Hello,

I Need some sound advice.  After returning from my last trip to Medellin in February, I completed the K-1 papers for my fiancée and my self which were approved the end of June.  Unfortunately in May, the Plant I was working at closed down and I became unemployed.  

Herein lies the problem.  Although I have the liquid assets to meet the INS requirements, my lady and I feel it is best for me to find another position before she comes.  She is 42 and has very good job as for as jobs go for a woman in Columbia.  She also carries the additional responsibility of helping her parents financially and does not want me to take on that burden.  Reluctantly, I must agree with her, even though I could swing this arrangement for a year or two.  We are both mature adults and see this as only a temporary set back.  We have been planning our lives together for over a year now so this is not an impulsive situation.  When she come we will be married.  She wants to go back to work as soon as possible, but it will probably take 6 months or so before her business language skills are adequate.  Although I offered to help her family, she feels it is her responsibility to continue supporting her family.  As for her profession in the insurance industry, she will have no problem finding employment. She will probably make 3 times the salary she is currently making just to start.

At 55 years old and given the current state of affairs in my profession and industry technology the chances of me finding another position, at least in the short term, are low.  So while I am searching for another position I am also simultaneously starting my own business.  Of course this will take some time before I start generating any revenue.

The bottom line is our time is running out for the K1 period.  The timeline is over Sept 26, 01.  My question is will we have to start the process all over again?  My understanding is that K1 visas cannot be extended.

Any relevant suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

... in response to Re: Need Some Sound Advice Please..., posted by rubio on Aug 23, 2001

Rubio,

I have not looked into the K-3 as of yet.  The K-1 was our first choice.  What is "new"?

Bob

... in response to Re: Need Some Sound Advice Please..., posted by Edge on Aug 23, 2001

Thanks Edge,

I'll send him an Email.  Think you are right.  Heard somewhere that you cannot get an extension for any reason.  That was my main query.

Thought about calling the INS and the Counsulate in Bogota to get a reading.  Since my fiancee is visting her folks in Bogota this week I will ask her call the Embassy.  Can't hurt.

This sucks!

TX Again,

Bob

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Need Some Sound Advice Pleas..., posted by Edge on Aug 23, 2001

Hi Edge,

Thanks for guiding me to Gary Bala.  He responded to my Email within an hour.  I have never had this type of service from an attorney.  This guy is super.  Not only did he respond quickly, he also gave me precise advice on what on what steps I should take.

We were right about the visa extension.  This rarely happens according to Bala.  But, in our case, we would not be looking for an entry visa extension.  We would be requesting an extension to the expiration date on the I 797 form.  In other words the time she has to go for the interview at the Embassy and get her visa.

He suggested that I get all the docs together proving that I am currently unemployed.  Also, the records for my lady showing that she is currently under Doctors care for an accident she was in last July.  She cracked three vertebra at work.   She will still be under Doctors supervision past our Sept. 30 expiration date.  Write a letter to the Embassy with her doc’s and mine, notarized both here and in Columbia, with both our signatures.

Although Gary stated there could be no certainties.  Perhaps a 50/50 chance for a 60 day extension.  Worst case 30 days.

We'll see.  Thanks for referring me to Bala.

Regards,

Bob

... in response to Con mucho gusto........., posted by Edge on Aug 23, 2001

Edge,

Although he did not address this issue directly, he did leave me to belove that I could re-file the entire K-1 petition from the start.

Bob

... in response to Need Some Sound Advice Please..., posted by Bob on Aug 23, 2001

The "go for it" advice i have heard seems to me to be the best to be honest....My vote is go for it...In the US you have opportunities and 2 people who love each have the strength to get after them...Like another poster said..It wont cost much more to have her here and you will feel more positive that the person that makes you happy is with you..that will keep you in a good frame of mind to take the challenge.
Best wishes.

... in response to Need Some Sound Advice Please..., posted by Bob on Aug 23, 2001

Dear Bob it sounds like you need to delay the marriage until you are stabilized. Has she investigated the possibility of employment in the US.  Probably isn't enough and you starting a business at 55 isn't enough. If she leaves her job I am sure she won't find another in Colombia and she has responsibilities. I am sure you can speak with INS and wait. How about getting married and she continues in colombia until you are stabilized. tough decisions, sorry !  jim c

... in response to Need Some Sound Advice Please..., posted by Bob on Aug 23, 2001

Bob...go for it. Your planned marriage should take place. While this isn't exactly an ideal situation it will be a test of your resolve and her's. I think we're all amazed at what we can accomplish when we "have to." Sure you could start the process all over again, but why?

Even your post declares that she can get a job here. By the way, where is here? Get here here with you and face this challenge together. Just be sure that you have projected your cash assets accurately. She can work here to support her family and you can work to support the two of you.

If there are no children involved you can swing this thing. On the other hand, if your not the type to "swing it." and take chances, get a job first and strat over again. What does your intuition tell you?

Best regards.