We sent off the first packet of required information for the petition of alien relative earlier this month. The packet included the I-130 form, 6-10 different communications between us over the years (emails & texts), photos of us, passport scans, and more. On May 9th 2016 the government received this packet, and sent us a receipt via mail. The fee for this packet is $420.00 currently. We paid our attorney $4,800 so they cut the check to the government out of our legal fees, and sent the packet for us.
Now we wait. As of this month, our immigration attorney says I-130 applications for spouses of American Citizens are taking around 5 months to process. He said he has seen them go as quickly as 3 months, but for now his chart is telling him 5 months.
This time in our lives in very fragile. We are very heartbroken over not being able to live in the same household nearly a year after marriage. We are staying positive, and praying everything processes quickly for us. Brent was down in Florida for 2 weeks visiting me, and he just flew back yesterday. It was a terrible goodbye for us as we just do not function well apart.
On top of him leaving, I have just been offered a full time job, I start in a few days, and I am so incredibly nervous. This job is so important because it is the first full time job I have ever been offered. So much is riding on my success. I have to be able to prove I can make enough to support us both for the affidavit of support for Brent to become a permanent resident. Its so scary for me. I want to do well.
As of now the US government requires I make over $20,000 a year for 2 people in a house hold, OR since I live with my parents we as a unit must make over $40,000. Which isn't too hard to do with all of us working. I did not work last year, so I didn't file taxes. I just went to school. Therefore I am going to have my parents as co-signers on my affidavit of support for my husband.
Additionally, I just legally changed my name to my husbands last name which was very exciting for both of us. I now have to get a new passport/ Nexus card. Which will be an unexpected cost. We also finally got wedding rings!
Anyway, I have to keep the goal in mind. It's so difficult to not break down and cry constantly. Hell, I am sniffling as I write this. Life without your significant other is pretty difficult. I can't seem to turn off the tears. I've been a mess for weeks, knowing I had to stay in Florida and work to make this happen. I know time passes quickly when you fall into a routine. I certainly have a reason to try hard, do well at work, and finish my college degree. I will do anything I possibly can to get us legally in the same household.
I am writing this blog for myself. I tend to hop around a lot, but it is a diary of sorts; but I think my blog may also help those who are dealing with the same heartbreak. This ridiculously long immigration progress is just awful and something needs to change in the future. I hope anyone who reads this finds hope as our story progresses, and understands they are not alone in the journey. A positive attitude goes a long way. I need to learn patience and I am working on focusing my energy into my work.
I am meeting a friend from school for lunch tomorrow. I think she feels bad that I have been so mopey lately. Shes really nice for inviting me out. I definitely need to get out of the house. I start training at my new job on June 6th 2016. I hope and pray I do an outstanding job. I greatly need the money, and the stability.
Until next time...
- Cassie <3
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