Sandy&Susanna's Immigration Journey
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As many of you know, we are so fortunate that Sandy safely arrived in the U.S. on February 28, 2016! As our visa journey began back in August 2014 when we submitted the initial petition for a fiance (K1) visa, we are so grateful and thrilled that we finally are able to begin our lives together, which has been our dream since we first fell in love in Havana over 2 years ago.
Our visa journey has been an uphill battle from the start, and even though we are almost in the clear, there is still one more obstacle in our way. With a K1 visa, Sandy is permitted entry into the U.S. on the condition that we marry within 90 days. After getting married, we need to apply to adjust his status of residency, or, in other words, obtain his Green Card. The application fee is $1070 USD (as seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485).
Unfortunately, Sandy cannot legally work until he is granted his Green Card. This process can take anywhere from 60-90 days after getting married and submitting the application.
This means that as of right now, our household is completely dependent on Susanna's income. Having graduated college in December 2014, it is already difficult to support 2 people on her income alone. Not to mention the fact that we have already paid approximately $1400 USD on visa fees.
We have struggled tooth and nail to be together and have paid all the visa fees and communication and transportation costs ourselves. Prior to Sandy's arrival at the end of February, we had spent a year separated, because financially we could not afford to visit each other plus pursue the visa application. We went a year without seeing each other to realize our dream of sharing our lives with one another, and we would be forever touched if you helped us get through this final step of the visa process.
Initially, our visa application was denied on financial grounds, and then it was the kindness of a friend that made the visa a reality. We are turning to our friends once more for help and would be profoundly humbled by anything that you could contribute.
Thank you,
Sandy & Susanna
Our visa journey has been an uphill battle from the start, and even though we are almost in the clear, there is still one more obstacle in our way. With a K1 visa, Sandy is permitted entry into the U.S. on the condition that we marry within 90 days. After getting married, we need to apply to adjust his status of residency, or, in other words, obtain his Green Card. The application fee is $1070 USD (as seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485).
Unfortunately, Sandy cannot legally work until he is granted his Green Card. This process can take anywhere from 60-90 days after getting married and submitting the application.
This means that as of right now, our household is completely dependent on Susanna's income. Having graduated college in December 2014, it is already difficult to support 2 people on her income alone. Not to mention the fact that we have already paid approximately $1400 USD on visa fees.
We have struggled tooth and nail to be together and have paid all the visa fees and communication and transportation costs ourselves. Prior to Sandy's arrival at the end of February, we had spent a year separated, because financially we could not afford to visit each other plus pursue the visa application. We went a year without seeing each other to realize our dream of sharing our lives with one another, and we would be forever touched if you helped us get through this final step of the visa process.
Initially, our visa application was denied on financial grounds, and then it was the kindness of a friend that made the visa a reality. We are turning to our friends once more for help and would be profoundly humbled by anything that you could contribute.
Thank you,
Sandy & Susanna
Organizer
Susanna Rajala
Organizer
Portland, ME