Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Preparation

[RfB]

... in response to Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Preparation, posted by Scaught on Aug 3, 2003

That's really a nice complete list of things to do to prepare for her arrival. There is nothing you can do to speed her through customs, she is on her own, but have her ask for the EAD stamp (work authorization)from the customs officer. That makes it easier to get the SSI number BEFORE you get married. As it was explained to us, after you are married, her status has changed, the EAD on the visa is no more, and it's harder to get the SSI number than if she gets it before marriage. We had to wait until the green card arrived until they would change to the married name. Have her get her college transcripts officially translated before she gets here. it's easier and a lot cheaper to do there. Send the documents to World Education Service to have them converted into the 'American' equivalent college credits. After the honeymoon, start to prepare the Adjustment of Status paperwork. It's not difficult, just turn off the brain, and send what the forms request. Enough with the advice, just remember that she has been through a lot, so give her time to adjust to her new settings, and space to breathe.

[RfB]

... in response to Get everything you listed, and the flowe..., posted by RfB on Aug 3, 2003

Don't forget to get a phone card so she can call home, and so you don't go to the poorhouse. We use Discall.com and have been very happy with the quality and cost to St Pete, they lowered the rates to 1.1 cents per min.

[jrm]

... in response to Phone Card!, posted by RfB on Aug 4, 2003

nt

[Scaught]

... in response to Get everything you listed, and the flowe..., posted by RfB on Aug 3, 2003

n/t

[AronM II]

... in response to Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Preparation, posted by Scaught on Aug 3, 2003

The one extra thing that we found was helpful was origninal letters of recommendation from former employers in Bulgaria.  If the letters can be written out in english and then get their signatures on it, it might be a bonus when she turns in a resume' here with no US work history.

[Scaught]

... in response to Re: Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Preparat..., posted by AronM II on Aug 3, 2003

This is a really good idea. I wish I had thought of it earlier. It may not be too late, or maybe she could request the letter from here. She has only one day more in Ukraine.

[AronM II]

... in response to Re: Re: Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Prep..., posted by Scaught on Aug 4, 2003

We didn't think of this until after my wife was here...We ultimately had them fax it over.  Not as neat looking, but worked just as well.

[JohnL]

... in response to Re: Re: Last Minute Fiancee Arrival Prep..., posted by Scaught on Aug 4, 2003

[This message has been edited by JohnL]

I have assisted numerous people (friends) after arrival in Australia in this exact same manner(especially from EU, Poland ). If she can remember to just remind a few before leaving, that she will require *Reference Material*, especially from the academic Associates, then I am sure they will oblige long after she has left.

Maintaining contact with those past Associates will be just one important step in ensuring they supply what is needed.Yeh, the western world women have a name for that type of communication, I wont dare use it. It starts with *N*. In other words,dont burn bridges, and Im sure you wont do that. Original letter heads, not the common computer generated frauds is what she will be needing. ALL hard copy ORIGINALS.

Good luck to you both !
J.