freedream
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yeah, disabled veterans and students, etc. don't have that opportunity to extend their health care benefits to others.
Thanks for the tips.
Isn't it true though that recent immigrants cannot receive any public assistance or welfare? Doesn't that include those low income or free cost medical things?
Thanks again for the tips!
Local programs and Indigent Care programs may be able to help in an emergency, but otherwise I'm not sure. I had a hard enough time trying to get help as a legal citizen.
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Hello all,
For those who do not carry extendable company health insurance (who cannot offer insurance to their loved ones through their own insurance)-- what are the options that are LEGAL for our loved ones in the event they need emergency medical care during the time they are in our "care" according to immigration law?
First I should add that the health plan we're looking to buy is not available to immigrants until they receive a ss or tax ID #. So what are the options in the event of an emergency at this juncture?
I am aware they are not eligible for social programs or assistance-- such as welfare or medicare/medical?
But what in the case of an emergency?
Medicare states they ARE eligible for emergency only benefits...but they are perhaps n0t well connected or well versed on immigration law for recent immigrants.
?
Thanks!
Any help!
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It is maddening that they can really seem to have so much power over someone's life/love/relationship--it's simply amazing...and disheartening to read this.
However, you indicate that you are taking a very strong position with them (by using facts and law to back you up-- not just emotion) which is the right thing to do... stay unemotional with them for the most part...and really...best of luck with your fight.
Worst case -- you refile or take appropriate legal action-- who knows... perhaps your initial action alone may help your case reverse the white or -- at least discourage any further abuse/false charges against you/your relationship.
Best to you and don't give up!
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Sounds just like it is something they still need and/or are awaiting to complete this part of her processing-- as someone mentioned-- perhaps a name check is all it is or something of the likes. I wouldn't worry about it too much--- even though the waiting is painful.
I believe it's good to be persistent with them, but no...not too persistent (not e-mailing them daily).
And from my experience, DOS can sometimes offer "real time" info that has been entered into the system-- that we can't even seem to access in real time at GUZ...but most often, they have no clue as to what's going on unless GUZ has entered something into the universal system that they can access.
Best of luck and don't worry-- might be quicker than you think.
My wife got blue. We are CR/1. Her interview date was 12/4/08. On the blue card they only "X'd" a square that said "your case requires aditional processing. You may want to contact us every few months to check your case status". There was nothing else wrote on the card, just the "X'd" box. I sent an e-mail and they sent back a response
Please be advised that your case is still under administrative processing. We are unable to predict when it will be finished. But please be assured that we will contact your beneficiary immediately by mail once the case is ready for continued processing.
The blue card said this,": Your case requires additional processing
we will contact you by mail to inform you of our decisionm when we finish the processing. you may want to contact us every few month to check your case's status.you may email, fax or send a letter to the Consulate.
They also said this,"Thank you for your inquiry. You may expect a response from us in 5 to 7 business days.
PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW UP BEFORE THEN, AS REPEATED EMAILS RE-SET YOUR INQUIRY DATE AND CREATE A DELAY IN THE RESPONSE TIME ON YOUR CASE.
My question is ...do I send e-mail again now, since it has been almost a month, or will it set back time for our case. Also....could anyone tell me what the DOS telephone number is for case inquiry? Thanks
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sorry this has happened. I wish you all the best in resolving this. Time is of the essence--the only control we have sometimes is to help ourselves by filing documents quickly so we can move our case along as swiftly as possible.
Stick with it!
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Hi Dnoblett,
Thanks again for the info
In fact, his entry date will be after our 2 year marriage time frame.
I am wondering...what happens if he gets the 10 year green card but doesn't ever apply for citizenship? Wil he then become illegal?
And a bit confused about the 10 year unconditional green card and then the 3 year citizenship (2 year)? application.
Sorry for confusion and the density
That is about all, other than removal of conditions.
If entry to the USA on a CR-1 is BEFORE 2 years of marriage, the resulting green-card is a conditional card which needs to have an I-751 filed at two years of residency.
If entry to the USA on the CR-1 is AFTER 2 years of marriage the resulting green-card will be a 10 year un-conditional card, NO I-751 needed to be filed at two years of residency.
I know you got the CR-1 visa fairly close to 2 years of marriage, and that mile stone will be soon, so you may consider waiting for 2 years of marriage before entering the USA on the visa.
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Thank You guys!
I appreciate the help.
So, that's it for CR-1 then? Not too bad (considering what we've been through to this point).
And what would happen if they forgot to file for citizenship 3 years from now? Do we get a reminder of any kind? :_)
Sleepless, hei - sorry, I wasn't complete... grrrr.
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When our loved one arrives with his/her CR-1, what comes next?
I understand that he'll receive a "green card"? in about 1-4 weeks? Or we can go to the SS office in a couple of weeks after his arrival?
Then will we get documentation for his next step? Or will we have to request somehow?
Does he go through adjustment period?
When and how can he ultimately achieve his citizenship?
Thanks!
any suggestions and hints will help
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I also am wondering that question.
Should i go to china and travel back with my husband? seems a lot of money we don't need to spend if he can get through it himself. ??
Would you all recommend that I go and come back with him or can he just come alone okay?
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Congrats!!!!!
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Dear, dear!
Don't despair!
It took my hun's packet 3 weeks to leave GUZ!! haha
and guess what?
His packet arrived and strangely enough, there was only one entry on EMS the whole trip of the package to his town...that had said it had been "picked up and posting".
It's the "hold your breath" time...I remember well haha!
Most people don't have the 3 week wait like we did-- we never found out why...
Don't worry, you'll get it soon
Good thing is: You got pink~!
Congrats!!!!
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WHOOOOO!!!!!
CONGRATS ON THAT!!!!!
hey now I figured out how you guys put these little cartoons in !
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oh I am sorry for that. Just work through it and keep the momentum.
The vast inconsistencies in all these interviews are troubling to say the least...and they make understanding why these things happen to many of us impossible to figure out many times.
Do be diligent and keep the ball rolling!
Good luck to you on your efforts!
I know it can be maddening
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Yes, we know the blues too...
And they are pretty quick.
If you can just get them exactly what they are asking for-- it'll be fine.
Be sure to read the guidelines very closely for providing a co-sponsor. I don't remember exactly where that info is...USCIS? Department of State website?
Does anyone else remember? It's where they have all instructions for the I-864.
Good luck and don't be too bummed.
The faster you can get that info to them, the faster the blue will go to pink!
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Hi!
Does anyone know about the possibility of taking a ship to CA, USA instead of an airplane for a first time entry (the immigrant will need to go through immigration).
We are interested in finding out any information on this...in case we want to take a ship instead. it will certainly take longer, but I am wondering about the cost and all other things...
?
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credzba, great story and great info~!
My husband is CR-1 and now has his visa...but still wrapping up all things in China before coming here. We project him to be here about one month.
I have already checked on local ESL classes for him (I've found 3 options for him and have gone to one so far to interview the teachers and see the classes). My husband asked me to do this so it can help him decide which one he might want to go to. He will probably also go see the most likely ones himself once he arrives.
I have both e-mailed him the Chinese version of the DMV driving instructions for taking the written test and have put a hard copy aside of that booklet and the application for the CA drivers license for him to study when he arrives.
I have found him a plan through Kaiser and have even found him a doctor near us under the plan who is Chinese and she speaks Mandarin!
I also found him a Chinese woman who is a Chinese medicine doctor and owns a whole Chinese medicine shop near our home, too. He doesn't really like to believe too much in western medicine-- (well, he is Chinese)
I have found him a kung fu school (but then he's asked to actually learn the other arts from Japan and Korea-- Taekwondo and Karate, etc., of which there are plenty around).
I have found him some markets which have "some" things Chinese as far as groceries go. I have accepted the fact that if we want anything really Chinese or Chinese seafood (like kelp/fresh seaweed or even the bugs he likes to eat -- (uuuggh.) we can probably find them in China town.
I have found a local Chinese association-- the members are mixed with Americans who were/are married to Chinese, people just interested in Chinese language, culture and food and then actual immigrants who go there for support. I think my husband will perhaps find some friends there and at least, some support from time to time if he needs it...
but then again-- He IS Chinese (Credzba, like you said about your wife..haha). He is stubborn and often does not like to ask for or get help from others. He REALLY likes to do things on his own. Oh he's so independant! If any astrology signs could be accurate...his IS! He fits the description of a dragon SO exactly! (yes he's a dragon).
I have also been trying to look at my Chinese cookbooks to try new dishes that he may be familiar with. I've also been practising the dishes he taught me how to make and the soups which are soooo good. (he's the best cook)!
Regarding a car...well....I'm a little hesitant to let him go with mine initially at least haha...it's quite a nice vehicle and was very expensive haha... so we'll probably look at some economical cars (and get him an extra baby and toddler seat for his car too!~)
But some day, I hope to be able to kick back, put the seat all the way back on a nice long road trip and fall asleep (with the babies in the car) and feel safe and sound while he's at the wheel! ::0- Anyone can tell me when that might be? hahah!!He has told me that "I don't need anyone teach me to drive-- I can teach myself and I can do VERY well!~" I told him "we can't do that-- you need to learn with a learner's permit with a licensed driver (with a license of at least 2 years I believe) in the car with him first"...
I told him I'm an awesome driver and teacher...but he doesn't want to be "bested" haha.
He does have a DL in China...but it's for his work and he never drives. His friend told me "bad"! when I asked if his driving was good. Perhaps he was just joking.
He's also insisted he'd ride my bike everywhere when he got here... I told him-- "you need a car in America (esp. CA). everything is so spread out-- not like your neighborhood where you can walk to everything you need". "He then said, we only need one car." I told him-- well, initially that may be okay...but soon, you'll see that we'll both need a car-- esp. with little ones in-tow!~ If I'm at work, and you need to pick up the little ones, you'll have to have access to your own car".
He just can't comprehend at this point...haha. He's going to have to experience it for himself.
I also have called some companies in the line of work he can try doing to see what training is required and how he'll need to go about getting it. He also wants to become a police officer-- something that will perhaps be a long-term goal for him...I'm not sure how to work towards that at this point... I assume he can do it...after he gets his green card? or after he becomes a citizen-- not sure which is required. His English will also have to be better.
We have talked about the possibility of him working in a Chinese restaurant...and both agreed he would most likely not be treated well there... And what you said about it happening to your wife just confirms my suspicions (and my husband's) that the treatment would really be not okay.
I have also added a cell phone line to our family plan and will be shipping his new phone and sim to him now. That way, once he's arrived at the airport, we can communicate if there are any problems.
Credzba, congrats on your wife's arrival and all the accomplishments you've made together! They're milestones!! And, it was helpful to learn how long and what the process was for her green card to arrive and getting the SS card. Thanks!
I guess we'll be looking at about the same.
Now I have to get serious and start writing my final papers!!! Due Monday and Wednesday~!! (i'm the serious procrastinator)! :0
Have a good weekend everyone!
Dec. 8 will be 4 months since my wife arrived in Los Angeles.
We were CR/1 visa.
I had an electric bicycle waiting when she arrived home, and within a day or two, she was out to the local grocery store on her own.
About 2 weeks after arrival, her green card arrived in the mail. We almost threw it away because it came in an envelope that looked like advertisement. Only because I felt a card inside did I bother to open it.
We went within a day or two of the green card arrival and applied for ss#. That took all afternoon sitting in the ss office, but then 5 minutes at the window, and 2 weeks later her social security card arrived.
Immediately she wanted a job. I tried to tell her she needed a drivers license before she could do much in America, but .. well she IS Chinese !
She got a job at the Chinese restaurant, quit 2 days later. The people were mean to her.
She got another job at a Chinese day care, but after 2 weeks quit that job. 40 diapers a day and keeping track of 10 2-year olds was just not a good job, given the pay. Also, I encouraged her to quit because speaking Chinese all day to other Chinese immigrants was not helping her adjust to American life.
Meanwhile, she studied for the written drivers exam and looked for a professional job to match what she had done in China. 2 Months later, not even 1 interview. Her target for a job had fallen from a supervisor position like in China, to applying at the local grocery store.
Not even an interview... and we applied at about 50 places, including job placement companies.
At first I didn't believe her when she said American companies look down on Chinese, but when H.E.B. (local grocery chain) would not even interview her, I started to believe. H.E.B. has Mexican people who can barely speak English, and my wife's college degree is in English. She speaks English pretty well. I thought perhaps the application got lost, so I told her to fill out two applications, go to the store, and speak directly with the front end manager, and the stocking manager. Hand them the application directly. This would prove she could speak English, and ensure the application got to a manager. (oh and did I say they had a help wanted sign in the front of the store?)
She did as I suggested, and still not even an interview.
After this I decided that H.E.B. really did have some opposition to either Chinese, or immigrants in general.
I give this detail account as an example so new immigrants will understand that America may be the land of the free, but prejudices exist under the covers.
Don't give up though, one night my wife and I were walking to the local ice cream store, and I wanted to look in Brookstones. They had a help wanted sign out front. We BOTH applied for Christmas jobs, with almost no employee history (and even less hope). Then we went on and enjoyed some Amy's ice cream.
She passed her driving written test the first try ! and kept applying for jobs anywhere that we saw a help wanted sign. She looked online, and I finally said "no" when she wanted to apply as a dish washer for a restaurant! Still no interviews 3 months after arrival.
She tried learning to drive in my Volkswagen but it was a manual transmission. TOO much to learn all at once. She had never driven a car at all before in China or America. So, we bought a used automatic volkswagen. It turned out to be a really cute car. The one we found for a good price, was also convertible, a pretty light blue color, and had leather seats, nice stereo, turbo etc.
We have made many Chinese friends in America, and even found many american/chinese couples we enjoy time with. The other Chinese women introduced my wife to Costco, so we joined it. While applying, we could get a Costco amex card. We applied using my wife as the primary, and were approved! Now she has an American credit record.
Right before Thanksgiving, she took her driving test, and passed!
We enjoyed good american Thanksgiving food, combined with Chinese food.
Sunday night a nice lady from Brookstones called me to see if I could interview Monday or Teusday. I told her I needed to check with my work to make sure my manager didn't mind my working part time.
Within 3 minutes of my hanging up (and giving my wife all the details the lady had told me) the same lady called my wife for an interview!
My wife knew everything already, and so had no trouble talking to the woman, and arranged the interview.
Last night (Teusday) she interviewed and got the job! It is only a Christmas job of course, but now she will have an american job to put on her applications, and we HOPE it will make a difference. She is no longer a FOB immigrant.
The future will come as it always does, and we hope for the best, but in 4 months, my wife has:
1) moved to America.
2) got green card.
3) got social security card
4) got drivers license
5) got a credit record started
5) got american job.
(as for me I have gained 2 kilograms from good Chinese food
) In summary, I just want to encourage other immigrants.
You need to speak English, this is a must, but it doesn't have to be great. Most people can deal with faulty grammar, and simple vocabulary.
After you can communicate, then you can do whatever you want. It takes work, and time, and working as a family, but together you can build any life you wish.
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pinch yourself again! it's real!!
Congrats!!!!
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Hi everyone,
Visa in-hand finally!
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
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THese are all very good points...and it's smart to think about waiting for the 10 year one.... I can imagine that at that time (1 year, 9 months from now) we'll probably be wishing we'd waited for the 10 year one haha...but you are right... we have to do what we can do and what's best now. iF we make the best decision for our situation it might not be the overall best thing...but we're going to have to win some/lose some here ---can't have it all
I'll talk with him about how he feels. I asked him originally when he'd want to be here.. he said "about one month". I said, "maybe two months" and he said, "that's too long"... so...we'll talk again because if I didn't know these things...he probably doesn't either.
Thanks for all of the input, info and suggestions! It really educates me...and helps us a great deal!~
hmm. I guess we could do that--
only problem is-- baby is due on April 4-- and if he arrived in February (after Chinese New Year), 1. it would probably be too close to delivery (esp. since they said good chances I'll have it early) for me to travel like that 2. he might miss the pregnancy and birth altogether...and that would be sad for both of us (he has expressed his intent to be here asap for that esp.).
So we have some decisions to make regarding what's most important for him and me ... celebrating Chinese New year there before he leaves or spending time here with preg. and baby...or looking at it from a green card standpoint too... is it really important to get that 10 year one? I'm not quite sure of the implications of getting a shorter one vs. a longer one...other than an additional cost down the road about 2 years from now and having to do something 90 days prior to that... I guess I'd be okay either way...but I won't be able to travel there that late in the preg. to bring him back.
Also, I want to make sure I understand the green card thing...
why would getting a green card for 10 years even matter if he's going to become a citizen in 2-3 years anyhow? (I have no idea when he'll be eligible for citizenship)... but seems he'd only need a 2-3 year one.. anyhow?
And assuming he entered on Dec. 15, this year before xmas...and if we did get the 2 year one, it will expire in about December 15, 2011 then? and we'd need to reapply or renew (for $545 or more by then) 90 days prior to Dec. 15, 2011?
anybody ever wish they had done it by getting the 10 year one? what are some of the other benefits of the 10 year one that I might be missing here?
Thanks!
decisions decisions
Yes - if you get the 2 year card now, you will have to apply to remove conditions 1 year and 9 months later - this is before he is eligible for citizenship, so he would not be able to skip that step. If he waits for the 10 year card, he won't have to re-apply or re-new, and can go straight to citizenship in 3 years after the green card date.
In the over-all scheme of things that's a minor difference compared to what you're facing now. I would say choose the path that's the least stressful or that works the best for your plans.
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hmm. I guess we could do that--
only problem is-- baby is due on April 4-- and if he arrived in February (after Chinese New Year), 1. it would probably be too close to delivery (esp. since they said good chances I'll have it early) for me to travel like that 2. he might miss the pregnancy and birth altogether...and that would be sad for both of us (he has expressed his intent to be here asap for that esp.).
So we have some decisions to make regarding what's most important for him and me ... celebrating Chinese New year there before he leaves or spending time here with preg. and baby...or looking at it from a green card standpoint too... is it really important to get that 10 year one? I'm not quite sure of the implications of getting a shorter one vs. a longer one...other than an additional cost down the road about 2 years from now and having to do something 90 days prior to that... I guess I'd be okay either way...but I won't be able to travel there that late in the preg. to bring him back.
Also, I want to make sure I understand the green card thing...
why would getting a green card for 10 years even matter if he's going to become a citizen in 2-3 years anyhow? (I have no idea when he'll be eligible for citizenship)... but seems he'd only need a 2-3 year one.. anyhow?
And assuming he entered on Dec. 15, this year before xmas...and if we did get the 2 year one, it will expire in about December 15, 2011 then? and we'd need to reapply or renew (for $545 or more by then) 90 days prior to Dec. 15, 2011?
anybody ever wish they had done it by getting the 10 year one? what are some of the other benefits of the 10 year one that I might be missing here?
Thanks!
decisions decisions
An excellent suggestion, we did just that, we had a big party with family and friends over spring festival, and then returned to the USA together using the K-1 visa.While being here for Christmas seems like a great thing, the 10 year card is really a much better deal. It will save you a PITA filing for removal of conditions and you'll be done with the USCIS for 10 years.
If you have the vacation time available I'd suggest you go to China for Chinese New Year with his family and return to the US together. You can check with others, but homesickness seems to be much more dramatic during Chinese New Year, especially the first one in the US. I'd strongly advise letting him use Chinese New Years to say goodbye to friends and family, it will mean a lot to him, much more than you can imagine.
One thing I don't recall seeing here, after he has been in the US for more than 2 weeks go get his SSN. You will want that for a couple of reasons. The most important would be to amend last years tax return and file jointly and if you didn't do that. It gives you some extra cash to take advantage of the tax laws.
Plus you might be able to get the extra cash available from the tax rebate.
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Thanks everyone~
So, if the wedding date was Jan 15, 07-- but he entered before xmas (this is a bummer-- I'm actually hoping he will be here before xmas)...but that means that when he arrives, it'll be less than a month to our 2 year anniversary...
So you said we need to file before 90 days of the green card expiration...
if he entered say, December 21st, and our wedding 2 year anniv. is on Jan. 15 '09, what would that mean about a green card expiry that was just issued to him?
Thanks... B)
6 months is correct.
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Duck for Thanksgiving sounds really good...I wonder how it'd be for the TH day feast? mmmm.
anyhow, assuming husband is actually getting a visa in the mail from the guy he paid to send it to him from GUZ post office-- and that he'll be on a plane within a month or so...
What will come next for him as a CR-1?
1st, how long does he have to use this visa? 90 days? less? more?
I've been told a few things...pieces I've asked about like at the airport...but I'm still a little confused...overwhelmed perhaps with the info.
So if anyone has some good info/advice on what comes next--
from entering the US at the airport immigration line -- to getting tax ID # and SSN....
to the next step...(which I don't have any idea at this poing haha)...with a CR-1 when does he get to do that "AOS"? etc, etc.?
and when can he become citizen and what benefits will he have then vs now?
Okay...
Look forward to your suggestions and info!
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
So!!!
another law student and us girl married to/engaged to Chinese man!
There are only 4 of us (US woman married/engaged to Chinese man) here..a rare species all in all I've found.
contact me, i'd love to chat and see pics!!!
(will be applying to law school next semester)!....well, depending...haha, first our baby will be born...then... I am sure I'll have to wait a bit until she is about 6 months or 1 year. not sure yet...but looking for an appropriate law school as we speak.
thanks everyone. I am a law student so I had to use my mom as a financial co sponsor. actually i was confused about whether both parents had to sign or not. in the end my mom's signature alone was enough (its her income we are using since my dad is retired). My fiance said that he gave my mother's and my I-134 to the chinese worker before hs interview. at the interview they only asked who was his sponsor-reply: Fiancee's mother. that was IT! I included so much financial info. since i thought it'd be one of our red flags. I included my mom's stocks, employment letter, a personal letter from my parents both promising to support him and given him money each month, etc, and three years of tax returns, and bank statement. I had my scholarship money info, three years of non-filing verification (Since i haven't worked), and my bank statement. They asked for NONE of that.
I really think that what others have said is true. If your case has some red flags it gives them the incentive scrutinize details. I think they review and have an impression of whether or not you pass before they talk to you. But as others have done, I really front loaded my I-129f including all the things I thought would answer any questions they may have about our sitaution in particular. We got the african american woman that many have said usually gives blue/white. but my fiance said although she was stern she was nice at the end when she kept congratulating him as he thanked her and had a big smile.
we had so much stuff that they didnt look at including proof that I studied at the same school as my fiance before or my passport copy or proof I flew there (all this stuff was included with I-129f) or three notarized letters that our mutula friends wrote about us. nor did they ask for communication proof or anything (my fiance speaks english at the interview-but we communicate in 3 languages together). Nor was age brought up, we are both in our 20s. we also had lots of pictures sicne I went two time and stayed for almost a year each time-100 in total. she flipped through them all.
All in all I think it is a good idea to bring as much info as you can with you just in case, always err on the side of too much info. We had an 8lbs folding file with 7 folders and he put it on the desk to make sure the VO saw it.
Hope this helps, feel free to PM me or reply on this thread if you have questions! I really appreciate the help that candle has been and I want to return the favors!!!
oh btw Joanna-my fiance in China is the guy, I am the girl
unusual but true....
Health care options for loved ones upon arrival
in AOS & Immigration Challenges
Posted
Thank you all for the input!
I really do want to avoid taking him to an emergency room without insurance if the need arose-- because they'd pin me as the responsible party and I'd be stuck with a HUGE bill on my credit if I didn't pay...so I was hoping to find an option for him that is low cost or free that would cover his visit and would be legal according to immigration.
I do wonder how the gov't will know if he uses any welfare or public assistance medical help)?
thanks