QebCal
10-18-2007, 07:00 PM
I’m a Canadian national who is the US (as a tourist) to be with my fiancé (who is American born). Initially I had hoped to find employment and sponsorship through an international company but quickly found out that from an immigration perspective, employers find this nearly impossible to do (post 9/11).
Although we would have liked to have the time to plan something more appropriate, we are now looking into getting married and applying for my sponsorship through marriage.
Based on all the information I've read up on, the only problem we anticipate is the “affidavit of support”. My fiancée has not declared income for the last several years as he was a caregiver to his father. Furthermore, he recently relocated from one part of the state to another and is seeking to re-establish his business which is slowly growing.
I, on the other hand, am highly employable and have met with recruiters and potential employers who wish to hire me but can’t because of my “work permit” situation.
From some of the research I’ve done, I’ve discovered that as the intended “Immigrant” I can help my sponsoring spouse meet the income requirement provided I have employment and could prove that it would continue beyond obtaining lawful permanent residence. Am I in a “catch-22” situation? I can’t be employed without a work permit and can’t state on the "I 864" form that I am employed until I get the work permit. Having a co-sponsor is not an option for us.
If we do get married and fill in all the necessary forms, would we be refused/denied on our application based on this issue? Or, will I be granted a work permit in the interim? Can it be stated on the I-864 form that by the time an interview is scheduled, I will in all likelihood be employed?
Any reliable information/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
QebCal
Although we would have liked to have the time to plan something more appropriate, we are now looking into getting married and applying for my sponsorship through marriage.
Based on all the information I've read up on, the only problem we anticipate is the “affidavit of support”. My fiancée has not declared income for the last several years as he was a caregiver to his father. Furthermore, he recently relocated from one part of the state to another and is seeking to re-establish his business which is slowly growing.
I, on the other hand, am highly employable and have met with recruiters and potential employers who wish to hire me but can’t because of my “work permit” situation.
From some of the research I’ve done, I’ve discovered that as the intended “Immigrant” I can help my sponsoring spouse meet the income requirement provided I have employment and could prove that it would continue beyond obtaining lawful permanent residence. Am I in a “catch-22” situation? I can’t be employed without a work permit and can’t state on the "I 864" form that I am employed until I get the work permit. Having a co-sponsor is not an option for us.
If we do get married and fill in all the necessary forms, would we be refused/denied on our application based on this issue? Or, will I be granted a work permit in the interim? Can it be stated on the I-864 form that by the time an interview is scheduled, I will in all likelihood be employed?
Any reliable information/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
QebCal