Immigration advices plz

[flyboy_fox]

As most of you guys know, I've been trying for some years to find a way to move to America to be with my fiancée, Jei. We can't marry, and employment doesn't seem likely as I'm unskilled. I'd thought my best shot was my half-sister who is an American citizen.

I finally got my half-sister's contact details and shot her an email. I'm really hoping I can meet her this summer, and that perhaps she'll be able to sponsor my Green Card application. My dad already talked to her and she seemed willing. Hopefully the language barrier won't be too much of a problem, as she doesn't speak much English and I speak very little Spanish. But we'll see if she responds.

However, in an unhappy bout of coincidence, someone sent me this flow chart today: http://reason.org/files/a87d1550853898a9b306ef458f116079.pdf

Can anyone tell me if the wait-times on it are anything close to accurate? Because if it takes 6 - 14 years just to PROCESS the application for a sibling sponsorship to Green Card level, and another 6 to get the citizenship... I think I'm just going to curl up and die. Looking at that chart makes me feel like I've been shot in the stomach. ._.;

Comments

[romik-g.livejournal.com]

Did you apply to a Green Card lottery? Small chance but nevertheless.

[romik-g.livejournal.com]

*apply for a

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately I can't enter the Green Card Lottery, as neither of my parents' countries of birth (or my own citizenship) are eligible. Thank you for suggesting it, though.

[romik-g.livejournal.com]

Ahha... I forgot that UK can't enter. Sorry.

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

Yeah ): Oh well. There has to be other ways... I can't give up even if it seems hopeless at times.

[moth-wingthane.livejournal.com]

Is this any use?

http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas.html

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Moth. I've already contacted my sister about Family Based Immigration, but the wait/processing times look horrendous, especially as siblings don't count as priority 'Immediate Family'. I dunno if the flow chart is accurate about how long it could take, but it scares me x.x

[moth-wingthane.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I have a friend in Florida who may know something about this. If I see him tonight, I'll pick his brains and see what use he is :)

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

I would really appreciate that (: Thanks... *Hug*

[(Anonymous)]

I'm sorry to tell you it is fairly accurate, yes, unless you have other circumstances that allow you to remain in the country in the meantime (ie. you'd be in danger in your own country; you need medical treatment that is unavailable in your own country, etc.)

I am not trying to be mean, but there is plenty of unskilled labor in the US. Immigration is against you because you are what their quotas are designed to keep out, you benefit the US in no economic way, so they will drag their heels on your application even if it is valid. Your best course is to become skilled.

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

Nah, that's blunt but not mean. I do understand that. Of course it stings a little knowing that the process would be a good deal quicker if not for my gender, but there's little point in spending all my time moping over an unchangeable (for now) fact.

Getting skilled vs sponsorship from my half-sister. Is it worth having her start the application anyway while I work on other routes (such as the nursing I mentioned earlier - going to look at a couple of schools in NJ this August)? I'm not sure if I should just stick to one way or try everything all at once ^^;

[(Anonymous)]

You need to talk to a lawyer. Non-immigration work visas are easier to obtain. I believe they can last up to 8 years, as long as you remain employed during that time, so being sponsored in the meantime is a good idea from a time-frame perspective. You might not find an employer who will sponsor you for a green card (this is in the chart: there are many more hoops and fees for immigration work visas), but you might become lucky in the meantime. However, one visa’s status may interfere with the other. For this you need to ask someone who knows the law properly.

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

*Nods* That's good advice. I'm grateful for the help and insight that friends and helpful anons give, but in the end I really should speak to a professional who deals with exactly this sort of thing. The Immigration Equality website has some resources for law representation (as well as reiterating the cautions you gave me), so I guess I could start there. Thanks (:

[canadino.livejournal.com]

I can offer no information as I honestly have no clue. My parents came to study, but I don't think you can take that route? I have a friend who applied for a green card back a couple years ago and I believe she has one now; not sure the details since she was relatively secretive about the whole thing.

Gads. So much time and effort just for something as simple as being with someone you love.

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

It's all right. Just having support and friendship helps a great deal (: Thank you.

Studying is an option that I'm looking into. It comes down to costs and viability at the end of it all.

[(Anonymous)]

can u not do a college course in the states?

[flyboy-fox.livejournal.com]

Even if I had the qualifications to get accepted, I most likely can't afford it. But there's still the nursing school option, which is pretty cheap... It depends if they'll accept me despite my lack of mainstream qualifications.