> Hi,
> I have a girlfriend (US citizen), who has just got offered a job in
> NYC. We have been having a long distance relationship for the last 2
> years (we met in summer 2002 when she was here for three months). We
> aren't at the stage yet where we can say we definitely want to get
> married, as we want to live together first.
> She trained as a New York lawyer and her job pays a huge amount of
> money, so it is unrealistic to ask her to move here (UK). She would
> have to do some fairly boring work here (banking law rather than the
> litigation she wants to do).
> I have a background in financial software, banking and business
> analysis, but lack specific technical skills to be able to apply from
> the UK (she doesn't really understand this, and keeps sending me jobs
> I am not qualified for), although I should not have problems if I was
> based in the US and had a permit to work there.
> Basically, I want to live and work in NYC for say six months, and
> assuming everything is going well, look at getting engaged.
>
> She has offered to support me if I come over a tourist visa, but my
> pride balks at this. In addition, I have not worked in 2 years since
> the company I was working for went out of business, and I decided to
> go back to school to finish my MSc in information systems engineering.
> Hence, I want to start working ASAP. I could get a job here but, we
> are getting sick of being apart, and I don't want to start a job here
> to quit it in a few months, as my CV looks spotty enough already.
> We are running out of options so we can be together, so I was
> wondering what people's experience has been.
>
> With that in mind, I have a few questions, more about experience than
> regulations
>
> * How strict are the US authorities about applications for jobs while
> on a tourist visa?
>
> * Has anyone any experience about the fiance visa? We are unlikely to
> be able to decide in 90 days whether we want to get married... how
> difficult is it to get an extension? I knw it is allowed, but is it
> often refused?
>
> * An alternative is the professional/ training internship option
> (which would allow me to work, albeit badly paid. Can anyone
> recommend a good location to find internships? I'm worried that my
> recent visits and applications for the DV-2005 lottery might stand
> against me. In addition, can I apply for a fiancee while on this
> programme? I would have to convince them that engagement was
> spontaneous?
>
> As it is I am 95% sure that we will get married... but getting engaged
> for a visa is not a great reason, nor very romantic
> Regards,
> MM
your best shot is a 90 day visa waiver initially,
if you get engaged go home and file a K-1 fiance visa.
or get married in NY and then go home and file a K3 spousal visa.
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