Job Application or K1 visa ?

[dionne1]

Dear USDeeper,

I am fortunate to have the option of either taking up a job opportunity (on a J1-visa) in the US (located in New York) or applying for the (Fiance)K1-visa.

But I am uncertain to which one of the above will be beneficial to me financially in the early stages of me relocating.

I would appreciate your assistance on the following:

1.Do you know the processing times for the K1-visa?
2.How long will it take until I have complete authorisation to work in the US?
3.What is the total cost of the K1-visa?

Alternative route:

I am currently awaiting feedback from employers of an existing Job position and possible sponsorship. Which is taking a considerable amount of time for some reason or the other. Frankly,I am getting quite tired of the waiting.

Possible route:

Travel to the US as a visitor, marry my boyfriend and apply for change of status etc. If I took this last route can you let me know how long will I have to wait until I have authorisation to work? I would like permittance to find employment at the earliest convenience but at the same time be with my boyfriend, as you can understand.

Thank you and regards,

Dionne1 (BRITISH CITIZEN)

 

[usdeeper]

Where does your boyfriend live ?? This is a BIG factor in figuring out how long before you can work..

3. Around 400-500 dollars when all is done..


Will the job be a J1 or a H1 ??

 

[dionne1]

1.My boyfriend currently lives in New York.
2.The existing job position will be based on a J1-visa.

Question:

Would you have any idea of the processing times for the J1 and/or the K1 visa?

Is it also possible to wed a permanent resident who is not a USC? Will this cause any complications or concern in relation to finding employment for the fiance after the marriage?

When searching for employment within the US, do employers find it easier and managable to deal with applicants based in the US or will they take into consideration an applicant living abroad willing to relocate?

Reason: I may start applying for jobs in the US from the UK, but it may on the other, hand be easier if I wait until three months, when I shall be visiting the US again.

Thank you and regards,

Dionne1

 

[usdeeper]

From the UK you can expect, start to finish, of approx 4 months for the K1 visa. No idea about J-1.

Work authorisation is a difficult question to answer. If you lived in Detroit or Boston then I can say immediately as they allow for the filing of a temp Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Miami for example does not and will only issue an EAD after marriage and then it takes 70-90 days to get it.

The way people get round this is via landing in Atlanta as they are currently the only place that issues a temp EAD on arrival for someone on a K1.

See http://www.k1poelist.com/


I would not advise the arriving on a visitor visa and marrying.. that is called visa fraud and although you may be able to convience the INS it was not intentional, there is always the chance you will be caught. Also, you can not marry the day you arrive and to be safe, would have to wait 60 days.. so that is 60 days without an EAD.


You can not marry a PR via the K1 route as only USC can apply.

It is always easy to be in the place you are looking for work.. but even looking for work on a visitor visa is illegal and all it takes is one potential employer to report you if you actually turn up for an interview..


If your b/f is a USC then go via the K1 http://www.k1faq.com/
If not, then obviously try for the J-1 H-1 visas.

 

[dionne1]

Dear USDeeper,

From my last messages you will see my topics were based around the J1-visa. I have recently been told by my employers, the J1 is strictly for internal 'traineeships' or students and are dealt with by specific agencies, not international companies.

The visa now being offered to me is the L1:

Which is accommodated for overseas companies wishing to transfer their employees ie. 'executives', 'Managers' or 'specialised personnel to an affiliated company in the US.

Can you please let me know the following:

1. The processing times for the L1-visa from a UK Citizen's point of view.

2. How long will it take before I can apply for permanent residency in the US while working on the L1?

3. What is the total cost of the L1-visa?

4. What is the minimum amount of savings an individual should have in the case of relocating to the US?

Your feedback would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Dionne1 (UK)