impediment to Marriage Certificate that the Jamaican embassy requires that to my limited knowledge not all other embassies require.

Best wishes on the rest of your journey!!
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-10-01 20:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVISA APPROVED AFTER 9 WEEKS ON AR !!!!!!!!!
Congrats and best wishes!
Jamaica to CTFemale02007-01-30 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List

AWWW MAN I JUST GOT AN EMAIL THAT I AM GETTING ANOTHER RFE. "SHUCKS". THIS THE 3RD ONE. WHAT ELSE COULD THEY POSSIBLE WANT TO KNOW. WE LOVE EACH OTHER THATS THE BOTTOM LINE.

Sorry Ebony :(
Jamaica to CTFemale02006-10-07 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA Surprise in My Inbox
Congratulations! I am very excited. This brings a lot of hope. Hopefully a lot of us will be as excited as u very soon.
lucy4FemaleSaint Kitts and Nevis2007-10-23 07:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThank You!!!
I know exactly how you feel. I just signed up as well, and am already very grateful for this site. blush.gif
lucy4FemaleSaint Kitts and Nevis2007-10-10 11:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding NOA1
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Oct 12 2007, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
By reading the case number off the back of the canceled check, and entering it into USCIS case status website, the site will give you status updates, like receipt letter sent, etc...


oh okay, thanks. I was wondering how you got access to the case status without receipt numbers etc. but the canceled check.... never thought of that. lol. thanks alot.

QUOTE (janaus @ Oct 12 2007, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you sent a check, then when that gets cashed they put a number on the back of the check starting with either wac or eac. You can use this number to go on USCIS to see when NOA1 is issued if you haven't received the hard copy yet.



thanks hon. blush.gif
lucy4FemaleSaint Kitts and Nevis2007-10-12 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding NOA1
I see many of you guys have NOA1 dates in your timelines and then actual hard copy dates. How do you guys know your NOA1 has been sent, or your package has been received before actually receiving the hard copy of the NOA1?
lucy4FemaleSaint Kitts and Nevis2007-10-12 11:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPossible Ramifications of Marrying & Overstaying Visa?
That's certainly a relief. I guess I was uneasy because when I said file the Adjustment of Status, he said "what's that"? LOL
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-27 10:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPossible Ramifications of Marrying & Overstaying Visa?
Hey ya'll, I have a question...

I was recently engaged in a conversation with someone who has a fiancee here on a Visitor's Visa. She's been coming back and forth to visit with him for about a year or so. Well this trip, they decide they want to get married but figured there's no rush. He specifically said to me, her visa runs out tomorrow (which was yesterday) but we'll just get married next week and she'll be able to stay. I told him that it would be wise to marry before her visa runs out (even if it's just a civil ceremony) so he can file AOS. He said no, he'll just do it the way they'd originally planned and if she was told she had to leave the country she'd only have to be gone for the amount of time her visa was overstayed.

That just doesn't sound right to me. What would be the real likely outcome of this situation?
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-27 10:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEXTREMELY Nervous
Thanks ya'll for the information and pointers!

In regards to my cousin and FH's brother's marriage. I considered that the Consulates would think that but I also looked at it from another viewpoint..."if his brother wanted him to come here why would he wait so long" also "why would he just consider this one sibling and not the 9 others he has" <----these are not excuses by any means just other things I considered when thinking of the pros and cons. Also, I feel I HAVE to disclose their relationship because I don't want them to feel as if I am hiding anything. So while I mention it by saying "We met through my cousin who has been married to his older brother for 8 years". I don't go into it more than that. I felt it was important to show that our relationship exists and is strong despite how we met. That's one of the reasons why I included the letter from the Reverend who will be officiating our ceremony stating we are currently going through pre-marital counseling (which in Christian (we are both Christian) households isn't something to be taken lightly). Along with the other proof (I'm actually going to hold off sending it until May because I'm going to Gambia at the end of the month for a two week stay to be with him), I think that is a pretty good show of relationship. One other thing we did was start a wedding website where we write about our different perspectives and tell our story. I am torn as to include printouts or the web address for that.

As I mentioned my biggest concern is that although we have known of each other for 8 years we have only had a romantic relationship for a very short period of time. So I feel like I have to provide all this BIG information in order to be taken seriously. Which is why I've decided to definitely attend his interview with him although that is a great expense along with getting ready for him to come here and graduating school.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-05 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEXTREMELY Nervous

I will add something that I cut and pasted from a previous "Pushbrk" posting. (He is a respected member of this forum.) There are some countries that are considered "high fraud" and it mostly involves the fiance/e's...not the government. (Remember, you are going to an American Embassy/Consulate...not something run by Nambia, Nigeria or Vietnam.) Perhaps the reason these people were denied is something they don't want you to know about??? The list is as follows...
1. India
2. China
3. Vietnam
4. Nigeria
5. Philippines
6. Brazil
7. Colombia
8. Russia

I personally went through this with a woman from Colombia. My mind is still reeling from the experience...and my wallet hurts too!! LOLOL I went through the same emotions..."we are MEANT for each other" etc. But, in the end I figured out the scam and ended it. (Unfortunately, I married in Colombia because I was "impatient and in love"...and paid the price! The old saying goes...Marry in haste, repent at leisure!!!
A good friend of mine did the same thing with a woman from Russia...she bolted the moment her feet touched the shores of the USA. Filed abuse charges the first week and generally messed up his life.
Another lawyer acquaintence of mine did the K-1 thing with a Colombian woman. She too bolted within the first weeks of arrival...went to visit "a friend." Appeared at his doorstep on the 87th day and wanted to get married. He bought her a ticket to Bogota and put her on the plane! End of stories. Be careful.

Best Wishes, :thumbs:
Franc
PS I suggest that you do NOT get married in Gambia/Nigeria or anywhere at this time. Please read some more postings especially those from Pushbrk which pertain to this subject.



Thank you Franc! I appreciate your words of caution. Trust me, I am not taking this lightly. If my cousin was not married to his brother for the past 8 years and I hadn't known of him since then, it would be more scary for me I think. Yes I agree! I refuse to get married over there so I am praying that this is going to go the right way and get approved.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-04 22:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEXTREMELY Nervous
Thanks for your response trailmix!!

Yep my thoughts exactly...they have not told me why they were denied, just that they were. I've asked and haven't gotten a straight answer...always "you know how corrupt things are" or "probably because I didn't bribe anyone...you know money talks". I just can't get with that. :blink:

As for our evidence, here's what I have:

**emails between us (including an email he sent to my son officially asking him for my hand in marriage.)
**a couple of written letters
**pictures from my trip to Gambia to visit with him
**copy of my boarding pass & passport
**phone bills (land line and pingo.com)
**IM copies
**a picture of the engagement ring he made for me
**the receipt for the engagement ring my aunt purchased as a gift for him to give to me (she wanted to make him look good as well as help because she knew he could not afford stones in the one he made for me. Yes this means I have two engagement rings. LOL)
**A "upon visa approval" contract for the facility where we are planning to have our ceremony and reception
**A few pages of the well wishes we received on our engagement from my family and friends
**A letter from the Reverend who will be officiating the ceremony (includes a statement that we are currently undergoing pre marital counseling which will continue with a couple sessions face to face when he arrives)

Is this enough? Since I haven't mailed it yet, if I've forgotten something it's not too late to put it in.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-04 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEXTREMELY Nervous
Hi All...

I am just getting ready to send off my K1 Visa packet but the stories of denied visas are really making me clutch my package even harder. Here's the deal:

My fiance is Nigerian but lives in Gambia. We have not been in a romantic relationship very long at all (but we both just KNEW we are meant for each other). I met him through my cousin who has been married to his brother for 8 years. There are at least 5 other couples who I know (including my cousin and FH's brother) who claim to have filed for a K1 Visa and were denied. They were all involving fiances that lived in Gambia. ARRRGGGHHH!!! Because of this...they are all advising me to just go over to Gambia and get married then come back and file for him rather than going the K1 route. I sooooo don't want to do that because 1- I want to get married with my family in attendance (including my child) and 2- I guess I'm kind of old fashioned because I don't want to get married then have to live months without my spouse as soon as we get married. Ya' know?

I know situations are different and I can't help but think that they must have done something wrong for them ALL to have been denied. But I don't know how much of that is just being hopeful and a little naive. I did say that perhaps I will travel to go to his interview with him (I don't believe ANY of them did that) giving him personal support. And to show that we are definitely in this together.

Also is it too much to hope that the process could possibly be completed by year's end?

Thoughts, encouragement, advise, doses of reality are very much welcome.

Thanks in advance!!
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-04 12:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLost my job.....
Hmmm...see I've had it explained to me that my sponsor need only to be able to support her household with the addition of my fiance (not me or my child). I have it pretty good that my sponsor is my cousin and my fiance's sister in law. So either way she understands the "job" she is being asked and WILLING to help us with.

My suggestion would be to make sure that your sponsor understands that she is saying she will be financially responsible for your fiance. If this is something she decides to forgo, find another sponsor who will do it for you. But also keep in mind that it is very likely that your fiance could possibly be here up to 6months without being able to LEGALLY work. So discuss how that will play into your household. What kind of strain would that put on you and your relationship with him? If he is someone who is used to working and working hard, what kind of strain would that put on him mentally? One good thing that can also be a consideration is because he knows the situation now, he can possibly pick up extra work in his country and stack a pretty nice savings to come over with. That would be able to hold you guys over until your income is more stable.

This could be my optimistic nature talking but I would keep things as they are (with you having a sponsor of course) and continue to search for employment in the meantime.

Good Luck!!
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-04 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhich Embassy/Consulate to use?
Thanks!!! Email Sent! :thumbs:
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-18 20:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhich Embassy/Consulate to use?
Ok so ya'll know I've decided to wait until my return from visiting my fiance (leaving next week, coming back in May) before filing my K1 paperwork. I was just going over everything making sure I'm good to go when I noticed I entered Banjul, The Gambia (because there is an embassy there) for Question 20 of the i-129f. Should I have entered Senegal (which is where the interview will take place---if I have researched correctly)?

Thanks in advance!!
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-04-18 11:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSetting a marriage date
I don't know if this is an option for you or not but here's what we decided to do:

We're going to have a civil ceremony and a huge party afterward. Next year we will have the big wedding by renewing our vows on our anniversary.

We decided on this way because
1) The process is just too unpredictable and I want to be able to send out invitations and the whole 9.
2) Even though he would have 6 months to enter the states after his approval, we just don't want to be separated that long
3) Financially, it's the best way for us because by then he would be working here in the States as well. (We're paying for everything ourselves).

Plus, for me, it helps that he will be here actually planning it with me and we can have the joys of picking things out together.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-05-27 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo middle name or initial
I just got my NOA1 today and it has my middle initial but does not have my fiance's middle name or his middle initial even though this info was included on the G325. Only his first and last name. Should I be concerned? I'm asking because while his first name is an Engllish-Christian name his family in Nigeria calls him by his Bini (tribal) middle name.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-07 14:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Petition, Photo Presentation
I made a little table on a word document and posted a few pictures with our names, date and location. I then printed it out and added it to the file. For me, doing it this way made it easier to punch the two holes at the top because everything was the same thickness.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-08 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent help this morning..
Ok that helps a lot! Have your employer do the minimums (40hrs x $15) since you will get ATLEAST those amounts. That would give you a salary of atleast $31,200 per year which is well above the poverty guidelines.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-27 06:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUrgent help this morning..
I'm assuming you're not an independent contractor since you're getting a employment letter right? How many hours were you hired to work per week? At what rate? Since you're daily pay will fluctuate I would have your employer put the hired hours x the hired pay rate on the employment letter.

Also if this were my situation I would include the other financial info as well. IMHO it's better to have more than not enough.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-27 06:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow did you decide on a K1?
I know you've made your decision already Andrea, but I just wanted to pipe in for others who may be reading this for assistance. :)

We decided on K1 for a few reasons:

1) I didn't want to get married without my family with me. (Plus he feels that our life together will be in America so we should start our life together in America)

2) The thought of marrying each other then being apart was just too much for us to bear. Add to that my thought that "what if I get pregnant right after our marriage ceremony? Then I would be going through just about the whole (if not the whole) pregnancy without him and there isn't even a guarantee that he WOULD be allowed to come over". Neither one of us wanted to do that at all.

3) Although one of our concerns was him not being able to work when he got here, we decided that we would just save what we could and put it aside. He also sends me a little money every month that I put in a savings account for him so he can have his own money when he finally gets here.

4) Like someone else mentioned, I didn't want to get hitched to someone that I had no idea what their real habits were like. Who knows...he could just be on his best behavior when I go visit him and could be a different person to live with. :D
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-31 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOMG Do I really need this...?

No it is not absolutely necessary although you might want to start thinking about it because after you bring your fiance(e) here you will need to show a co-mingling of finances in many ways. Bank accounts are one way.

What matters for the Affidavit of Support (I-134) is current income for the year 2010 and/or income in the preceeding one to three years.

Different Embassies and even COs at the Embassies might have differing opinions. They will want to see an overall total picture of financial stability. If your provable income now by pay stubs and letter of employment is sufficient, then you only need one year of tax returns or transcripts. If less than solid you might want to present three years of tax returns or transcripts.

Since you have had a few years of unemployment, hopefully you can demonstrate a sufficient current income.

Good luck.



You just filed, you're a few months away from your NOA2

Good luck

Audy_Rob has great advice for you


Thanks ya'll! I know I'm still basically at the beginning I just like to be prepared especially considering FH is Nigerian but living in Gambia, plus he's my cousin's brother in law. So I want to make this as smooth a process as I can on my end by having my little duckies lined up. :D
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-31 11:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOMG Do I really need this...?
Do I really need to have a bank account to ensure that the financial part of the FH's interview goes well? I don't have an account because I decided to close my accounts when I was basically unemployed for the last couple years. I've just recently started a job and have Direct Deposit sent to my prepaid credit card...so I haven't had a need for an actual bank account per se. Will I need to open one or will my pay stubs and letter of employment suffice?

THANKS!!

NOTE: We haven't received the NOA2 yet so there is still time if I do need to open one. (I just don't like banks. So I'll only open it if absolutely necessary).
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-08-29 01:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone had this problem before?

I sent and email to the Embassy in Cyprus to see if this will be enough proof. There is just now way he'd be able to go to Nigeria for a new passport. The closest Nigerian Embassy is in Turkey which is still going to cost money but not as much. :(


Oh no! FH is Nigerian as well. Unfortunately Marcel WILL have to go to Nigeria to get a new passport. I know FH has to go back home to get a new one to correct his name. The reason is because Nigeria now has a new passport done on a new machine and at this time only one embassy outside of Nigeria (NYC) has the machine. :( This makes it hard for us too because that's an extra expense for him to go home and get it, but since it needs to be done, we have to do it.

I called the Nigerian embassies myself because I could not believe what FH was telling me. I called the Nigerian Embassies in The Gambia, Dakar, DC and NYC. The NYC woman told me that if there was a way for him to come here on a visit, we could drive down to NYC and get the new passport there but even that won't work out for us so we're planning on him going back to Nigeria next month.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-09-07 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresComplicated k1 process
Just to give you a little peace of mind: when the others are saying the visa could be denied they are speaking in terms of the K1 only. If for some reason the CO gets any feeling that you're married regardless of the legal ceremony taking place they will deny the K1 and advise you to file the CR1 which is the spousal visa. Just be very very careful about letting things slip and answer their questions very carefully. I've seen a couple recent cases where just because there were gifts exchanged at an engagement party the CO denied the K1 and advised that they refile with a spousal visa.

Don't mean to add any undue stress. Just want to help you to be well prepared.
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-09-18 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCancelling visa application
Sounds like y'all have covered the bases. It's very encouraging to me at least to see it's not just being overwhelmed with everything that's causing this. As I said, I went through this myself so I really understand. I can't wait to read your post that y'all have finally been reunited. (L)
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-09-27 04:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCancelling visa application
The OP has her answer regarding how to "cancel" the visa application.

I think what the others are saying in a roundabout way is to make sure that they (OP & fiance) have considered what waiting will do to their finances versus getting it over with now. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the costs of everything and think giving up for the time being is going to save us. What may seem like saving money right now may not be saving in the long run. The questions that came up for me reading this were:

1- Were these financial obstacles thought about before paying the filing fee for the petition? If so, how were they thought to be overcome at that time and why has it changed?

2- Has the OP considered that maintaining the international relationship over a few years may very likely cost more plus the added cost of filing for her fiance (or spouse if they decide to get married)?

3- Is there no way that the fiance can do odd jobs and save the money in preparation for his life here?

4- Does the OP's university have "marriage housing"?

5- Since the OP's parents would want them out after about two weeks would they be willing to co-sign for an apartment (even a studio apartment) for them?

I know for me, these questions came up because I was in a similar position. I'm in school right now and I was only do odd jobs/trying to get my home daycare business up and running when I realized that 1- I didn't make enough self employed to get my fiance here without a co-sponsor, 2- we had no savings at all, 3- I loved him too much to continue to be away from him 4- I did the math and it would cost MORE to continue this relationship until I got out of school and was working steadily in my field. So what I ended up doing was getting two part time jobs around my school schedule then miraculously, a good full time job came up. They were even willing to work around my school schedule. FH is doing odd jobs and saving the money from those jobs. When he gets ready to come over here, he'll sell many of his things and send all the money over here through Western Union so he'll be able to have his own money even if it's just a little because of the exchange rate. We've talked about this and decided that we are committed to putting in this hard work from the beginning of our lives together. (I'm by no means saying that you guys haven't thought about this...I'm just telling you what my FH and I have said).

I totally understand what you're going through. I would just hate to see you give up because things look cloudy for the moment. If you've considered the above questions and they just don't work for you, well then you gave it your best shot. I just pray that you've thought everything through. This is certainly NOT the end of the road, it's just the beginning but it also doesn't ALWAYS make the most sense to start over completely. This is a very difficult decision. I wish the two of you the best of luck. (L)
PurpleSkyFemaleGambia2010-09-26 16:36:00